Methoxsalen Topical

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Very bad burns may happen if methoxsalen is not used the right way. Follow what your doctor told you to do closely.
• Do not go over the time you are told to use.
• Sun or UV rays may age the skin and raise the chance of skin cancer.
• You will need to wear special sunglasses during and for 24 hours after care. Protect lips with lipstick that has sunscreen. Talk with your doctor.
• You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun. Keep protecting yourself from sunburn for as long as you were told by your doctor.
• It may take several months to see full effect.
• Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Bonds covalently to pyrimidine bases in DNA, inhibits the synthesis of DNA, and suppresses cell division. The augmented sunburn reaction involves excitation of the methoxsalen molecule by radiation in the long-wave ultraviolet light (UVA), resulting in transference of energy to the methoxsalen molecule producing an excited state (“triplet electronic state”). The molecule, in this “triplet state,” then reacts with cutaneous DNA. Causes photosensitization which leads to cell inquiry and an inflammatory reaction. The erythematous reaction is followed over days to weeks by repair which manifests as higher melanization of the epidermis and thickening with the stratum corneum. Frequency is regulated by the erythema by healthcare provider response.

Hands and fingers of person applying the lotion should be protected to prevent possible photosensitization and/or burns.

Frequency not defined.

Dermatologic: Burning sensation of skin, erythema, skin blister, skin irritation

Applies to methoxsalen topical: topical lotion

Along with its needed effects, methoxsalen topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking methoxsalen topical:

• Blistering and peeling of skin
• reddened, sore skin
• swelling, especially of the feet or lower legs

There is an increased risk of developing skin cancer after use of methoxsalen. You should check the treated areas of your body regularly and show your doctor any skin sores that do not heal, new skin growths, and skin growths that have changed in the way they look or feel.

Premature aging of the skin may occur as a result of prolonged methoxsalen therapy. This effect is permanent and is similar to the result of sunbathing for long periods of time.