Methoxsalen



8-MOP®; Oxsoralen®; Oxsoralen-Ultra®; Uvadex®







Methoxsalen

(meth OKS a len)

U.S. Brand Names
8-MOP®; Oxsoralen®; Oxsoralen-Ultra®; Uvadex®
Canadian Brand Names
8-MOP®; Oxsoralen®; Oxsoralen-Ultra®; Ultramop™; Uvadex®
Mexican Brand Names
Dermox®; Meladinina®; Oxsoralen®
Pharmacologic Category
Psoralen
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Severe burns can occur if this medicine is not used correctly. Follow healthcare provider's directions closely.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 years of age.
  • If you have an allergy to methoxsalen or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Cataracts, melanoma, or squamous cell cancer.
  • If you sunburn easily.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat white patches of skin called vitiligo, increase tolerance to sunlight, or enhance pigmentation of the skin.
  • This medicine is used to treat psoriasis.
  • This medicine is used to treat skin cancer from lymphoma.
How does it work?
  • Methoxsalen increases skin color.
  • It increases the sensitivity of the skin to light therapy.
  • It injures cancer cells causing their death.
  • It reduces irritation.
How is it best taken?
  • Oral:
  • Take this medicine 2 hours before exposure to UV light.
  • Take this medicine with food.
  • Avoid eating foods such as carrots, celery, cloves, figs, lemons, limes, mustard, or parsley.
  • Skin:
  • Use a rubber glove to apply.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Wear sunglasses during exposure and for 24 hours after exposure and protect lips with lipstick that contains sunscreen.
  • Do not go over exposure time.
  • Exposure to sun or UV rays may age skin and increase risk of skin cancer.
  • You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Sunburn.
  • Skin irritation.
  • Itching.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe skin irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect capsules and gelcaps from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • You will be given the lotion in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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