Oxsoralen (Methoxsalen)

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Oxsoralen Brand

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Methoxsalen (Generic alternate to Oxsoralen) Generic
Dosage Quantity & Price
10mg
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Table of contents:

Oxsoralen is often used in conjunction with controlled doses of ultraviolet A (UVA) to treat vitiligo, psoriasis, and other conditions.

Oxsoralen contains an active ingredient called Methoxsalen. Methoxsalen belongs to the family of medications known as psoralens and is used to treat certain skin conditions. Methoxsalen works by making the skin more sensitive to UVA, which can help pigment and treat the affected areas.

Use and Dosage

Methoxsalen is available in tablet form to be taken by mouth with low-fat food or milk as instructed by your healthcare provider, typically 90 minutes to 2 hours before undergoing UVA light treatment. Using methoxsalen with food can increase the absorption of the medication while reducing the likelihood of nausea.

The appropriate dosage of methoxsalen will be determined by factors such as weight, medical history, and response to treatment. The amount and timing of UVA light treatment may vary depending on skin type and treatment response. Initially, patients may receive UVA light treatment 2 to 4 times per week, but the frequency may decrease as their condition improves. For treating mycosis fungoides and psoriasis, the usual adult dose of Methoxsalen is 10 to 20 milligrams taken orally, 1.5 to 3 hours before UVA exposure. The maximum recommended daily dose is 60 milligrams. Avoid sunlight and sunlamps for at least 24 hours after taking Methoxsalen. Patients should also wear protective clothing and sunscreen when going outdoors.

After taking methoxsalen, patients should take particular care to protect their skin and eyes from UVA light exposure. For 24 hours after taking the medication, patients should wear wrap-around sunglasses to block UVA rays from entering the eyes and avoid sunlight (including sunlight through windows) on their skin or lips for at least 8 hours. UVA light can cause methoxsalen to bind to the lenses of the eyes, increasing the risk of cataracts. When outside during daylight hours, patients should wear protective clothing (including a hat, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and pants) and sunscreen that blocks UVA light. Patients should consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist for information on which sunscreen to use. Sunscreen should not be applied to areas of the skin affected by psoriasis until after the UVA light treatment.

During the UVA light treatment, patients should closely follow all instructions provided by their healthcare professional. After the UVA light treatment, patients should avoid sunbathing for at least 48 hours to reduce the risk of severe burns. Patients are advised to consult their healthcare provider for additional guidance regarding these and related matters.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Oxsoralen (Methoxsalen):

  • Depression
  • Dizziness
  • Itching of skin
  • Nausea
  • Nervousness
  • Skin changes such as freckles, rash, acne
  • Skin redness

Serious Side Effects of Oxsoralen (Methoxsalen):

  • Blistering, peeling, or burning of the skin
  • Blurred vision
  • Decreased vision
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Hives
  • Itching
  • Mood changes
  • Nervousness
  • Painful browning, whitening, and yellowing of nails
  • Rash
  • Severe burns of the treated area from overexposure to UVA including sunlight
  • Severe dizziness
  • Severe reddening of the skin
  • Skin sores
  • Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Swollen ankles
  • Thinning or wrinkling of the skin
  • Unusual growths or moles
  • Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
  • Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out
  • Severe burns of the treated area from overexposure to UVA, including sunlight
  • Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors

Forms and Strength

Oxsoralen (Methoxsalen) is available in the following forms and strengths:

Methoxsalen: Tablet

  • 10 mg

Cautions

  • Oxsoralen can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and UVA, avoid exposure to direct sunlight or UV lamps without your healthcare provider's approval.
  • Methoxsalen can cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, headaches, and skin burns, among others. Report any side effects to your healthcare provider promptly.
  • Oxsoralen may interact with other medications, including birth control pills, antibiotics, and some antidepressants. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking.
  • Oxsoralen may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions, such as liver or kidney problems, lupus, or certain types of skin cancer.
  • During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the use of Oxsoralen should be avoided, as it may harm the developing baby.
  • Oxsoralen may cause nausea and vomiting, especially if taken on an empty stomach. Patients should take Oxsoralen with food or milk to reduce the risk of stomach upset.
  • Oxsoralen should be used with caution in patients with a history of cataracts or any condition that affects the eyes.
  • Patients should avoid using Oxsoralen if they are taking other medications that make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, such as tetracyclines, sulfonamides, or phenothiazines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can Oxsoralen be used to treat other skin conditions besides psoriasis?

Yes, Oxsoralen can be used to treat other skin conditions, including vitiligo, mycosis fungoides, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

How long does treatment with Oxsoralen take to work?

It can take several weeks or months of treatment with Oxsoralen before improvement is seen.

Are there any special precautions that need to be taken while using Oxsoralen?

Yes, patients should avoid sunlight and sunlamps for at least 24 hours after taking Oxsoralen. Patients should also avoid contact with other people's skin or clothing that has come into contact with the medication.

Is Oxsoralen available in generic form?

Yes, Oxsoralen is available in generic form as methoxsalen.

Can Oxsoralen be used in children?

Oxsoralen is generally not recommended for use in children under the age of 12, as the safety and effectiveness of the medication in this age group have not been established.

Resources

It's important to purchase Oxsoralen from verified Canadian pharmacy.

Additional information

Generic name:

Methoxsalen

Formulation:

Soft Gelatin Capsules, Uncoated Tablet

Strength(s):

10mg

Quantities Available:

40, 50

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