Oxsoralen-Ultra
Generic name:methoxsalen (oral) [ meth-OX-a-len ]
Brand names: 8-Mop, Oxsoralen-Ultra
Drug class:Psoralens
What is Oxsoralen-Ultra?
Oxsoralen-Ultra works by enhancing the body's sensitivity to ultraviolet light A (UVA).
Oxsoralen-Ultra is used in combination with UVA light therapy to treat severe psoriasis.
Oxsoralen-Ultra can cause harmful effects on your vision and on your skin (premature aging or skin cancer). Oxsoralen-Ultra is used only for severe psoriasis that has not improved with other treatments. You must remain under the care of a doctor while taking this medicine.
Oxsoralen-Ultra may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use Oxsoralen-Ultra if you are sensitive to light, if you have lens damage in your eye, or if you have had skin cancer.
Oxsoralen-Ultra can cause harmful effects on your vision and on your skin. You must avoid natural sunlight for up to 48 hours after UVA treatment.
Oxsoralen-Ultra and 8-Mop are not equivalent medicines and may not have the same dosing schedule.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Oxsoralen-Ultra if you are allergic to Oxsoralen-Ultra or similar medicines, or if you have:
lupus, porphyria, albinism, or other conditions that make you more sensitive to light;
a history of skin cancer (melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma); or
damage to the lenses of your eyes caused by surgery, injury, or genetic condition.
Before your UVA treatment: Do not expose your skin to sunlight for at least 24 hours before you take Oxsoralen-Ultra. Avoid applying sunscreen to areas of psoriasis that will be treated with UVA therapy.
You may need to have your eyes examined before you start taking Oxsoralen-Ultra.
To make sure Oxsoralen-Ultra is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart disease;
liver or kidney disease;
cataracts;
extreme sensitivity to sunlight (if you sunburn easily); or
radiation or x-ray therapy, or treatment with arsenic trioxide (Trisenox).
It is not known whether Oxsoralen-Ultra taken orally will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks...
