Uvadex (injection)

Generic name:methoxsalen (injection) [ meth-OX-a-len ]
Drug class:Psoralens

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 29, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Uvadex?

Uvadex works by enhancing the body's sensitivity to ultraviolet light A (UVA).

Uvadex is used with UVA light therapy to treat skin lesions caused by cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). This medicine treats only the skin symptoms of CTCL but does not treat lymphoma.

Uvadex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not be treated with Uvadex if you are sensitive to light or if you have lens damage in your eye.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with Uvadex if you are allergic to Uvadex or similar medicines, or if you have:

• lupus, porphyria, albinism, or other conditions that make you more sensitive to light; or

• damage to the lenses of your eyes caused by surgery, injury, or genetic condition.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a severe sunburn;

• a skin pigment disorder;

• basal cell carcinoma;

• radiation or x-ray therapy, or treatment with arsenic trioxide (Trisenox);

• liver or kidney disease;

• cataracts; or

• heart disease.

Uvadex may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How is Uvadex given?

Uvadex is given as part of a procedure called photopheresis (FOE-toe-fe-REE-sis).

During photopheresis, some of your blood is collected through a small tube (catheter) placed into a vein. The catheter is connected to a machine that separates your white blood cells from other parts of the blood.

The white blood cells are then mixed with Uvadex and exposed to UVA light. When injected back into your body, these treated blood cells help strengthen your immune system to lessen the skin lesions of CTCL.

This treatment is usually given for 2 days in a row every 4 weeks for at least 6 months.

Uvadex will make you more sensitive to sunlight, which can cause harmful effects on your vision and on your skin (premature aging or skin cancer).

For at least 24 hours after ...