Methoxsalen
Generic name: methoxsalen (oral) [ meth-OX-a-len ]
Brand names: 8-Mop, Oxsoralen-Ultra
Dosage form: oral capsule (10 mg)
Drug class:Psoralens
What is methoxsalen?
Methoxsalen works by enhancing the body's sensitivity to ultraviolet light A (UVA).
Methoxsalen is used in combination with UVA light therapy to treat severe psoriasis.
Methoxsalen can cause harmful effects on your vision and on your skin (premature aging or skin cancer). methoxsalen is used only for severe psoriasis that has not improved with other treatments. You must remain under the care of a doctor while taking methoxsalen.
Methoxsalen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use methoxsalen if you are sensitive to light, if you have lens damage in your eye, or if you have had skin cancer.
Methoxsalen 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 methoxsalen if you are allergic to methoxsalen 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 methoxsalen. 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 methoxsalen.
To make sure methoxsalen 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 methoxsalen 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.
