Methyl aminolevulinate (topical)
Generic name: methyl aminolevulinate (topical) [ METH-il-a-MEE-noe-LEV-ue-LIN-ate ]
Brand name: Metvixia
Dosage form: topical cream (16.8%)
Drug class:Topical photochemotherapeutics
What is methyl aminolevulinate?
Methyl aminolevulinate makes your skin more sensitive to light. It works by causing a reaction with light that can destroy certain types of diseased skin cells.
Methyl aminolevulinate topical (for the skin) is used in combination with red light therapy to treat a skin condition called actinic keratosis of the face and scalp.
Methyl aminolevulinate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use methyl aminolevulinate if you are allergic to porphyrins, peanuts or almonds, or if your skin is especially sensitive to light.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to methyl aminolevulinate, or if you have:
an allergy to peanuts or almonds;
an allergy to porphyrins; or
if your skin is especially sensitive to light.
To make sure methyl aminolevulinate is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
a bleeding disorder; or
a history of skin cancer or skin growths.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether methyl aminolevulinate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
It is not known whether methyl aminolevulinate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How is methyl aminolevulinate used?
Methyl aminolevulinate topical is a cream that is applied to your skin lesions before you receive red light treatment. A healthcare provider will apply methyl aminolevulinate in a clinical setting.
Before this medicine is applied, your skin lesions will be gently scraped to remove any scales or crusting. After methyl aminolevulinate is applied, your caregiver will cover the treatment area with a bandage. You will need to leave this bandage in place for 3 hours.
During this 3-hour period, avoid exposure to cold temperatures and sunlight or bright indoor lights. Wear a wide-brimmed hat if you must be outdoors during this time.
After your bandaging is removed, any excess medication will be removed with a saline solution. You will then be ready to receive the light treatment.
You will be given eye-wear to protect your eyes during red light treatment.
You may feel a slight stinging or burning during light therapy. Tell your caregivers if you have any type of severe discomfort.
Methyl aminolevulin...
