Description

Hands and fingers of person applying the lotion should be protected to prevent possible photosensitization and/or burns.

May increase plasma concentration of drugs metabolised by CYP2A6 isoenzyme. Additive effect with other systemic or topical photosensitising agents (e.g. anthralin, coal tar, nalidixic acid).

Patient with idiosyncratic reactions to psoralen compounds Patient possessing light sensitive disease including lupus erythematosus, porphyria, erythropoietic protoporphyria, variegate porphyria, xeroderma pigmentosum and albinism Patient with melanoma or possessing a history of melanoma Patient with invasive squamous cell carcinomas Patient with aphakia

The most commonly reported side effect of Methoxsalen alone is nausea, which occurs with approximately 10% of all patients. This effect may be minimized or avoided by instructing the patient to take Methoxsalen with milk or food, or to divide the dose into two portions, taken approximately one-half hour apart. Other effects include nervousness, insomnia and psychological depression.

Pregnancy Category C. Methoxsalen should be given to a woman only if clearly needed. It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Methoxsalen is administered to a nursing woman.

Skin burning: Serious burns from either UVA or sunlight (even through window glass) can result if the recommended dosage of the drug and/or exposure schedules are not maintained. Carcinogenicity: The increasing risk of carcinoma appears great among patients who are fair skinned or had pre PUVA exposure or prolong treatment with tar UVB, ionizing radiation or arsenic. Cataractogenicity: Among patients using proper eye protection, there is no evidence for a significantly increased risk of cataracts in association with PUVA therapy. Patients must not sunbathe during the 24 hours prior to Methoxsalen ingestion and UV exposure.

Pediatric use: Safety in children has not been established.