methoxsalen (injection)

What is the most important information I should know about methoxsalen injection?

What is methoxsalen?

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

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

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving methoxsalen?

• 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.

How is methoxsalen given?

Methoxsalen injection 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 methoxsalen 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.

• You must protect your skin and eyes from natural sunlight (even sun shining through a window).
• Do not expose your skin to any sunlight. Wear protective clothing including a hat and gloves. Use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15, and apply it to all uncovered skin areas exposed to light.
• Wear a pair of wraparound UVA-absorbing sunglasses for at least 24 hours after treatment, even while you are indoors near a window.

Check your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer, such as a small growth or nodule, a scaly or crusted lesion, a brownish spot or speckles, or a change in the size, color, or feel of a mole. You may need to check your skin for signs of cancer throughout the rest of your life.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid after receiving methoxsalen injection?

What are the possible side effects of methoxsalen?

• severe skin redness within 24 hours after UVA treatment;
• swelling, severe itching, or severe skin discomfort;
• an open sore or new skin lesion that is red, scaly, raised, rough, or hardened;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

Skin redness or thickening may occur several hours or days after photopheresis with methoxsalen injection. This is a normal effect of methoxsalen and UVA treatment, and may not be a sign of severe sunburn. Ask your doctor if you have concerns about any redness or swelling of your skin.

Common side effects may include:

• rash;
• fever;
• nausea; or
• changes in your sense of taste.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect methoxsalen?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Methoxsalen can make your skin even more sensitive to sunlight if you also use certain other medicines, especially:

• anthralin;
• an antibiotic or a sulfa drug;
• a bacteriostatic soap;
• a diuretic or "water pill";
• coal tar applied to the skin or scalp --such as Neutrogena T/Gel, Psoriasin, Tegrin Medicated;
• medicine to treat mental illness --fluphenazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine, and others; or
• a staining dye --such as methylene blue, toluidine blue, rose bengal, or methyl orange.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect methoxsalen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about methoxsalen injection.