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.
Methoxsalen 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 each photopheresis treatment:
- 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.
You may develop cataracts if you do not properly protect your eyes after each photopheresis treatment.
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.