What is this medication?

METHOXSALEN (me THOK suh luhn) is a skin coloring and light sensitizing agent. This medicine is given before ultraviolet radiation. It is used to treat severe psoriasis and vitiligo. Some forms of this medicine are also used to treat the skin symptoms of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): 8-MOP, Oxsoralen, Oxsoralen-Ultra

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Albinism
• Eye problems, such as cataracts or loss of the lens of the eyes
• Heart disease
• Liver disease
• Lupus
• Porphyria
• History of arsenic therapy
• History of x-ray therapy
• Skin cancer
• Skin photosensitivity problems
• Xeroderma pigmentosum
• An unusual or allergic reaction to methoxsalen, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it with some low-fat food or milk. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If this medication upsets your stomach, you may divide your dose and take it in 2 portions (30 minutes apart). Follow your care team's directions. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

• Anthralin
• Coal tar
• Diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide
• Griseofulvin
• Medical dyes, such as methylene blue, toluidine blue, rose bengal, methyl orange
• Medications for seizures, such as ethotoin, fosphenytoin, phenytoin
• Nalidixic acid
• Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• Retinoids, such as bexarotene, tazarotene, tretinoin
• Some antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline
• Some bacteriostatic soaps

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medication. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medication may cause cataracts or other vision changes. You should have regular eye exams while taking this medication. Tell your care team right away if you have changes in your eyesight.

Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer, including skin cancer, if you take this medication.

This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths. Stay out of the sun for 24 hours before a UV treatment and at least 8 hours after taking this medication, or as directed by your care team.

For 24 hours after you take this medication, wear wrap-around sunglasses that block all UV light whenever you can see any sunlight.

Do not switch between hard- and soft-gelatin capsules of this medication. This may change the timing of your UV treatment.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• changes in vision
• depression
• swelling of feet or hands
• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness
• headache
• increased sensitivity to the sun
• itching, dry skin
• leg cramps
• nausea
• nervous
• skin thinning or wrinkles
• trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.