METHOXSALEN (me THOK suh luhn) treats psoriasis. It is used in combination with ultraviolet light therapy. It is prescribed when other medications have not worked or cannot be tolerated. It works by slowing down the growth of skin cells, which reduces redness, swelling, and scaling of the skin.
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth. Take it with some low-fat food or low-fat 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.
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.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
What may interact with this medication?
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 are the most serious risks of this medication?
This medicine should only be given by a healthcare provider who has special training and experience in using it. The treatment has severe side effects. These include eye damage, aging of the skin, and skin cancer.
Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.
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