What is methoxsalen skin lotion?
METHOXSALEN (Oxsoralen®) is a skin pigmenting (coloring) and light sensitizing agent. When combined with the use of ultraviolet light in a treatment called PUVA, methoxsalen treats vitiligo (a condition where skin color is missing). Generic methoxsalen skin lotion is not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I use methoxsalen?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•absence of the lens in the eye
•albinism
•cataracts
•heart disease
•porphyria
•skin cancer
•recent radiation therapy
•skin photosensitivity problems
•an unusual or allergic reaction to methoxsalen, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?
Methosoxalen is for external use on the skin only. Do not take by mouth. The lotion is only for use by a physician and is applied to a well-defined area of skin, before the area is exposed to ultraviolet A light. Anyone handling or applying the lotion should wear gloves or fingercots to avoid light-sensitization and possible burns.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, tell your prescriber or health care professional so that your light treatment can be rescheduled. For the treatment to be successful light treatment must be done at the appropriate time after you take your medicine.

What drug(s) may interact with methoxsalen?
Methoxsalen will make you sensitive to the sun. This effect may be increased by other medicines that also cause sensitivity to the sun such as:
•griseofulvin
•medicines for infections including sulfa or tetracycline antibiotics
•medicines for mental problems or psychotic disturbances
•some types of water pills (diuretics)
•vitamin A and vitamin A-like medicines and creams (examples: Accutane®, Solage®, Retin-A®, or Differin®)
•vitamin E

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other skin preparations, prescription and non-prescription, you are using. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from using methoxsalen? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•burning, blistering, or redness of the skin
•increased sensitivity to the sun and skin irritation
•skin rash

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•generalized itching, dry skin

What should I watch for while taking methoxsalen?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may see an improvement in your condition after a few weeks, but the full effect can take 6 to 9 months of treatment. Methoxsalen and PUVA can increase your risk of getting skin cancer. Show your prescriber or health care professional any unusual sores or blemishes that develop. If your skin gets very dry, ask your prescriber or health care professional before you use any skin cream or lotion.

Methoxsalen can increase sensitivity of the skin to sun or UV light which could lead to a serious burn. Keep out of the sun for at least 24 hours before and 48 hours after PUVA. Keep out of the sun for 12 to 48 hours after application of methoxsalen; if you must be outside wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Do not apply sunscreen to areas of psorisis until after light therapy. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths. Certain foods can increase your sensitivity to sunlight while using methoxsalen. Avoid eating limes, figs, parsley, parsnips, mustard, carrots, and celery while using methoxsalen.

You can get permanent premature aging of the skin if you use methoxsalen for a long time. This effect is similar to the result of too much sunbathing.

Recent treatment with radiation therapy or cancer medicines increases the chance of developing side effects from combined light treatment and methoxsalen.

Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.