OXSORALEN-ULTRA

Drug Name: OXSORALEN-ULTRA

OXSORALEN-ULTRA DESCRIPTION:
METHOXSALEN - ORAL (meh-THOCK-sull-in)

COMMON OXSORALEN-ULTRA BRAND NAME(S):
Oxsoralen-Ultra

OXSORALEN-ULTRA SIDE EFFECTS:
Eye damage, cataracts, skin aging and skin cancer are risks of OXSORALEN-ULTRA and UVA therapy. Protect eyes by using goggles during UVA therapy. Notify your doctor if you develop any of the following: stomach upset, nausea, headache, dizziness, nervousness, sleeplessness, rash, mouth sores, fever blisters, fluid retention, leg cramps. OXSORALEN-ULTRA causes changes in skin color that appear after a few weeks and up to 9 months. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE OXSORALEN-ULTRA:
OXSORALEN-ULTRA: Take OXSORALEN-ULTRA one and one half hour to 2 hours before UVA therapy or as directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose or take it more often. Your condition will not clear faster, but side effects may be increased. OXSORALEN-ULTRA may be taken with food or milk to minimize nausea. If necessary, divide the dose in half and take each half 30 minutes apart. It is important to carefully follow instructions for exposure to ultraviolet light. Over exposure may result in serious sunburn. Do not switch brands of OXSORALEN-ULTRA without first checking with you doctor or pharmacist.

OXSORALEN-ULTRA WARNING:
Because serious side effects could occur during treatment with methoxsalen (eye lens damage, other skin problems), patients must be carefully selected and be under close medical supervision. Different brands of OXSORALEN-ULTRA are not interchangeable because they have significant differences in how they act in the body.

OXSORALEN-ULTRA USES:
OXSORALEN-ULTRA is used to treat certain types of skin disorders (e.g., psoriasis, vitiligo). It is used in combination with ultraviolet (UVA) light therapy.

OXSORALEN-ULTRA PRECAUTIONS:
Certain foods may cause reactions when eaten during methoxsalen therapy. Try to avoid them. They include carrots, celery, figs, limes, mustard, parsley and parsnips. OXSORALEN-ULTRA is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor. It is not known if OXSORALEN-ULTRA appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. OXSORALEN-ULTRA increases sensitivity to sunlight. Do not sunbathe 24 hours prior to using OXSORALEN-ULTRA. After use, avoid sun exposure for at least 8 hours. Wear protective clothing, such as hats, gloves and UVA-absorbing sunglasses. Apply broad screen sunscreens (SPF 15) to all exposed skin including lips. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: sun sensitivity, infection, lupus, porphyria, skin cancer, stomach trouble, cataracts, liver disease, heart or blood vessel disease, infection.

OXSORALEN-ULTRA DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: anthralin, coal tar, griseofulvin, phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine, promethazine), nalidixic acid, bacteriostatic soaps, thiazide diuretics, tetracyclines, certain dyes (e.g., methylene blue, toluidine blue, rose bengal, methyl orange). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OXSORALEN-ULTRA OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

OXSORALEN-ULTRA NOTES:
OXSORALEN-ULTRA must be taken under close medical supervision. Discuss the risks and benefits of this therapy with your doctor. Periodic lab tests and eye exams will be done to monitor the effectiveness of this therapy.

MISSED OXSORALEN-ULTRA DOSE:
If you are late in taking a dose, or miss a dose entirely, notify your doctor so your light treatment can be rescheduled.

OXSORALEN-ULTRA STORAGE:
Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.