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Methoxsalen

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Warning

For the treatment of psoriasis, this medication should only be used for severe psoriasis that has not responded well to other treatments since this medication may cause serious side effects (such as cataracts, skin cancer/aging). Consult your doctor for more details.

This medication comes in different dosage forms which do not have the same effects. Do not switch between different dosage forms without talking to your doctor. Each time you get a refill, make sure that you receive the correct form of this medication that your doctor prescribed.

Precautions

Before taking methoxsalen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: conditions that make you sensitive to light (such as lupus, certain porphyrias, xeroderma pigmentosum, albinism), skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas), removal of natural lens in the eye, coal tar/UVB treatment, radiation treatment, arsenic treatment, cataracts, liver disease, heart disease, kidney disease.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using methoxsalen. Methoxsalen may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Nausea or trouble sleeping may occur with methoxsalen. Mild itching/drying/reddening/darkening of skin may occur when methoxsalen is used along with UVA light treatment. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If needed, consult your doctor or pharmacist about which products (such as a moisturizer) to use to help treat dry/itchy skin.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: severe reddening of skin, blistering/peeling/burning of skin, thinning/wrinkling skin, painful browning/whitening/yellowing of nails, unusual growths/moles/skin sores, swelling ankles, mental/mood changes (such as depression, nervousness), decreased/blurred vision.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.