Oxsoralen

What is Oxsoralen?

Oxsoralen is a prescription that is used to treat white patches on your skin (vitiligo). It is used with light therapy.

Description

Oxsoralen Lotion is a clear, colorless to straw colored liquid with an odor of acetone. Each ml. of Oxsoralen Lotion contains 10 mg. methoxsalen in an inert vehicle containing alcohol (71% v/v), propylene glycol, acetone, and purified water.

Methoxsalen occurs as white to pale yellow crystals and can be obtained naturally from seeds of Ammi majus and roots of Heracleum Candicans or through synthesis. Methoxsalen is practically insoluble in water, sparingly soluble in ether, soluble in ether, soluble in acetone and acetic acid, freely soluble in chloroform. The chemical name of methoxsalen is 9-methoxy-7H-furo (3, 2g) (1)-benzopyran-7-one; its empirical formula is C₁₂H₈0₄ andthe molecular weight is 216.19

Before taking Oxsoralen, tell your doctor:

For all patients taking Oxsoralen:

• If you are allergic to Oxsoralen; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Melanoma or squamous cell cancer.
• If you have ever had melanoma.
• If you sunburn easily.

Children:

• If your child is younger than 12 years of age. Do not give Oxsoralen to a child younger than 12 years of age.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Oxsoralen with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Oxsoralen?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Oxsoralen. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Very bad burns may happen if Oxsoralen is not used the right way. Follow what your doctor told you to do closely.
• Do not go over the time you are told to use.
• Sun or UV rays may age the skin and raise the chance of skin cancer.
• You will need to wear special sunglasses during and for 24 hours after treatment. Protect lips with lipstick that has sunscreen.
• You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun. Keep protecting yourself from sunburn for as long as you were told by your doctor.
• It may take several months to see full effect.
• Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Oxsoralen while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is Oxsoralen best taken?

Use Oxsoralen as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Your doctor or other healthcare provider will put on the skin.
• Wear gloves when touching Oxsoralen.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are the side effects of Oxsoralen that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad skin irritation.
• Sunburn.
• Blisters or sores.

What are some other side effects of Oxsoralen?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Skin irritation.
• Itching.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Oxsoralen?

• If you need to store Oxsoralen at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

SRC: NLM .