Oxsoralen

Oxsoralen (Methoxsalen)

Oxsoralen

Methoxsalen tablet

What is it used for?

METHOXSALEN is a skin coloring and light sensitizing agent. This medicine is given before ultraviolet radiation. It is used for the treatment of severe psoriasis and vitiligo. Some forms of this medicine are also used to treat the skin symptoms of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking this medicine?

Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:

• albinism
• eye problems like cataracts or aphakia
• heart disease
• liver disease
• lupus
• porphyria
• history of arsenic therapy
• history of x-ray therapy
• skin cancer
• skin photosensitivity problems
• xeroderma
• an unusual or allergic reaction to methoxsalen, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How is this medicine should be taken?

Take it orally accompanied with a glass of water. If this medicine upsets your stomach, you may take it with a low-fat food or milk, or you may divide your dose and take it in 2 portions (30 minutes apart). Follow your doctor's directions. It should never be taken more often than prescribed.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary.

Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.

What to do if I missed a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What are the possible interactions with the other medicine/food/etc?

• anthralin
• coal tar
• diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide
• griseofulvin
• medical dyes like methylene blue, toluidine blue, rose bengal, methyl orange
• medicines for seizures like ethotoin, fosphenytoin, phenytoin
• nalidixic acid
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• retinoids like bexarotene, tazarotene, tretinoin
• some antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline
• some bacteriostatic soaps

This list is not all-inclusive. Provide your health care provider with a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you use. Also tell them whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.

Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking it?

Pay regular visits to your doctor or health care professional to undergo the necessary check-ups. See your ophthalmologist regularly. Report any changes in your vision right away.

This medicine may increase your chances of developing cancer. Talk to your doctor about the risks. Visit your doctor for the regular cancer checks as directed.

This drug can make you more sensitive to the sun, that is why you should keep out of it during the treatment course. If sun can’t be avoided, at least wear protective clothes and always use a sunscreen.You shouldn’t use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths during the treatment course. Stay out of the sun for 24 hours before the UV treatment and at least 8 hours after taking this medicine, or as directed by your doctor.

Wear the wrap-around sunglasses that block all UV light for 24 hours after you have taken this medicine, whenever you can see any sunlight.

Do not switch between hard and soft gelatin capsules of this medicine. This may change the timing of your UV treatment.

Does this medicine have any possible side effects?

The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:

• allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching or hives,face, lips, or tongue swelling
• changes in vision
• depression
• swelling of feet or hands
• unusual weakness or feeling tired

The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):

• dizziness
• headache
• increased sensitivity to the sun
• itching, dry skin
• leg cramps
• nausea
• nervous
• skin thinning or wrinkles
• trouble sleeping

Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.

This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect it from the light. Keep container tightly closed. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.