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Uses
Consult your pharmacist or physician.
How to use Methoxsalen (Oxsoralen-Ultra, Uvadex)
capsule that is swallowed, liquid that is given by photopheresis
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of methoxsalen?
The most common side effects of methoxsalen are listed below. These side effects may vary, depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Sensitivity to sunlight (see below)
- Nausea
- Itchy, red skin
- Low blood pressure
There may be other side effects of methoxsalen that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of methoxsalen?
While less common, the most serious side effects of methoxsalen are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Methoxsalen may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using methoxsalen and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Sensitivity to Sunlight. Your skin may be very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, while you are using methoxsalen. This is called photosensitivity. Use sunscreen and wear a hat, sunglasses, and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in the sunlight. Exposure to this kind of light, even for a short time, can cause your skin to be severely sunburned, blistered, or swollen. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms.
Cancer. Methoxsalen can cause a new cancer to develop or cause a previously treated cancer to recur. Tell your health care provider about any new symptoms that you may get. Regularly check your skin and tell your health care provider right away if you have any small growths or sores that will not heal. These areas need to be checked by your health care provider to rule out skin cancer.
Cataracts. Methoxsalen may increase the risk of cloudiness in your eye (cataracts). Follow your health care provider’s instructions carefully and keep all appointments to have your eyes checked before and while using methoxsalen. Tell your health care provider right away if you have the following symptoms of cataracts.
- Cloudy or blurred vision
- Changes in how you see colors
- Seeing halos around lights
- Problems with glare
Precautions
Consult your pharmacist or physician.
Interactions
Does methoxsalen interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between methoxsalen and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect methoxsalen.
Does methoxsalen interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using methoxsalen.
- Anthralin, which is a cream or shampoo used for psoriasis
- Coal tar, which is a medicine used on your skin or scalp for certain skin conditions
- Griseofulvin, which is a medicine used to treat fungal infections
- A phenothiazine, such as chlorpromazine or prochlorperazine (Compro and others), which is a medicine that may be used to treat certain mental health conditions or severe nausea and vomiting
- A sulfonamide or “sulfa” medicine, such as sulfadiazine silver, sulfamethoxazole, or sulfasalazine
- A sulfonylurea, such as glimepiride, glipizide, or glyburide, which is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes
- A tetracycline, such as doxycycline, minocycline, omadacycline (Nuzyra), sarecycline (Seysara), or tetracycline, which is a medicine used to treat infections or other conditions
- A fluoroquinolone antibiotic, such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, or moxifloxacin, which is a medicine used to treat bacterial infections
- A thiazide diuretic, such as chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, or indapamide, which is a medicine commonly used to lower blood pressure
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with methoxsalen. Always check with your health care provider.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing , call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Missed Dose
Consult your pharmacist or physician.
Storage
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.