Oxsoralen Oral

Oxsoralen Oral Uses

This medication is used along with controlled ultraviolet light (UVA) to help control severe psoriasis. Methoxsalen belongs to a class of drugs known as psoralen photosensitizers. It works by making certain parts of the skin more sensitive to UVA light, causing a skin reaction that helps to shrink psoriasis plaques.

How To Use Oxsoralen Oral

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using methoxsalen and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Avoid sunlight for 24 hours before taking methoxsalen and having a PUVA treatment.

This medication is only taken on days you are having UVA light treatments. Take this medication by mouth, usually 90 minutes to 2 hours before treatment or exactly as directed by your doctor. To decrease nausea, take methoxsalen with low-fat food or milk. After taking the capsules, avoid sunlight (including sunlight through windows) and wear UVA-blocking glasses for 24 hours. Avoiding the sun protects the skin from getting too many UVA rays, which could lead to sunburn. The UVA-blocking glasses prevent possible cataracts from UVA rays. If you must be in the sun, wear clothing that covers all skin (including arms/legs) and a hat to protect your head and face.

During the treatment, your eyes will be protected from the UVA rays by special goggles provided by your doctor.

Treatments may be repeated 2 to 4 times per week depending on your response to treatment. Less frequent treatments may be used to maintain results.

Dosage of methoxsalen is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. The amount of UVA light for each treatment is based on your skin type and response to treatment.

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop worsening skin burns or your skin condition persists or worsens.

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Dosage and Storage