Oxsoralen Oral

In Depth

Generic Name: METHOXSALEN - ORAL
Pronounced: (meh-THOCK-sull-in)

Oxsoralen Oral Warning

This medication is only prescribed by doctors who specialize in treating psoriasis. Usually, methoxsalen should only be used for severe psoriasis that has not responded well to other treatments. Your doctor will tell you about the possible risks of using this medicine with ultraviolet light (e.g., vision damage, skin cancer, skin aging).

When used as directed with ultraviolet light treatments (PUVA), this medication can cause severe skin burns. Your doctor may monitor you closely for several days after a treatment to check for burning. Skin burns may not appear immediately, so tell your doctor of any burn that gets worse. You should also protect skin and lips from sunlight (even through glass) or sunlamps (e.g., cover with clothing, use sunblock) for up to 48 hours after each treatment. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for help with choosing a sunblock and using it properly.

Different brands of methoxsalen are available for taking by mouth. Not all products are the same. Each time you get a refill, make sure that you receive the correct brand of medication that your doctor prescribed.

Oxsoralen Oral Side Effects

Nausea may occur with methoxsalen. Less common side effects may include sleeping problems and nervousness. Methoxsalen with UVA treatments may cause skin reddening/burning/tanning, itching, skin drying, blisters on the hands/feet. If any of these effects persist or worsen, or if any burning worsens severely, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

depression
pain with brown/yellow/white color change in the nails
worsened psoriasis
increased hair growth on the face
ankle swelling

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

formation of new/unusual skin sores
decreased or clouded vision

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: