Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: 8-Mop, Oxsoralen-Ultra

Generic Name: methoxsalen (oral) (Pronunciation: meth OX a len)

• What is methoxsalen (8-Mop, Oxsoralen-Ultra)?
• What are the possible side effects of methoxsalen (8-Mop, Oxsoralen-Ultra)?
• What is the most important information I should know about methoxsalen (8-Mop, Oxsoralen-Ultra)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking methoxsalen (8-Mop, Oxsoralen-Ultra)?
• How should I take methoxsalen (8-Mop, Oxsoralen-Ultra)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (8-Mop, Oxsoralen-Ultra)?
• What happens if I overdose (8-Mop, Oxsoralen-Ultra)?
• What should I avoid while taking methoxsalen (8-Mop, Oxsoralen-Ultra)?
• What other drugs will affect methoxsalen (8-Mop, Oxsoralen-Ultra)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is methoxsalen (8-Mop, Oxsoralen-Ultra)?

Methoxsalen is a naturally occurring substance that is reactive to light. It works by enhancing the body's sensitivity to ultraviolet light A (UVA).

Methoxsalen is used in combination with UVA light therapy to treat severe psoriasis.

Methoxsalen may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of methoxsalen (8-Mop, Oxsoralen-Ultra)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Methoxsalen is expected to produce skin redness that may not occur until several hours after your UVA treatment. This redness may last for 2 or 3 days. You may also have slight swelling. These are normal effects of the medication and UVA treatment.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe skin redness within 24 hours after UVA treatment;
• severe itching, swelling, or skin discomfort;
• blisters, pimples, or skin rash;
• feeling like you might pass out; or
• worsening of your psoriasis.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, upset stomach;
• headache, dizziness;
• depressed mood;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• feeling nervous;
• leg pain; or
• mild skin itching or tenderness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about methoxsalen (8-Mop, Oxsoralen-Ultra)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to methoxsalen, or if you have a history of skin cancer or damage to the lenses of your eyes due to surgery, injury, or genetic condition.

Before taking methoxsalen, tell your doctor if you have lupus, porphyria, heart disease, kidney or liver disease, a history of cataracts, a skin pigment disorder, if you are extremely sensitive to sunlight, or if you have recently gained or lost weight.

There are many other drugs that can interact with methoxsalen, including drugs applied to the skin. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

After taking methoxsalen and receiving UVA treatment, you must protect your eyes and skin from natural sunlight (even sun shining through a window).

Wear wraparound UVA-absorbing sunglasses for at least 24 hours after your light treatment, even while you are indoors near a window.

You may develop cataracts if you do not properly protect your eyes after you are treated with methoxsalen and UVA treatment.

Use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15, and wear protective clothing including a hat and gloves for at least 8 hours after your light treatment.

Follow your doctor's instructions about applying topical psoriasis medications or any moisturizing lotions after your methoxsalen and UVA treatment.