Oxsoralen

Common use

Oxsoralen is a medication used in combination with ultraviolet light (PUVA therapy) to treat severe skin conditions, primarily vitiligo, severe psoriasis, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. It works by making skin cells more sensitive to UV light to slow their growth or promote repigmentation.

Dosage and direction

The medication is taken a specific amount of time before scheduled UVA exposure, as directed by a healthcare provider. Taking the medication with low-fat food or milk may help reduce nausea. The amount to take is based on individual factors like body weight and is determined by a physician.

Precautions

Avoid sun exposure, even on cloudy days or through windows, for at least 8 to 24 hours after treatment. If outside, wear UVA-protective clothing (hats, gloves) and use SPF 15+ sunscreen. Wear specialized wrap-around sunglasses that block UVA light for 24 hours after taking the medication.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Oxsoralen while you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Contraindications

Oxsoralen is strictly contraindicated in patients with known sensitivity or idiosyncratic reactions to psoralen compounds, if you have an allergy to methoxsalen or any other part of Oxsoralen, existing light-sensitive diseases (e.g., lupus, porphyria, albinism), melanoma or a history of skin cancer, and in patients with aphakia (absence of the eye lens).

Possible side effect

Oxsoralen commonly causes skin itching, nausea, dizziness, and headache, along with expected slight skin reddening 24–48 hours after treatment. Serious side effects include severe skin burning, blistering, peeling, increased risk of skin cancer, cataracts, and mood changes.

Drug interaction

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins).

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Oxsoralen before a scheduled UV light treatment, call your doctor or treatment center immediately. Do not take the medication late or double the dose. A missed dose often means the UV treatment cannot proceed as scheduled and must be rescheduled.

Overdose

If you think there has been an overdose, get medical care right away.

Storage

Keep all drugs in a safe place in the original container at room temperature. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.