|
This medication is used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a type of cancer that affects the skin and blood and sometimes the lymph nodes and other organs. CTCL is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells in the skin. This drug is used in a procedure called photopheresis. Some of your blood is removed from your body through a vein and goes into a special machine that separates the white blood cells. The machine adds methoxsalen to these white blood cells, then shines ultraviolet (UV) light on them. Then the machine returns the treated cells (and the rest of your blood) to your body through the same vein. Your immune system is thought to react to the treated cells and other similar untreated T-cells that are not working properly. This effect helps to restore your immune balance and lessens the skin problems (e.g., rash, plaques, tumors) of CTCL. Methoxsalen is known as a psoralen photosensitizer. It works by making the treated white blood cells more sensitive to UV light.
|
|
| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
|
Uvadex
Uses
This medication is used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a type of cancer that affects the skin and blood and sometimes the lymph nodes and other organs. CTCL is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells in the skin. This drug is used in a procedure called photopheresis. Some of your blood is removed from your body through a vein and goes into a special machine that separates the white blood cells. The machine adds methoxsalen to these white blood cells, then shines ultraviolet (UV) light on them. Then the machine returns the treated cells (and the rest of your blood) to your body through the same vein. Your immune system is thought to react to the treated cells and other similar untreated T-cells that are not working properly. This effect helps to restore your immune balance and lessens the skin problems (e.g., rash, plaques, tumors) of CTCL. Methoxsalen is known as a psoralen photosensitizer. It works by making the treated white blood cells more sensitive to UV light.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood counts) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: serious burning/blistering of skin.
How To Use
- See Uses section.This medication is injected into your collected white blood cells during photopheresis by a health care professional.
- Health care professionals must follow all the manufacturer's instructions for properly using this drug.
- If you have any questions about using this medication properly, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- This medication is usually used once a day for 2 days in a row or as directed by your doctor.
- Photopheresis is usually repeated every 4 weeks depending on your response to treatment.Dosage is based on your medical condition, the amount of white blood cells collected, and response to treatment.Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely.
Side Effects
- Dizziness, headache, weakness, leg cramps, or bitter/sour taste in the mouth may occur.
- Skin freckling, dry skin, and skin aging may also occur.
- If these effects persist or worsen, 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.This medication will make your eyes and skin more sensitive to the sun.
- (See also Precautions section.) Tell your doctor immediately if any of these signs of sun sensitivity occur: swollen/red/blistering/peeling skin, vision changes.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: depression, swollen ankles/feet.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: new/unusual skin sores, irregular heartbeat.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using methoxsalen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to sunlight; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
- Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: unusual or bad reaction to other psoralen products in the past, conditions that make you sensitive to light (e.g., lupus, certain porphyrias, xeroderma pigmentosum, albinism), no natural lens in the eye.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: coal tar/UVA treatment, radiation treatment, arsenic treatments, other skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas), cataracts, liver problems, kidney problems, heart problems.For 24 hours after treatment with this medication, your eyes and skin will be more sensitive to the sun, including sunlight through a glass window.
- Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps.
- To protect your skin when outdoors during this time, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher).
- To protect your eyes, wear dark wrap-around UV-absorbing sunglasses.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.This drug may make you dizzy.
- Use caution while driving, using machinery, or taking part in any other activity that requires alertness.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
- Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss using at least 2 reliable forms of birth control (e.g., condoms, birth control pills) while using this medication.
- If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
- Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled treatment with this medication as directed.
- If you miss a treatment, contact your doctor to establish a new treatment schedule.
Drug Interactions
- Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: anthralin, bacteriostatic soaps, coal tar, certain dyes (methylene blue, toluidine blue, rose bengal, methyl orange), griseofulvin, nalidixic acid, phenothiazines (e.g., promethazine, thiothixene), sulfa antibiotics (e.g., sulfamethoxazole, sulfisoxazole), tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, tetracycline), certain "water pills" (thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide).
|
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement 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.
|
.gif)
Large Text