Drug Detail:Methoxsalen (Methoxsalen (oral) [ meth-ox-a-len ])
Generic Name: Methoxsalen Hard-Gelatin Capsules [ meth-OKS-a-len ]
Drug Class: Psoralens
Warning
- This medicine may cause very bad eye problems, age the skin, and raise the chance of skin cancer. You will be watched closely by your doctor.
- There is more than 1 brand of this medicine (methoxsalen hard-gelatin capsules). One brand cannot safely be used for the other. The doctor will tell you about any needed change.
Uses of Methoxsalen Hard-Gelatin Capsules:
- It is used to treat psoriasis.
- It is used to treat a type of lymphoma that affects the skin.
- It is used to treat white patches on your skin (vitiligo).
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Methoxsalen Hard-Gelatin Capsules?
- If you are allergic to this medicine (methoxsalen hard-gelatin capsules); any part of this medicine (methoxsalen hard-gelatin capsules); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have any of these health problems: Squamous cell cancer or if you do not have a lens in your eye (aphakia).
- If you have ever had melanoma.
- If light bothers your skin easily or you have a health problem that may lead to light bothering your skin. There are many health problems that can do this. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (methoxsalen hard-gelatin capsules).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (methoxsalen hard-gelatin capsules) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
Related/similar drugs
Cosentyx, Humira, Ilumya, Stelara, Taltz, Tremfya, TrexallWhat are some things I need to know or do while I take Methoxsalen Hard-Gelatin Capsules?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (methoxsalen hard-gelatin capsules). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- Have an eye exam as you have been told by your doctor.
- Do not sunbathe within 24 hours before taking this medicine (methoxsalen hard-gelatin capsules) and the light therapy. Talk with your doctor.
- You will need to wear special sunglasses during and for 24 hours after treatment. Protect lips with lipstick that has sunscreen.
- Do not take this medicine (methoxsalen hard-gelatin capsules) for longer than you were told by your doctor.
- Sun or UV rays may age the skin and raise the chance of skin cancer.
- You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun. Keep protecting yourself from sunburn for as long as you were told by your doctor.
- Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
- Blood clots have happened with this medicine (methoxsalen hard-gelatin capsules) when used to treat graft-versus-host disease. This medicine is not approved to treat graft-versus-host disease. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.
- If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (methoxsalen hard-gelatin capsules) with care. You could have more side effects.
- This medicine may cause harm to an unborn baby. Women must use birth control while taking this medicine (methoxsalen hard-gelatin capsules). If you get pregnant, call your doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
How is this medicine (Methoxsalen Hard-Gelatin Capsules) best taken?
Use this medicine (methoxsalen hard-gelatin capsules) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- This medicine is used with light therapy.
- Take before being exposed to UV light as you were told by your doctor.
- Take this medicine (methoxsalen hard-gelatin capsules) with food or milk.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Call your doctor to find out what to do.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Sunburn.
- Change in color or size of a mole.
- Low mood (depression).
- A skin lump or growth.
- Very bad dizziness or passing out.
- Swelling.
- Change in eyesight.
What are some other side effects of Methoxsalen Hard-Gelatin Capsules?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Skin irritation.
- Itching.
- Redness.
- Upset stomach.
- Feeling nervous and excitable.
- Trouble sleeping.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Methoxsalen Hard-Gelatin Capsules?
- Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (methoxsalen hard-gelatin capsules), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.