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In this Article

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

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking methoxsalen (8-MOP)?

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.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using methoxsalen, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• systemic lupus erythematosus;
• porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system);
• a history of cataracts;
• a skin pigment disorder;
• if you are extremely sensitive to sunlight; or
• if you have recently gained or lost weight.

FDA pregnancy category C. Methoxsalen may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether methoxsalen passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take methoxsalen (8-MOP)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take methoxsalen in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Taking too much methoxsalen can cause your skin to be overly sensitive to light, and severe sunburn may result.

Methoxsalen is usually taken 90 minutes to 2 hours before you are scheduled to receive UVA treatment. The timing of your medication may depend on whether you are taking the soft gelatin capsule or the hard gelatin capsule.

The methoxsalen soft gelatin capsule is more easily absorbed in the body than the hard gelatin capsule. For this reason, you may be sensitive to UVA treatment more quickly after taking the soft gelatin capsule.

Take this medication with low-fat food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

After taking methoxsalen and receiving UVA treatment, you must protect your eyes from natural sunlight (even sun shining through a window). Wear sunglasses for at least 24 hours after treatment. For utmost protection, wear a pair of wraparound UVA-absorbing sunglasses, 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.

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

While taking methoxsalen, check your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer, such as a small growth or nodule, a scaly or crusted lesion, a brownish spot or speckles, or a change in the size, color, or feel of a mole. After receiving UVA treatments, you may need to check your skin for signs of cancer throughout the rest of your life.

If you store methoxsalen at home, keep it at room temperature away from moisture and heat.