Oxsoralen Lotion

Capsules: For vitiligo, the usual dose for adults and children over 12 years of age is 20 mg daily, taken 3 to 4 hours (for the regular capsules) or 1 to 2 hours (for the soft gelatin capsules) before exposure to sunlight or UV light treatment. For psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, the dose is based on body weight and taken 1.5 to 2 hours before UV light therapy. Methoxsalen should be taken after meals or with milk.

Lotion: For vitiligo, apply once weekly to a few depigmented areas (areas that are missing skin colour) and expose to UV light for a maximum of one minute. Alternate the sites where you apply the medication. If you are using both the capsules and the lotion, protect the areas where the lotion has been applied from daily exposure to UV light.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Oxsoralen Lotion (Methoxsalen-topical) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Capsules

Each light pink capsule, printed with "ICN 600", contains methoxsalen USP 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch.

Lotion

Each bottle contains methoxsalen USP 1%. Nonmedicinal ingredients: alcohol and propylene glycol.

Do not use methoxsalen if you:

• are allergic to methoxsalen or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• are 12 years of age or younger
• are pregnant or may be pregnant
• are taking medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight
• have aphasia
• have a medical condition that increases sensitivity to sunlight (such as porphyria, Lupus, or infectious leukoderma)
• have poor liver function

There may be an interaction between methoxsalen and any of the following:

• anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, Heparin)
• medications that make the skin more sensitive to sunlight (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide, ciprofloxacin, coal tar)
• other medications that are applied to the skin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Oxsoralen Lotion (Methoxsalen-topical). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Oxsoralen Lotion (Methoxsalen-topical).

Eye protection: During UV light therapy, wears goggles, and keep your eyes closed. Wear sunglasses while outdoors on treatment days.

Food reactions: Avoid eating limes, figs, parsley, parsnips, mustard, carrots, and celery, as these foods may increase the risk of a more severe reaction to sunlight.

Liver function: People who are using Oxsoralen Lotion (Methoxsalen-topical) for vitiligo should have their liver function tested monthly for the first few months, and occasionally thereafter.

Medical conditions: Oxsoralen Lotion (Methoxsalen-topical) should be used with caution by people who have blood clotting conditions or are taking blood thinners (e.g., Warfarin).

Overdosage: Overdosage may cause serious burning or blistering. Do not increase the dose or exposure to UV light unless directed by your doctor. If you accidentally take too much medication, call your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy: The safety of Oxsoralen Lotion (Methoxsalen-topical) for use while pregnant has not been established. It should not be used during pregnancy unless, in the judgment of the doctor, the benefits outweigh the risks.

Breast-feeding: The safety of Oxsoralen Lotion (Methoxsalen-topical) for use while breast-feeding has not been established. It should not be used while breast-feeding unless, in the judgment of the doctor, the benefits outweigh the risks.