How is Ameluz used to treat actinic keratosis?

Key Points

• Ameluz 10% gel is applied to the lesions on your skin by your doctor, and then covered with a light blocking, occlusive dressing for three hours.
• After that time the gel is removed, and the area is illuminated with BF-RhodoLED red light. You and your doctor will need to wear protective eyewear.
• BF-RhodoLED is a red light emitting LED lamp used with Ameluz gel for treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs) of mild-to-moderate severity on the face and scalp. This is known as photodynamic therapy (PDT).
• For 2 days after the kight treatment, protect your lesion sites and surrounding skin
  from sunlight or prolonged or intense light (e.g., tanning beds, sun lamps).
• After three months, if your lesions are not completely resolved, you may have a repeat treatment.

Ameluz increases photosensitivity, an immune system reaction that is triggered by sunlight. Therefore, patients should avoid exposure to sunlight, prolonged or intense light (such as tanning beds, sun lamps) for 48 hours following treatment.

Eye exposure to the red light of the BF-RhodoLED lamp during PDT must be prevented by protective eyewear. Direct staring into the light source must be avoided.

Ameluz (generic name: aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride) is a topical prescription gel used with BF-RhodoLED photodynamic therapy (PDT) for treatment of mild to moderate actinic keratosis on the face and scalp. Ameluz is manufactured by Biofrontera AG. Ameluz is classified as a porphyrin precursor.

What does actinic keratosis look like?

Actinic keratosis is a rough, scaly area of the skin due to years of sun exposure. If left untreated, actinic keratosis can develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a potentially fatal skin disease with rapidly growing incidence.

Actinic keratoses can vary in appearance. Signs and symptoms include:

• Rough, dry or scaly patch of skin, usually less than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter. A flat to slightly raised patch or bump on the top layer of skin
• May first appear as a new patch or bump on areas of the head, neck, hands and forearms that have been exposed to sunlight
• The color may vary, from pink to brown to red
• The lesion may itch, burn bleed or crust over

View: Photos of actinic keratosis

This is not all the information you need to know about Ameluz (aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the full product information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.