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Aminolevulinic acid (Topical)

Generic name: aminolevulinic acid [ a-mee-noe-lev-ue-LIN-ik-AS-id ]
Brand names: Ameluz, Levulan Kerastick
Drug class: Topical photochemotherapeutics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 17, 2024.

Uses for aminolevulinic acid

Aminolevulinic acid gel is used in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT) using the medical device, BF-RhodoLED® for the treatment of mild to moderate actinic keratoses on the face and scalp.

Aminolevulinic acid solution followed by exposure to a certain type of light (blue light using the BLU–U Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator) is used to treat minimally to moderately thick actinic keratoses of the face, scalp, or arms.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a health care provider.

Before using aminolevulinic acid

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of aminolevulinic acid in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of aminolevulinic acid in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of this medicine than younger adults.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Proper use of aminolevulinic acid

You will receive this medicine in a clinic or doctor's office. A nurse or other trained health professional will apply the medicine.

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet and patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any concerns.

If you are using the aminolevulinic acid solution:

If you are using the aminolevulinic acidgel:

diclofenac topical, fluorouracil topical, imiquimod topical, Efudex, Santyl, Collagenase Santyl, Klisyri, Ameluz, aminolevulinic acid topical, tirbanibulin topical

Precautions while using aminolevulinic acid

Your doctor will check your progress closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine can cause episodes of temporary memory loss. Check with your doctor right away if you have problems with your memory, confusion, or disorientation.

For Ameluz® topical gel:

For Levulan® Kerastick® topical solution:

After aminolevulinic acid application, avoid exposure to sunlight or bright indoor light (eg, from examination lamps, operating room lamps, tanning beds, or being close to lights) up until the time of the blue or red light treatment. Wear long-sleeved shirts, gloves, or other protective clothing to shade the treated skin before blue light treatment. Wide-brimmed hats or similar head covering can help protect you from sunlight or sources of light. Sunscreens will not protect you from sunlight or sources of light.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal (eg, St. John's wort) or vitamin supplements.

Side Effects of aminolevulinic acid

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Less common

Incidence not known

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Less common

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Available Dosage Forms:

Therapeutic Class: Photosensitizing Agent

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.