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Methoxsalen

Generic name: methoxsalen (oral) [ meth-OX-a-len ]
Brand names: 8-Mop, Oxsoralen-Ultra
Dosage form: oral capsule (10 mg)
Drug class: Psoralens

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 7, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is methoxsalen?

Methoxsalen works by enhancing the body's sensitivity to ultraviolet light A (UVA).

Methoxsalen is used in combination with UVA light therapy to treat severe psoriasis.

Methoxsalen can cause harmful effects on your vision and on your skin (premature aging or skin cancer). methoxsalen is used only for severe psoriasis that has not improved with other treatments. You must remain under the care of a doctor while taking methoxsalen.

Methoxsalen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Methoxsalen side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Methoxsalen may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Mild skin redness may occur and can last for 1 or 2 days. This is a normal side effect after UVA treatment and may not be a sign of severe sunburn. Ask your doctor if you have concerns about any redness or swelling.

Common side effects of methoxsalen may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use methoxsalen if you are sensitive to light, if you have lens damage in your eye, or if you have had skin cancer.

Methoxsalen can cause harmful effects on your vision and on your skin. You must avoid natural sunlight for up to 48 hours after UVA treatment.

Oxsoralen-Ultra and 8-Mop are not equivalent medicines and may not have the same dosing schedule.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use methoxsalen if you are allergic to methoxsalen or similar medicines, or if you have:

Before your UVA treatment: Do not expose your skin to sunlight for at least 24 hours before you take methoxsalen. Avoid applying sunscreen to areas of psoriasis that will be treated with UVA therapy.

You may need to have your eyes examined before you start taking methoxsalen.

To make sure methoxsalen is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

It is not known whether methoxsalen taken orally will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.

How should I take methoxsalen?

You may need to have your eyes examined first.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Methoxsalen doses are based on weight. Tell your doctor if you gain or lose weight.

You will take methoxsalen a certain number of hours before you are scheduled to receive UVA treatment. Soft gelatin capsules (Oxsoralen-Ultra) are more easily absorbed than hard gelatin capsules (8-Mop). The timing of your dose will depend on the type of capsule you are taking.

You may need to keep taking methoxsalen for a short time after UVA treatment. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

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

If your doctor changes your brand, strength, or type of methoxsalen, your dose needs and UVA light therapy schedule may change. Oxsoralen-Ultra and 8-Mop are not equivalent medicines and may not have the same dosing schedule.

Methoxsalen will make you more sensitive to sunlight, which can cause harmful effects on your vision and on your skin (premature aging or skin cancer).

For at least 8 hours after you take methoxsalen:

For 24 to 48 hours after you receive UVA treatment:

You may develop cataracts if you do not properly protect your eyes after methoxsalen and UVA treatment.

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

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. You may need to check your skin for signs of cancer throughout the rest of your life.

Store methoxsalen at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

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What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you did not take methoxsalen at the correct time before your scheduled UVA treatment. You may need to reschedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. You may be instructed to make yourself vomit and stay in a dark room for 24 hours. You will be extremely sensitive to light after an overdose.

What should I avoid while taking methoxsalen?

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays other than your scheduled light therapy treatments.

What other drugs will affect methoxsalen?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Methoxsalen can make your skin even more sensitive to sunlight if you also use certain other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with methoxsalen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Does methoxsalen interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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