Levulan Kerastick Side Effects

Generic name: aminolevulinic acid topical

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 17, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Levulan Kerastick.

Applies to aminolevulinic acid topical: topical gel/jelly, topical solution Side Effects associated with aminolevulinic acid topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Levulan Kerastick.

Applies to aminolevulinic acid topical: topical gel/jelly, topical solution.

Precautions

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:

• If your condition does not improve within 3 months, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.
• Using Ameluz® with BF-RhodoLED® lamp may cause eye irritation or injury. It may also cause swelling of the eyelids. Tell your doctor right away if you have blurred vision, changes in vision, or red, sore eyes after receiving this medicine.

For Levulan® Kerastick® topical solution:

• Avoid exposure to light if you experience stinging or burning on the treated areas before blue light treatment.
• During the blue light treatment you will experience sensations of tingling, stinging, prickling or burning of the treated skin. These feelings of discomfort should improve at the end of the light treatment.
• Following treatment, the actinic keratoses and possibly the surrounding skin will redden and swelling and scaling may also occur. These changes are temporary and should completely resolve after 4 weeks of treatment.

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.

Serious side effects of Levulan Kerastick

Along with its needed effects, aminolevulinic acid topical (the active ingredient contained in Levulan Kerastick) 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 while taking aminolevulinic acid topical:

Other side effects of Levulan Kerastick

Some side effects of aminolevulinic acid topical 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:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to aminolevulinic acid topical: topical gel, topical solution.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were scaling/crusting, hypo-/hyper-pigmentation, and itching.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Scaling/Crusting (up to 71%), hypo-/hyper-pigmentation (up to 36%), erosion (up to 14%), itching (up to 25%), pruritus
• Common (1% to 10%): Wheal/flare, skin disorders NOS, ulceration, bleeding/hemorrhage, vesiculation, pustules, dysesthesia, scabbing, excoriation, oozing, skin tightness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pustular rash, dry skin, petechiae, hyperkeratosis^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Irritation, erythema, pain, edema, exfoliation, induration
• Common (1% to 10%): Pain, tenderness, ulceration
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Discharge, discoloration, ulcer, chills, feeling hot, pyrexia, wound secretion

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, paraesthesia, hyperalgesia^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Eyelid edema^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nervousness^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Levulan Kerastick side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer