Methyl Aminolevulinate Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 10, 2025.

Applies to methyl aminolevulinate topical: topical cream.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to porphyrins, peanuts or almonds, or if your skin is especially sensitive to light.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking methyl aminolevulinate topical: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stinging, burning, redness, oozing, or swelling of treated skin areas (especially if these effects get worse or last longer than 3 weeks).

Common side effects may include:

• skin redness, warmth, burning, stinging, or swelling;

• blisters, skin ulcers; or

• peeling or crusting of treated skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to methyl aminolevulinate topical: topical cream.

Hypersensitivity adverse events

• Postmarketing reports: Eczema, allergic contact dermatitis, urticaria, . Most cases were localized to the treatment area, but rarely, erythema and swelling have been more extensive. Contact sensitization has been demonstrated in dermal safety studies.^[Ref]

Ocular

Very common (10% or more): Eyelid edema (18%):

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Eye swelling, eye pain, eye irritation
• Postmarketing reports: Eyelid swelling, macular edema, vitreous detachment, keratitis^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Skin burning/pain/discomfort (86%; 20% severe), erythema (63%; 6% severe), scabbing/crusting/blister/erosions (29%; 2% severe), pruritus (22%), skin or eyelid edema (18%; 2% severe), skin exfoliation (14%; 3% severe)
• Common (1% to 10%): Skin warmth (4%), application site discharge (2%), skin hemorrhage (2%), skin tightness (2%), and skin hyperpigmentation (2%)^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Application site discharge, feeling hot
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fatigue^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Paresthesia, headache
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dizziness^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Hypertension^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Burning sensation of the skin (50%), erythema (46%), skin pain (21%), stinging (19%), crusting (15%), skin edema (15%), pruritus/itching (13%), skin peeling (11%), blisters (11%), scab
• Common (1% to 10%): Skin bleeding, skin ulceration, skin infection
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Skin hyperpigmentation, urticaria, rash, skin irritation, photosensitivity reaction, skin hypopigmentation, skin hyperpigmentation, heat rash, skin discomfort, wound hemorrhage
• Postmarketing reports: Angioedema^[Ref]

Further information

Methyl aminolevulinate topical 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