Aminolevulinic Acid topical solution

What is this medicine?

AMINOLEVULINIC ACID (a MEE noe LEV ue LIN ik AS id) is a light sensitizing drug that is used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT is used to treat many types of skin conditions including actinic keratosis and certain types of skin cancer. PDT is a two-step process that requires application of a drug and then exposure to a certain type of light.

How should I use this medicine?

In the first step of photodynamic therapy (PDT), the medicine is applied by a trained health care professional to the affected areas of the skin. Then after application of the medicine, the treated area is exposed to a special blue light for about 17 minutes. The treatment may be repeated in 8 weeks.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• confusion

• loss of memory

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache

• pain, redness, or irritation at site where applied

• sensitivity to light

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine will make you sensitive to the sun. This effect may be increased by other medicines that also cause sensitivity to the sun such as:

• certain diuretics, like chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, metolazone

• certain medicines for diabetes, like glipizide or glyburide

• certain medicines for infection like griseofulvin, sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, or tetracyclines

• certain medicines for seizures like phenytoin

• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

• St. John's Wort

• vitamin A and vitamin A-like medicines and creams

• vitamin E

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss a scheduled appointment. The timing of the application of the drug determines when the light treatment may be given. If you miss a scheduled appointment, contact your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible. If you are not exposed to the blue light, continue to avoid exposure to sunlight or prolonged bright light for at least 40 hours.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorders

• porphyria

• skin conditions or sensitivity

• an unusual or allergic reaction to aminolevulinic acid, porphyrins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water.

This medicine can make certain skin conditions worse. Only use it for conditions for which your doctor or health care professional has prescribed.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds/booths.