Alternative Medicine - Interest has revived in recent years in the use of non-traditional approaches to treating disease. Herbs, nutritional supplements, acupuncture, yoga, and various types of massage are just a few of these methods.
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Alternative Medicine



Table of Contents > Drugs >  Trioxsalen
Trioxsalen
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(trye OKS a len)

Brand Names
Trisoralen®

Therapeutic Categories
Psoralen

Reasons not to take this medicine

  • If you have an allergy to trioxsalen or any other part of the medicine.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Melanoma, porphyria, active lupus erythematosus.
  • If you are giving this medicine to a child less than 12 years of age.


What is this medicine used for?

  • This medicine is used to treat vitiligo, increase tolerance to sunlight, or enhance pigmentation of the skin. Talk to healthcare provider for more details.


How does it work?

  • Normal skin color is due to melanocytes in the skin. Trioxsalen increases the melanin in the exposed skin.


How is it best taken?

  • Take 2 hours before timed periods of exposure to UV light.
  • Take with food.


What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.


What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

  • Wear sunglasses during exposure and protect lips with lipstick that contains sunscreen.
  • Do not go over exposure time. You can develop a serious burn.
  • Use sunscreen and protective clothing after exposure time is over. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Exposure to sun or UV rays may age skin more quickly.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.


What are the common side effects of this medicine?

  • Sunburn or blisters. Follow directions closely about skin and eye protection.
  • Nausea. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.


What should I monitor?

  • Follow up with healthcare provider.


Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Burning, blistering, or skin irritation.
  • Any rash.


How should I store this medicine?

  • Store in a tight container at room temperature.


General statements

  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).


Copyright © 1978-2001 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved

 
The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein.

  
  

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