Trioxsalen (Oral)
Key points
- Treats loss of skin color that may be caused by skin diseases such as vitiligo.
- You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to trioxsalen.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- May also increase tolerance to sunlight for patients who are allergic or sensitive to the sun.
Trioxsalen (By Mouth)
Trioxsalen (trye-OX-sa-len)
Treats loss of skin color that may be caused by skin diseases such as vitiligo. May also increase tolerance to sunlight for patients who are allergic or sensitive to the sun.
Brand Name(s):
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to trioxsalen. You should not use trioxsalen with other medicines that make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. This includes medicines you take by mouth or medicine you put on your skin. You should not use trioxsalen if you have a disease that makes you sensitive to sunlight, such as porphyria or lupus.
How to Use This Medicine:
Tablet
- Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often.
- For the medicine to work, you will need to use it 2 to 4 hours before you expose your skin to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light is in sunlight and may be in the lights in tanning beds or sun lamps. Your doctor will tell you how long you should be in UV light.
- Using more of the medicine or spending longer periods in the sun or other UV light than your doctor ordered can cause bad burns or blisters on your skin.
- You may take the medicine with milk or after meals to decrease stomach upset.
- Never share your medicine with anyone.
If a dose is missed:
- Use the missed dose as soon as possible. Then wait 2 to 4 hours (or as your doctor ordered) before you expose your skin to sunlight or other UV light.
- You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
- Store the tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Avoid eating limes, figs, parsley, parsnips, mustard, carrots, and celery while on trioxsalen therapy. Eating these foods while using trioxsalen may cause bad burns or blisters.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.