Trioxasalen
Information about Trioxasalen
Trioxasalen uses
How trioxasalen works
Trioxasalen is a photosensitive medication used with UV-A rays. It works by activating certain skin cells (melanocytes) and helps repigment the discolored, white patches in vitiligo. Trioxasalen also slows down the rapid growth of skin cells in psoriasis. This reduces scaling and thickening of the skin.
Common side effects of trioxasalen
Erythema (skin redness), Blisters on skin, Edema (swelling), Itching
Available Medicine for Trioxasalen
Expert advice for Trioxasalen
- Trioxsalen is a very strong medicine that increases your skin sensitivity to sunlight. Do not use it for sun tanning or to increase tolerance to sunlight; if doing so, do not use trioxsalen for more than 14 days.
- Take this treatment (trioxsalen and UVA) two or three times a week with the treatment spaced at least forty-eight hours apart.
- Take this medication by mouth with food or milk, usually 2 to 4 hours before your UVA light treatment.
- Do not sunbathe for 24 hours before taking trioxsalen. Wear UVA-absorbing, wrap-around sunglasses and cover exposed skin or use a sunblock (SP 15 or higher) for the twenty-four (24) hour period following treatment with trioxsalen.
- Use extra caution for at least 48 hours following each treatment. After each treatment, cover your skin for at least 8 hours by wearing protective clothing.
- Do not increase the amount of trioxsalen if you are taking or spend extra time in the sunlight or under an ultraviolet lamp.
- Do not drive or operate machinery as trioxsalen may cause dizziness.
- You will need to have an eye examination before starting trioxsalen and also once a year thereafter.
- Be careful before applying anything to your skin to treat dryness and itchiness caused by trioxsalen.
- Tell your doctor if you are or planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.