Uvadex

Uvadex Ingredients: Methoxsalen Solution
Representative Names: Uvadex

What is Uvadex ?
Uvadex is a medicine that sensitizes your blood cells to ultraviolet (UV) light. Uvadex and ultraviolet light treats skin problems associated with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma or mycosis fungoides; this treatment is called photopheresis. Photopheresis is a process where your white blood cells are seperated from the rest of your blood. The white blood cells are exposed the Uvadex and UV light and then reinfused back into you. Generic Uvadex is not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I take Uvadex ?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•absence of the lens in the eye
•albinism
•cataracts
•liver disease
•porphyria
•skin cancer
•skin photosensitivity problems
•an unusual or allergic reaction to Methoxsalen, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I take Uvadex ?
During photopheresis, Uvadex will be added to a solution containing your white blood cells. Your white blood cells will then be exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light and then reinfused into you through a vein.

What if I miss a Uvadex dose ?
This does not apply. If you miss your appointment for your photopheresis, call to reschedule it as soon as possible.

Uvadex Side Effects
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•burning, blistering, or swelling skin
•changes in vision
•depression
•skin rash
•unusual tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•sun sensitivity
•mild redness of the skin
•difficulty sleeping
•dizziness
•generalized itching, dry skin
•headache
•leg cramps
•nausea, vomiting

What should I watch for while taking Uvadex ?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Uvadex and UVA can increase your risk of getting skin cancer. Show your prescriber or health care professional any unusual sores or blemishes that develop. If your skin gets very dry, ask your prescriber or health care professional before you use any skin cream or lotion. Visit your ophthalmologist regularly for a check up and report any changes in your vision.

Uvadex can increase sensitivity of the skin to sun or UV light which could lead to a serious burn. If you must be outside, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths. Certain foods can increase your sensitivity to sunlight while taking Uvadex. Avoid eating limes, figs, parsley, parsnips, mustard, carrots, and celery while using Uvadex.

Wear wrap-around sunglasses that block all ultraviolet light for 24 hours after you have taken a dose of Uvadex to protect your eyes from cataract formation.

You can get permanent premature aging of the skin if you take Uvadex for a long time. This effect is similar to the result of too much sunbathing.

Recent treatment with radiation therapy or cancer medicines increases the chance of developing side effects from combined light treatment and Uvadex.

Where can I keep Uvadex ?
Uvadex will only be given during photopheresis therapy by a trained health care professional. You will not have to keep Uvadex at home.

What drug(s) may interact with Uvadex ?
Uvadex will make you sensitive to the sun. This effect may be increased by other medicines that also cause sensitivity to the sun such as:
•griseofulvin
•medicines for infections including sulfa or tetracycline antibiotics
•medicines for mental problems or psychotic disturbances
•some types of water pills (diuretics)
•vitamin A and vitamin A-like medicines and creams (examples: Accutane®, Solage®, Retin-A®, or Differin®)
•vitamin E

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way Uvadex works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.