GENERIC NAME: AMINOLEVULINIC ACID SOLUTION APPLICATOR - TOPICAL (uh-MEE-no-lev-you-LIN-ik acid)
BRAND NAME(S): Levulan
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Aminolevulinic acid is used externally to treat a skin condition called actinic keratosis (AK). It is used along with ultraviolet light to treat AK-affected skin on the face and scalp.
HOW TO USE: Your doctor or other qualified health care provider will apply this drug directly on the affected area of skin on your head and/or face as directed. Do not apply to the eyes or to mucous membranes (e.g., to the inside of the nose or mouth). Do not cover the treated area with bandages unless instructed to do so by your doctor. After receiving the medication treatment, be careful to keep the treated areas dry and to avoid bright lights; wear protective clothing and/or a wide-brimmed hat if needed. The next day, after this drug has been absorbed into the affected skin, your doctor will use a blue light treatment on these AK skin lesions. This type of blue light treatment will not burn the skin but you may feel a tingling or stinging sensation on the treated skin lesion area(s). You will be given protective goggles for eye protection during the treatment. If you have any question regarding the blue light treatment, consult your doctor. It is recommended that you avoid bright lights (e.g., halogen- like lights) and direct sunlight for approximately 2 days following your treatment with this drug (see Precautions section) You may require additional treatments (with drug and light) as determined by your doctor. If you cannot return the next day for the blue light treatment, call your doctor immediately. You must wear protective clothing/hat for 2 more days in this situation if you are not able to keep this appointment.
SIDE EFFECTS: Skin tingling/stinging/burning or change in skin color may occur during, and for up to 4 weeks after receiving the blue light treatment or if you are exposed to bright light after receiving this medication. Decreasing your contact with bright light will minimize these side effects. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: open skin sores (ulcers), bleeding. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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