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aminolevulinic acid solution applicator - topical, Levulan

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GENERIC NAME: AMINOLEVULINIC ACID SOLUTION APPLICATOR - TOPICAL (a-MEE-noe-LEV-ue-LIN-ik)

BRAND NAME(S): Levulan

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Aminolevulinic acid is used to treat a certain skin condition (actinic keratosis). It is used along with a special light (blue light) to treat skin affected by actinic keratosis 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 scalp or face as directed. You should not apply this medication yourself.This medication should not be applied to the eyes or to mucous membranes (e.g., inside the nose or mouth). Do not cover the treated area with bandages unless directed by your doctor.Keep the treated areas dry. Do not wash the treated areas until after the blue light treatment. Avoid sunlight and/or bright indoor lights (e.g., medical examination lights, tanning beds) and wear protective clothing and/or a wide-brimmed hat until your blue light treatment. Sunscreen does not protect the treated areas.This treatment requires 2 office visits. Your doctor will use a blue light treatment on the area 14 to 18 hours after the medication is applied. Usually the medication is applied in the late afternoon, and the light treatment is done the next morning. Be sure you will be able to return for the blue light treatment in 14 to 18 hours. This type of light will not burn the skin, but you may feel tingling or stinging on the treated skin area(s). You will be given eye protection to wear during the treatment. If you have any questions about the blue light treatment, ask your doctor.This medication will make you more sensitive to the sun and to bright indoor lights (e.g., halogen lights, tanning salons). After your blue light treatment, wear protective clothing (e.g., wide-brimmed hat) for at least 5 days. Avoid exposing the treated skin to direct sunlight and/or bright indoor lights during this time. Sunscreen will not protect your skin from light.If you cannot return the next day for the blue light treatment, call your doctor immediately. If you are not able to keep this appointment, you must wear protective clothing and a hat and avoid exposing the treated skin to bright light or sunlight for 2 days.Your doctor may schedule a second treatment after 8 weeks if needed. Tell your doctor if your skin does not improve.

SIDE EFFECTS: Redness, swelling, tingling, stinging/burning, scabs/crusting, or change in skin color may occur at the treatment site. These effects may last for up to 4 weeks after you receive the blue light treatment or after you are exposed to bright light. Decreasing your contact with bright light will reduce these side effects. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: open skin sores (ulcers), bleeding.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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