aminolevulinic acid solution applicator (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: certain conditions causing increased light sensitivity (e.g., porphyria, photosensitivity to the blue light therapy). Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: any allergies. This medication will make you more sensitive to the sun and to bright indoor lights (e.g., halogen lights, tanning salons). Wear protective clothing (e.g., wide-brimmed hat or head covering) to avoid exposure of the treated skin to direct sunlight and/or bright indoor lights for at least 5 days. Sunscreens will not protect you from the skin-irritating effects of this medication. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: other externally-used skin products. Tell your doctor if you take any medicine that may make you more sensitive to sunlight (increase photosensitivity), especially: tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, tetracycline), sulfa antibiotics (e.g., sulfamethoxazole), phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine), griseofulvin, certain oral diabetes medicine (e.g., sulfonylureas such as glipizide, glyburide), certain "water pills" (e.g., thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
NOTES: Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress. It is very important to keep all of your scheduled doctor appointments. This medication treatment requires the proper timing of using the medicine followed by the blue light treatment.
MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.
STORAGE: Store the unmixed solution/applicator at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) is permitted. After mixing the medication, it should be used within 2 hours. Discard any unused portion of the medication and the applicator.
Last Editorial Review: 3/2/2005
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