Melanocyl (Methoxsalen)

Do’s

• Before starting Melanocyl, read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your healthcare provider.
• Melanocyl should be taken by mouth with low-fat food or milk, as directed by your healthcare provider. Taking it with food helps increase its absorption and reduces the likelihood of nausea. The specific timing of ingestion is usually around 90 minutes to 2 hours before the UVA light treatment.
• The dosage of Melanocyl is determined by factors such as your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the appropriate dosage for you. 
• The amount and duration of UVA light treatment will also depend on your skin type and response to treatment. Initially, you may have UVA light treatments 2 to 4 times a week, and the frequency may decrease as your condition improves.
• After taking the Melanocyl, protect your skin and eyes from excessive UVA light exposure. For the next 24 hours, during daylight hours, wear wrap-around sunglasses that block out UVA light to prevent UVA rays from entering your eyes.
• If you need to be in the sun, wear protective clothing and/or use sunscreen that blocks out UVA light. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on which sunscreen to use. 
• During the UVA light treatment, follow all instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Regularly monitor your condition and observe any changes. If your condition does not improve or worsens, inform your healthcare provider.

Don’ts

• Do not sunbathe for 24 hours before taking Melanocyl and undergoing UVA light treatment. This is to prevent excessive exposure to sunlight, which can interact with the medication.
• Avoid sunlight on your skin or lips for at least 8 hours after taking the Melanocyl.
• Avoid applying sunscreen to areas of the skin affected by psoriasis until after the UVA light treatment.
• Avoid sunbathing for at least 48 hours after the UVA light treatment. Excessive sun exposure during this time may increase the risk of severe burns. Consult your healthcare provider for more specific details regarding post-treatment precautions.

• Blistering
• Basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer)
• Burns on the treated area from overexposure to UVA or sunlight
• Bullae formation (large fluid-filled blisters on the skin)

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. If you experience any adverse reactions while taking Melanocyl, inform your healthcare provider immediately. 

Melanocyl is considered unsafe to use during pregnancy due to the potential risk to the developing baby. However, in some life-threatening situations, a healthcare provider may prescribe it if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Melanocyl should be used with caution during breastfeeding, and breastfeeding should be held until the treatment is completed and the drug is eliminated from the mother's body.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have any allergies, a history of skin cancer, eye disorder, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or skin pigment disorder before starting Melanocyl.

Melanocyl may have severe interactions with some medicines. Consult your healthcare provider for a complete list of medicines that may interact with Melanocyl.

This is not an exhaustive list of warnings and precautions. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized information and advice regarding the use of Melanocyl and its potential risks.