Generic name: methoxsalen (oral) [ meth-OX-a-len ]
Brand names: 8-Mop, Oxsoralen-Ultra
Drug class: Psoralens
The 8-MOP brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available .
What is 8-Mop?
8-Mop works by enhancing the body’s sensitivity to ultraviolet light A (UVA).
8-Mop is used in combination with UVA light therapy to treat severe psoriasis .
8-Mop can cause harmful effects on your vision and on your skin (premature aging or skin cancer). 8-Mop is used only for severe psoriasis that has not improved with other treatments. You must remain under the care of a doctor while taking this medicine.
8-Mop may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use 8-Mop if you are sensitive to light, if you have lens damage in your eye, or if you have had skin cancer.
8-Mop can cause harmful effects on your vision and on your skin. You must avoid natural sunlight for up to 48 hours after UVA treatment.
Oxsoralen-Ultra and 8-Mop are not equivalent medicines and may not have the same dosing schedule.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use 8-Mop if you are allergic to 8-Mop or similar medicines, or if you have:
- lupus , porphyria , albinism, or other conditions that make you more sensitive to light;
- a history of skin cancer (melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma); or
- damage to the lenses of your eyes caused by surgery, injury, or genetic condition.
Before your UVA treatment: Do not expose your skin to sunlight for at least 24 hours before you take 8-Mop. Avoid applying sunscreen to areas of psoriasis that will be treated with UVA therapy.
You may need to have your eyes examined before you start taking 8-Mop.
To make sure 8-Mop is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart disease;
- liver or kidney disease;
- a skin pigment disorder ;
- cataracts;
- basal cell carcinoma ;
- extreme sensitivity to sunlight (if you sunburn easily); or
- radiation or x-ray therapy, or treatment with arsenic trioxide (Trisenox).
It is not known whether 8-Mop taken orally will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.
How should I take 8-Mop?
You may need to have your eyes examined first.
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
8-Mop doses are based on weight. Tell your doctor if you gain or lose weight.
You will take 8-Mop a certain number of hours before you are scheduled to receive UVA treatment. Soft gelatin capsules (Oxsoralen-Ultra) are more easily absorbed than hard gelatin capsules (8-Mop). The timing of your dose will depend on the type of capsule you are taking.
You may need to keep taking 8-Mop for a short time after UVA treatment. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.
Take this medicine with low-fat food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
If your doctor changes your brand, strength, or type of methoxsalen , your dose needs and UVA light therapy schedule may change. Oxsoralen-Ultra and 8-Mop are not equivalent medicines and may not have the same dosing schedule.
8-Mop will make you more sensitive to sunlight, which can cause harmful effects on your vision and on your skin (premature aging or skin cancer).
For at least 8 hours after you take 8-Mop:
- Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds.
- Even sunlight shining through clouds or through a glass window can expose you to harmful UV rays.
- Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors or near a window.
- Do not apply sunscreen to areas of active psoriasis that will be treated with UVA therapy.
For 24 to 48 hours after you receive UVA treatment:
- You must protect your skin and eyes from natural sunlight (even sun shining through a window).
- Do not expose your skin to any sunlight. Wear protective clothing including a hat and gloves. Use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, and apply it to all uncovered skin areas exposed to light.
- Wear sunglasses for at least 24 hours after treatment.
- For utmost protection, wear a pair of wraparound UVA-absorbing sunglasses, even while you are indoors near a window.
You may develop cataracts if you do not properly protect your eyes after 8-Mop and UVA treatment.
Follow your doctor’s instructions about applying topical psoriasis medications or any moisturizing lotions after your 8-Mop and UVA treatment.
Check your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer, such as a small growth or nodule, a scaly or crusted lesion, a brownish spot or speckles, or a change in the size, color, or feel of a mole. You may need to check your skin for signs of cancer throughout the rest of your life.
Store 8-Mop at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Detailed 8-MOP dosage information
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you did not take 8-Mop at the correct time before your scheduled UVA treatment. You may need to reschedule.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. You may be instructed to make yourself vomit and stay in a dark room for 24 hours. You will be extremely sensitive to light after an overdose.
What should I avoid while taking 8-Mop?
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays other than your scheduled light therapy treatments.
8-Mop side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives ; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
8-Mop may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe skin redness within 24 hours after UVA treatment;
- swelling, severe itching, or severe skin discomfort;
- skin redness and swelling with blisters;
- worsening of your psoriasis;
- a new skin lesion, or a mole that has changed in size or color; or
- blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.
Mild skin redness may occur and can last for 1 or 2 days. This is a normal side effect after UVA treatment and may not be a sign of severe sunburn. Ask your doctor if you have concerns about any redness or swelling.
Common side effects of 8-Mop may include:
- itching, redness;
- nausea ;
- feeling nervous; or
- sleep problems ( insomnia ).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
8-MOP side effects (more detail)
What other drugs will affect 8-Mop?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. 8-Mop can make your skin even more sensitive to sunlight if you also use certain other medicines, especially:
- anthralin;
- an antibiotic or a sulfa drug;
- certain antimicrobial soaps;
- a diuretic or “water pill”;
- coal tar applied to the skin or scalp–such as Neutrogena T/Gel , Psoriasin , Tegrin Medicated ;
- medicine to treat mental illness– fluphenazine , prochlorperazine , thioridazine , and others; or
- a staining dye–such as methylene blue , toluidine blue, rose bengal, or methyl orange.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with methoxsalen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins , and herbal products . Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
8-MOP
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