Information About 8-Mop

Common uses
8-Mop is a photosensitizer used to treat severe psoriasis. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.

Prior to Use
Because serious side effects could occur during treatment with methoxsalen (eye lens damage, other skin problems), patients must be carefully selected and be under close medical supervision. Different brands of this drug are not interchangeable because they have significant differences in how they act in the body. Be aware that pre-existing medical conditions, or taking additional medications could interfere with the effectiveness of this one. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. If you are taking any of the following, your dose or condition may need regular supervision: medicine for seizures. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. If you have questions or concerns about 8-Mop, be sure to let your physician or pharmacist know.

Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking 8-Mop. 8-Mop comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your physician, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about 8-Mop. Take 8-Mop with food or milk. Store 8-Mop at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Should you skip or forget a dose of 8-Mop, check with your physician because it may be necessary to reschedule your light therapy.

Warnings
Keep all physician and laboratory appointments while you are taking 8-Mop. Do not sunbathe for at least 24 hours before receiving 8-Mop and light therapy. After your treatment, avoid any exposure to sunlight for at least 8 hours. This includes indirect light through a window or on cloudy days. If you can not avoid exposure to sunlight, wear protective clothing, or use a sunscreen with a sun protective factor (SPF) of 15 or greater, as directed by your physician. Protect all areas of the body, including lips, from sun exposure. Do not sunbathe or use a tanning booth without checking with your physician and wait at least 48 hours after your treatment. To protect your eyes, wear special wrap-around sunglasses that absorb UVA during daylight hours for 24 hours after taking 8-Mop. Regular sunglasses do not adequately protect your eyes because they allow light to enter from the side. Women, if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using 8-Mop during pregnancy. The effects of 8-Mop on breast milk is not known. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using 8-Mop, consult your pharmacist or physician to discuss the risks to your baby.

Potential Side Effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, itching, dryness or redness of the skin. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Consult your physician immediately if you experience severe swelling or redness of the skin, tenderness or blistering, or rash. If you notice any unusual effects, contact your physician, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.

In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed.

Additional information
Do not let anyone else use 8-Mop. Do not take 8-Mop to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children. If using 8-Mop for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.