|
aminolevulinic acid Classification |
| ROUTE | ONSET | PEAK | DURATION |
| Topical | unknown | 4–8 wk* | unknown |
Assess skin lesions prior to and periodically during therapy.Aminolevulinic acid should applied by a qualified health care professional. Medication should only be applied to actinic keratoses and not perilesional skin, eyes or mucous membranes. Application should involve scalp or face lesions, but not both simultaneously. Frequency of application and light treatment should be one site/eight wk treatment session.Topical: Aminolevulinic acid is applied in the physician’s office and patient is told to return the following day. To prepare, hold so applicator cap is pointing up. Crush bottom ampule containing solution vehicle by applying finger pressure to lower portion of cardboard sleeve. Crush top ampule containing aminolevulinic acid powder by applying pressure to upper portion of cardboard sleeve. Continue crushing applicator downward, applying pressure to the sleeve. With applicator pointed away from face, shake gently for at least 3 min to completely dissove drug powder in solution vehicle. Remove cap and dab dry applicator tip on a gauze pad until it is uniformly wet with solution. Once application has dried, apply again in same manner. If application is not completed in 2 hr of activation, discard and use new kerastick. Upon return, actinic keratoses will be rinsed with water. Patient will be given goggles to wear as eye protection during blue light therapy. Blue light treatment is applied 14-18 hr after application of medication. Application of light lasts for approximately 17 minutes. Individual kerastick should be used for one patient only.Caution patient to avoid sunlight or bright indoor light (examination lamps, operating room lamps, tanning beds, lights at close proximity) between application and exposure to activating light. Skin will be photosensitive during this period. Exposure may result in stinging and/or burning sensation and may cause erythema and/or edema of the lesions. Protection should include a wide-brimmed hat or similar head covering of light opaque material. Sunscreens will not protect against photosensitivity reactions caused by visible light.Instruct patient to avoid occlusive dressings; may cause excessive irritation.Advise patient to keep treated actinic keratoses dry and out of bright light between application and exposure to activating light.Inform patient that blue light is low intensity and will not heat skin. Inform patient that they may experience tingling, stinging, prickling or burning sensations of the treated lesions. Actinic keratoses and surrounding skin will redden and some scaling and swelling may occur. These lesion changes are temporary and should be completely resolved by 4 wks after treatment.Instruct patient to contact health care professional if they are unable to return for blue light therapy within 14-18 hr. Caution patient to avoid exposure of photosensitized lesions to sunlight or prolonged or intense light for at least 40 hr. If stinging and/or burning is noted, exposure to light should be reduced.Resolution of nonhyperkeratotic actinic keratoses.