Levulan Kerastick (Aminolevulinic Acid Topical)
Aminolevulinic acid topical (for the skin) is used in combination with light therapy to treat a skin condition called actinic keratosis (warty overgrowths of skin).
Aminolevulinic acid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Levulan Kerastick (Aminolevulinic Acid Topical)?
You should not be treated with this medicine if you are allergic to aminolevulinic acid or its ingredients, including soybean and phosphatidylcholine, or if you have:
- an allergy to porphyrins;
- porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system); or
- if your skin is especially sensitive to light.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- a blood clotting problem; or
- taking certain medications that make your skin more sensitive to light.
It is not known if aminolevulinic acid will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
User Reviews & Rating
No ratings yet for Levulan Kerastick (Aminolevulinic Acid Topical)
Leave a ReviewSide Effects
What are the side effects of Levulan Kerastick (Aminolevulinic Acid Topical)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- eye problems such as eyelid swelling;
- skin irritation; or
- problems with memory, confusion, or disorientation.
Common side effects may include:
- pain, stinging, burning, induration, redness, or swelling;
- itching, hives, blisters, dryness, tenderness;
- scaling, oozing, bleeding, crusting, or breakdown of the skin; or
- changes in skin color or your sense of touch.
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.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Levulan Kerastick (Aminolevulinic Acid Topical) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not known if aminolevulinic acid will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Levulan Kerastick (Aminolevulinic Acid Topical)?
Aminolevulinic acid could make you more sensitive to light. Stay out of direct sunlight and avoid strong or extended light exposure for before and 48 hours after this medicine is applied to the affected skin. Sunscreens will not protect you against a reaction. Wear a hat and clothing that covers your skin.
Do not get this medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, or ears. If contact does occur, rinse with water.
Avoid using other medications on the areas treated with aminolevulinic acid unless you doctor tells you to.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Levulan Kerastick (Aminolevulinic Acid Topical)?
Use Levulan Kerastick (Aminolevulinic Acid Topical) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Aminolevulinic acid is applied to your skin lesions before you receive light treatment. A healthcare provider will apply this medicine in a clinical setting.
Your treatment may require you to return to your healthcare provider for light therapy after aminolevulinic acid is applied.
Your may need to be treated in separate sessions if you have actinic keratosis in more than one area.
You will be provided eye protection before starting light therapy. Follow your doctor's instructions.
The light therapy has a low intensity and will not heat your skin. However, you may feel tingling, stinging, prickling, or burning where aminolevulinic acid was applied. This discomfort is usually temporary.
Call your doctor if you have severe skin discomfort, or if you have new or worsening skin problems.
If your actinic keratosis lesions do not clear up completely, you may need another treatment. Your doctor will determine if you need additional treatment with aminolevulinic acid.
In a medical setting you are not likely to miss a dose.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your light treatment within the recommended period of time.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Levulan Kerastick (Aminolevulinic Acid Topical)?
In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.