Aminolevulinic acid (topical)

Generic name: aminolevulinic acid (topical) [ a-MEE-noe-LEV-ue-LIN-ik-AS-id ]
Brand names: Ameluz, Levulan Kerastick
Dosage forms: topical gel (10%), topical solution (20%)
Drug class: Topical photochemotherapeutics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 19, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is aminolevulinic acid?

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.

Aminolevulinic acid 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.

Aminolevulinic acid may cause serious side effects. 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 of aminolevulinic acid 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.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Stay out of direct sunlight and avoid strong or extended light exposure before and 48 hours after aminolevulinic acid is applied to the affected skin.

Before taking this medicine

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.

How is aminolevulinic acid given?

Aminolevulinic acid is applied to your skin lesions before you receive light treatment. A healthcare provider will apply aminolevulinic acid 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.

Aminolevulinic acid dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Actinic Keratosis:

One application and one dose of illumination per treatment site per 8 week treatment session
Duration of therapy: Treated lesions that have not completely resolved after 8 weeks may be treated a second time.

Comments:
-Each individual aminolevulinic acid topical solution should be used for only one patient.
-Photodynamic therapy is a two stage process involving application of the product followed 14 to 18 hours later by illumination with blue light using the BLU-U Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator.

Use: Treatment of minimally to moderately thick actinic keratoses of the face or scalp

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid after receiving aminolevulinic acid?

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 aminolevulinic acid 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.

What other drugs will affect aminolevulinic acid?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Some drugs can make you more sensitive to sunlight, especially:

• an antibiotic or sulfa drugs;

• griseofulvin;

• a diuretic or "water pill";

• St. John's wort;

• medicine to treat nausea or vomiting;

• medicine to treat anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness such as schizophrenia; or

• an oral diabetes medicine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect aminolevulinic acid, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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