Levulan Kerastick Side Effects

Generic name: aminolevulinic acid topical

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 15, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Levulan Kerastick Side Effects associated with aminolevulinic acid topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Levulan Kerastick.

Applies to aminolevulinic acid topical: topical gel/jelly, topical solution.

Serious side effects of Levulan Kerastick

Along with its needed effects, aminolevulinic acid topical (the active ingredient contained in Levulan Kerastick) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking aminolevulinic acid topical:

More common side effects

• bleeding
• hives
• persistent non-healing sore
• pink growth
• reddish patch or irritated area
• scabbing
• shiny bump
• spots on your skin resembling a blister or pimple
• stinging, burning, pain, redness, swelling, scaling, crusting, lightening or darkening of the skin, itching, cracking, crusting, or dryness of the skin at the application site
• tenderness
• white, yellow or waxy scar-like area

Less common side effects

• bleeding during lesion preparation
• blistering or irritation of the skin
• flaking, pain, peeling, itching rash, breaking down of the skin

Incidence not known

• difficulty seeing at night
• double vision
• increased sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight
• loss of memory
• problems with memory
• red, sore eyes
• seeing double
• swelling of the eyelids

Other side effects of Levulan Kerastick

Some side effects of aminolevulinic acid topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles,” stinging, or tingling feelings
• darkening or lightening of the treated skin
• skin sore
• small, red, raised, itchy bumps
• swelling of the skin

Less common side effects

• cough
• fever
• headache
• oozing
• open sore on the skin
• pain
• pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• pus filled blister or pimple
• raw skin
• stuffy or runny nose
• tenderness
• tightness of the chest
• troubled breathing

For healthcare professionals

Applies to aminolevulinic acid topical: topical gel, topical solution.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were scaling/crusting, hypo-/hyper-pigmentation, and itching.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Scaling/Crusting (up to 71%), hypo-/hyper-pigmentation (up to 36%), erosion (up to 14%), itching (up to 25%), pruritus
• Common (1% to 10%): Wheal/flare, skin disorders NOS, ulceration, bleeding/hemorrhage, vesiculation, pustules, dysesthesia, scabbing, excoriation, oozing, skin tightness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pustular rash, dry skin, petechiae, hyperkeratosis^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Irritation, erythema, pain, edema, exfoliation, induration
• Common (1% to 10%): Pain, tenderness, ulceration
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Discharge, discoloration, ulcer, chills, feeling hot, pyrexia, wound secretion

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, paraesthesia, hyperalgesia^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Eyelid edema^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nervousness^[Ref]

Further information

Levulan Kerastick side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer