What is Uvadex used for?
- Uvadex is used to treat a type of lymphoma that affects the skin.
Before taking Uvadex, tell your doctor:
- If you are allergic to Uvadex; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have any of these health problems: Squamous cell cancer or if you do not have a lens in your eye (aphakia).
- If you have ever had melanoma.
- If light bothers your skin easily or you have a health problem that may lead to light bothering your skin. There are many health problems that can do this. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Uvadex with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Uvadex?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take Uvadex. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- Have an eye exam as you have been told by your doctor.
- Do not sunbathe within 24 hours before taking Uvadex and the light therapy. Talk with your doctor.
- You will need to wear special sunglasses during and for 24 hours after treatment. Protect lips with lipstick that has sunscreen.
- Do not take Uvadex for longer than you were told by your doctor.
- Sun or UV rays may age the skin and raise the chance of skin cancer.
- You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun. Keep protecting yourself from sunburn for as long as you were told by your doctor.
- Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
- Blood clots have happened with Uvadex when used to treat graft-versus-host disease. This medicine is not approved to treat graft-versus-host disease. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.
- If you are 65 or older, use Uvadex with care. You could have more side effects.
- This medicine may cause harm to an unborn baby. Women must use birth control while taking Uvadex. If you get pregnant, call your doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
How is Uvadex best taken?
Use Uvadex as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- This medicine is used with a special system called a photophoresis system. This will be done by your doctor. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Call your doctor to find out what to do.
What are the side effects of Uvadex that I need to call my doctor about immediately?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Sunburn.
- Change in color or size of a mole.
- Low mood (depression).
- A skin lump or growth.
- Very bad dizziness or passing out.
- Swelling.
- Change in eyesight.
What are some other side effects of Uvadex?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Skin irritation.
- Itching.
- Redness.
- Upset stomach.
- Feeling nervous and excitable.
- Trouble sleeping.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If overdose is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Uvadex?
- If you need to store Uvadex at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
Consumer information use and disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Uvadex, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take Uvadex or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Uvadex. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.
