Why is this medication prescribed?  

Aminolevulinic acid is used in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT; special blue light) to treat actinic keratoses (small crusty or scaly bumps or horns on or under the skin that result from exposure to sunlight and can develop into skin cancer) of the face or scalp. Aminolevulinic acid is in a class of medications called photosensitizing agents. When aminolevulinic acid is activated by light, it damages the cells of actinic keratosis lesions.

How should this medicine be used?  

Aminolevulinic acid comes in a special applicator to be made into a solution and applied to the affected skin area by a doctor. You must return to the doctor 14 to 18 hours after aminolevulinic acid application to be treated by blue light PDT. For example, if you have aminolevulinic acid applied in the late afternoon, you will need to have the blue light treatment the next morning. You will be given special goggles to protect your eyes during blue light treatment.

Do not put a dressing or bandage on the area treated with aminolevulinic acid. Keep the treated area dry until you go back to the doctor for blue light treatment.

Your doctor will examine you 8 weeks after aminolevulinic acid and PDT treatment to decide whether you need retreatment of the same skin area.

Other uses for this medicine  

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In case of emergency/overdose  

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911. Protect skin from sunlight or other strong light for at least 40 hours.

What other information should I know?  

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

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