Aminolevulinic Acid

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to control a skin condition called actinic keratoses. It is used with light therapy.

How does it work?

• Aminolevulinic acid prepares the skin it is used on for light therapy. It makes the skin susceptible to the light.

How is it best taken?

• It will be put on the skin by your healthcare provider.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• The healthcare provider will put it on your skin every 8 weeks.
• Do not miss your appointments.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• You can burn after the medicine is used. Avoid exposure to the sun, bright indoor lights, or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing such as a wide brimmed hat. Sunscreens do not protect you.
• Do not use if you are taking medicines that increases the risk of sunburn. These medicines include griseofulvin, thiazide diuretics, sulfonamides, sulfonylureas, phenothiazines, tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones. Check your medicines with your healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Severe stinging, burning, scaling, itching, or crusting of the skin.
• Changes in the color of the skin where the medicine is used.

What should I monitor?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing, tightness in the chest, fever, itching, bad cough, blue skin color, fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat.
• Any rash.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine.

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