What is aminolevulinic acid HCL for topical administration?

Aminolevulinic acid is used to treat actinic keratosis (warty overgrowths of skin) on the face and scalp. This medicine is used together with a special light treatment, also called photodynamic therapy. Aminolevulinic acid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is aminolevulinic acid used for?

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.

How do I apply to ameluz?

Application Of AMELUZ Use glove protected fingertips or a spatula to apply AMELUZ. Apply gel approximately 1 mm thick and include approximately 5 mm of the surrounding skin. Use sufficient amount of gel to cover the single lesions or if multiple lesions, the entire area.

How do you apply Levulan Kerastick?

Application Of LEVULAN KERASTICK Topical Solution Apply the solution directly to the target lesions by dabbing gently with the wet applicator tip. Enough solution should be applied to uniformly wet the lesion surface, including the edges without excess running or dripping.

What is levulan kerastick used for?

Levulan Kerastick (aminolevulinic acid HCl) is a photosensitizing agent used to treat warty overgrowths of skin (actinic keratoses) on sun-exposed areas of the face and scalp.

How much does Levulan treatment cost?

The cost for Levulan Kerastick topical solution 20% is around $412 for a supply of 1 solution, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans.

How much does ameluz cost?

The cost for Ameluz topical gel 10% is around $338 for a supply of 2 grams, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans.

Is Levulan Kerastick covered by insurance?

The cost for Levulan Kerastick topical solution 20% is around $412 for a supply of 1 solution, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans. Levulan Kerastick is available as a brand name drug only, a generic version is not yet available.

Does PDT help with wrinkles?

With PDT the overall cosmetic improvements in the skin will delight you. PDT improves the entire facial area creating a more even color, texture and tone rather than just spot treating with traditional therapies. In addition fine lines and wrinkles are decreased.

How painful is PDT?

During PDT, pain often manifests as a burning, stinging or prickling sensation and usually peaks in the first minutes of treatment and declines significantly after eight hours 18. Complete pain control during PDT remains a major challenge. The pain mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated.

Can you use ameluz with blue light?

Photodynamic Therapy is a treatment that uses a special photosensitizing medication, Ameluz®, in conjunction with the Blu-U (blue light) to activate it. This process of activating Ameluz® with light is called Photodynamic Therapy.

Does Medicare pay for removal of actinic keratosis?

Because some actinic keratoses turn into skin cancer, Medicare covers their surgical removal. It also covers a range of treatment methods, including: cryosurgery, which is the application of liquid nitrogen to destroy the lesions.

How is aminolevulinic acid used in the skin?

Aminolevulinic Acid Topical. 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.

What is the chemical name of aminolevulinic acid HCl?

Aminolevulinic acid HCl (ALA HCl) is a white to off-white, odorless crystalline solid that is very soluble in water, slightly soluble in methanol and ethanol, and practically insoluble in chloroform, hexane and mineral oil. The chemical name for ALA HCl is 5-amino-4-oxopentanoic acid hydrochloride (MW = 167.59).

How much aminolevulinic acid is in Levulan kerastick?

A table may be used to support the upper extremities during light treatment. For topical solution: 354 mg of aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride as a powder in a plastic applicator device. Upon mixture, Levulan Kerastick is a topical solution containing 20% aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride (ALA HCl) by weight.

Are there any side effects to taking aminolevulinic acid?

Aminolevulinic acid may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication. In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help.