levulan
Levulan (Aminolevulinic Acid Hydrochloride) is an optical imaging agent used to treat Actinic Keratosis.
Aminolevulinic Acid Hydrochloride · by Sun Pharm Inds Inc
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Aminolevulinic Acid Hydrochloride
- Drug class
- Optical Imaging Agent
- Form
- Kit
- Strength
- Aminolevulinic Acid Hydrochloride 20%
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- actinic keratosis
- Manufacturer
- Sun Pharm Inds Inc
- FDA application
- NDA020965
What is Levulan?
From the FDA label:LEVULAN KERASTICK (aminolevulinic acid HCl) for topical solution, 20%, a porphyrin precursor, contains the hydrochloride salt of aminolevulinic acid (ALA), an endogenous 5-carbon aminoketone. 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). The structural formula is represented below: The LEVULAN KERASTICK for topical solution applicator is a two-component system consisting of a plastic tube containing two sealed glass ampules and an applicator tip. One ampule contains 1.5 mL of solution vehicle comprising alcohol USP (ethanol content = 48% v/v), water, laureth-4, isopropyl alcohol, and polyethylene glycol. The other ampule contains 354 mg of aminolevulinic acid HCl as a dry solid. The applicator tube is enclosed in a protective cardboard sleeve and cap. The 20% topical solution is prepared just prior to the time of use by breaking the ampules and mixing the contents by shaking the LEVULAN KERASTICK applicator. “LEVULAN KERASTICK for topical solution” refers to the drug product in its unmixed state, “LEVULAN KERASTICK topical solution” refers to the mixed drug product (in the applicator tube or after application), and “LEVULAN KERASTICK”…
How to use
LEVULAN KERASTICK photodynamic therapy is a two-stage process for administration by a health care provider.( 2.1 ) Apply the drug product to the target lesions. ( 2.1 ) Illuminate with blue light using the BLU-U ® Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator after the incubation time of( 2.2 ): 14 to 18 hours for scalp or face 3 hours for upper extremities, with occlusion LEVULAN KERASTICK photodynamic therapy may be repeated a second time for lesions that have not completely resolved after 8 weeks ( 2.1 ) For topical use only. ( 2.1) See full prescribing information for complete dosage and administration instruction. ( 2 ) See BLU-U user manual for detailed lamp safety and operating instructions. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Preparation and Administration Overview After mixing, the LEVULAN KERASTICK topical solution 20% is intended for direct application to individual lesions diagnosed as actinic keratoses and not to perilesional skin. This product is not intended for application by patients or unqualified medical personnel. Application should involve lesions on the scalp, face or upper extremities; multiple lesions can be treated within a treatment region, but multiple treatment regions should not be treated simultaneously. The recommended treatment frequency is: one application of the LEVULAN KERASTICK topical solution and one dose of illumination per treatment region per 8-week treatment…
Side effects
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in the other sections of the labeling: Transient Amnestic Episodes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Increased Photosensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Irritation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Coagulation defects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] The most common local adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 10%) were erythema, edema, stinging/burning, scaling/crusting, itching, erosion, hypo/hyperpigmentation, oozing/vesiculation/crusting, scaling and dryness. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sun Dermatology at 877-533-3872 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rate observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In clinical trials, no non-cutaneous adverse events were found to be consistently associated with LEVULAN KERASTICK photodynamic therapy. Photodynamic Therapy Response: The constellation of transient local symptoms of stinging and/or burning, itching, erythema and edema as a result of LEVULAN KERASTICK photodynamic therapy (PDT) was observed in all clinical trials for actinic keratoses treatment. Stinging and/or…
Warnings
Important safety information
Transient amnestic episodes have been reported during postmarketing use of LEVULAN KERASTICK in combination with BLU-U Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator. Inform patients and their caregivers that LEVULAN KERASTICK in combination with PDT may cause transient amnestic episodes. Advise them to contact the healthcare provider if the patient develops amnesia after treatment. ( 5.1 ) Avoid exposure of the photosensitive actinic keratoses to sunlight or bright indoor light prior to blue light treatment. Protect treated lesions from sunlight exposure. Sunscreens will not protect the patient against photosensitivity reactions. ( 5.2 ) The LEVULAN KERASTICK for topical solution should be used by a qualified health professional. To avoid unintended photosensitivity, LEVULAN KERASTICK topical solution should be applied to no more than 5 mm of perilesional skin surrounding each target actinic keratosis lesion. ( 5.2 ) Irritation may be experienced if this product is applied to eyes or mucous membranes. Do not apply to the eyes or to mucous membranes. Excessive irritation may be experienced if this product is applied under occlusion longer than 3 hours. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Transient Amnestic Episodes Transient amnestic episodes have been reported during postmarketing use of LEVULAN KERASTICK in combination with BLU-U Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator. Inform patients and their caregivers that LEVULAN KERASTICK in combination with PDT may cause transient amnestic episodes. Advise them to contact the healthcare provider if the patient develops amnesia after treatment. 5.2 Photosensitivity After LEVULAN KERASTICK topical solution has been applied, the treatment site will become photosensitive and patients should avoid exposure of the photosensitive treatment sites to sunlight or bright indoor light (e.g., examination lamps, operating room lamps, tanning beds, or lights at close proximity) for 40 hours. Exposure may result in a stinging and/or burning sensation and may cause erythema and/or edema of the lesions. Therefore, before exposure to sunlight, patients should protect treated lesions from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat or similar head covering of light-opaque material, and/or a long-sleeved shirt and/or gloves. Sunscreens will not protect against photosensitivity reactions caused by visible light. It has not been determined if perspiration can spread the LEVULAN KERASTICK topical solution outside the treatment site to the eye or surrounding skin. Application of LEVULAN KERASTICK topical solution to perilesional areas of photodamaged skin of the face, scalp or upper extremities may result in photosensitization. Upon exposure to activating light from the BLU-U, such photosensitized skin may produce a stinging and/or burning sensation and may become erythematous and/or edematous in a manner similar to that of actinic keratoses treated with LEVULAN KERASTICK Photodynamic Therapy. Because of the potential for skin to become photosensitized, the LEVULAN KERASTICK topical solution should be used by a qualified health professional to apply drug to no more than 5mm of perilesional skin surrounding the target actinic keratosis lesions. If for any reason the patient cannot return for blue light treatment during the prescribed period after applying LEVULAN KERASTICK topical solution, the patient should call the doctor. The patient should also continue to avoid exposure of the photosensitized lesions to sunlight or prolonged or intense light for at least 40 hours. If stinging and/or burning is noted, exposure to light should be reduced. 5.3 Irritation The LEVULAN KERASTICK topical solution contains alcohol and is intended for topical use only. Irritation may be experienced if this product is applied to eyes or mucous membranes. Do not apply to the eyes or to mucous membranes. Excessive irritation may be experienced if this product is applied under occlusion longer than 3 hours. 5.4 Coagulation Defects The LEVULAN KERASTICK for topical solution has not been tested on patients with inherited or acquired coagulation defects.
Who should not take Levulan
The LEVULAN KERASTICK for topical solution plus blue light illumination using the BLU-U Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator is contraindicated in patients with: Cutaneous photosensitivity at wavelengths of 400-450 nm [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Porphyria or known allergies to porphyrins [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Known sensitivity to any of the components of the LEVULAN KERASTICK. Cutaneous photosensitivity at wavelengths of 400-450 nm. ( 4 ) Porphyria or known allergies to porphyrins. ( 4 ) Sensitivity to any of the components of the LEVULAN KERASTICK. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Topical Solution Overdose In the event that the drug is ingested, monitoring and supportive care are recommended. The patient should be advised to avoid incidental exposure to intense light sources for at least 40 hours after ingestion. The consequences of exceeding the recommended topical dosage are unknown. 10.2 BLU-U Light Overdose There is no information on overdose of blue light from the BLU-U Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator following LEVULAN KERASTICK topical solution application.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
There have been no formal studies of the interaction of LEVULAN KERASTICK topical solution with any other drugs, and no drug-specific interactions were noted during any of the controlled clinical trials. It is, however, possible that concomitant use of other known photosensitizing agents such as St. John’s wort, griseofulvin, thiazide diuretics, sulfonylureas, phenothiazines, sulfonamides and tetracyclines might increase the photosensitivity reaction of actinic keratoses treated with LEVULAN KERASTICK topical solution [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Concomitant use of other known photosensitizing agents such as St. John’s wort, griseofulvin, thiazide diuretics, sulfonylureas, phenothiazines, sulfonamides and tetracyclines might increase the photosensitivity reaction. ( 7 )
Drug class
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
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Dosage forms
Kit
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Levulan treat?
- Levulan (Aminolevulinic Acid Hydrochloride) may be used to treat actinic keratosis, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Levulan?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Levulan. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Levulan?
- Levulan is marketed by Sun Pharm Inds Inc. You can see Sun Pharm Inds Inc's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Levulan a brand-name or generic drug?
- Levulan is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Aminolevulinic Acid Hydrochloride.
- Is Levulan available over the counter?
- No. Levulan is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Levulan come in?
- Levulan is currently marketed as kit, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Levulan?
- Levulan is classified as optical imaging agent, porphyrin precursor, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Levulan FDA-registered?
- Levulan is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA020965. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Levulan safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Levulan. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Levulan?
- Levulan's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in the other sections of the labeling: Transient Amnestic Episodes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Increased Photosensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Irritation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Coagulation defec… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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