What Is Involved?

Aminolevulinic acid (Levulan^® Kerastick) is a cream that is applied topically (directly to the skin) on the face or scalp to treat actinic keratosis lesions. Unlike porfimer sodium, it does not reach other parts of the body. Therefore, the lesions are sensitive to light but the rest of the body is not.

About 14 to 18 hours after the drug is applied (usually the next day), your doctor will expose the area being treated to a blue light source for about 15 minutes. During the light therapy you and the doctor will wear protective eyewear such as goggles. You may feel stinging or burning once the area is exposed to the blue light, which should go away within a day. The lesion may scale and crust for a few days before healing. If a lesion does not completely go away after treatment, the area can be retreated 8 weeks after the first application.

Who Should Not Get Treated With Aminolevulinic Acid?

Aminolevulinic acid is not recommended for those with:

• a disease of the blood called acute intermittent porphyria
• an allergy to porphyrins
• skin sensitivity to blue light

Possible Side Effects

Photosensitivity reactions: These can occur at the site on the skin where the drug is applied and usually involve reddening and a tingling or burning sensation. For about 2 days after the photosensitizing agent is used, you should take care to keep the face and scalp area from being exposed to light by

• staying out of strong, direct light
• staying indoors as much as possible
• when outdoors, wearing protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats to avoid sunlight
• avoiding beaches, snow, or surfaces where strong light may be reflected

Sunscreen will not protect the skin from photosensitivity.

Skin changes: The skin being treated will likely turn red and may swell after treatment. This usually reaches a peak about a day after treatment, gets better within a week, and should be gone by 4 weeks after treatment. The skin may also be itchy or change color after treatment.

Revised: 03/20/2007