8-MOP Description

If you have severe psoriasis and nothing has helped to reduce the red, scaly patches of skin, ask your doctor about 8-MOP which is taken orally before undergoing UVA light treatments. Only a small part of the UV light spectrum is utilized so there may be less carcinogenic effects while still being beneficial to reduce your psoriasis. Generic Methoxsalen is a naturally occurring photoactive material found in the seeds of the Ammi Majus plant and in the roots of Heracleum Candicans. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Almost every aspect of your life can be affected if you have severe, disabling psoriasis. Your work, school, or social life can be a nightmare as you try and cover-up the plaques that cover your body as a result of an over-production of skin cells.

How 8-MOP Works on Your Skin Cell Cycle

When taken as directed and accompanied by UVA light therapy, 8-MOP is thought to damage DNA in a way that causes a decrease in cell production which reduces the affected areas of psoriasis. There is no cure for psoriasis, but 8-MOP can be part of an effective treatment plan to help you enjoy socializing without embarrassment.

Conditions Treated by 8-MOP

Psoriasis is a genetically programmed inflammatory disease characterized by skin cells that multiply as much as ten times faster than usual. Normally, there is a balance of sloughing off old skin cells as the new skin cells are produced and surface; a process that occurs every 28-30 days. For those with psoriasis, skin cells have ramped up their reproduction to every 3-6 days while the old cells have not flaked off as yet. They will bunch up on the skin’s surface and cause the raised bumps or patches that are red, scaly, and itchy.

8-MOP has also shown to be efficient at decreasing signs of vitiligo, a skin condition that destroys the pigment cells of your skin called melanocytes. This results in patches of white skin on one or more areas. Vitiligo tends to run in families and there is little known about what may cause it. If you already have an autoimmune disease that causes your own immune system to attack other tissues or organs, you may have an increased risk of getting vitiligo. All races and both sexes can be affected by vitiligo, but the darker your skin-the more noticeable this condition will be.

Before Being Prescribed 8-MOP

Ask your doctor about the safety of taking 8-MOP or generic Methoxsalen if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies you have and list any OTC or Rx drugs you take, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements, so your doctor can determine if 8-MOP is right for you.

8-MOP Precautions

8-MOP is best taken with food or milk two to four hours before the UVA light treatment as food helps increase the absorption rate of this medication and reduce the risk of nausea. Avoid sun exposure for 24 hours before taking 8-MOP and UVA light treatment. To prevent sunburn, stay completely out of sunlight for a minimum of eight hours after taking 8-MOP. Be certain that you understand all instructions for taking 8-MOP or talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns.

Possible Side Effects of 8-MOP

• Nausea
• Sleep problems
• Itchy skin

Drugs Similar to 8-MOP

• Coal Tar
• Soriatane
• Dovonex Scalp Solution