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What is Levulan
Aminolevulinic acidThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryAminolevulinic acid is a drug used to treat actinic keratosis, a type of skin condition caused by too much sun exposure. It is made from two substances, succinyl-CoA and glycine, which are used in the formation of a compound called heme. It is used as a form of light therapy to help treat the condition.
Levulan Kerastickis the brand name
Levulan Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Levulan Kerastick
Aminolevulinic acid
2000
4
Effectiveness
How Levulan Affects PatientsAminolevulinic acid (ALA) is the first step in a process that makes heme, a molecule essential for healthy red blood cells. ALA does not directly make heme, but instead helps create protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), which is then converted into heme when iron is added to the molecule. Normally, the body controls how much ALA it makes, but when ALA is taken in, it can increase the amount of PpIX, which in turn increases the amount of heme.
How Levulan works in the bodyAminolevulinic acid (ALA) is applied to the skin and converted into a molecule called protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). When exposed to a special type of light, PpIX reacts and produces chemicals that damage nearby cells. This reaction is called photodynamic therapy (PDT) and is used to treat actinic (solar) keratosis.
When to interrupt dosage
The recommended measure of Levulan is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including Carcinoma, Face and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. The dosage fluctuates depending on the approach of delivery (e.g. Topical or Gel - Cutaneous) outlined in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Face
20.0 %, , 30.0 mg/mL, 0.078 mg/mg, 0.1 mg/mg, 200.0 mg/mL, 1500.0 mg, 354.0 mg/mL
, Topical, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Topical, Oral, Powder, for solution - Oral, Cutaneous, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, Gel - Topical, Solution - Topical
Scalp structure
20.0 %, , 30.0 mg/mL, 0.078 mg/mg, 0.1 mg/mg, 200.0 mg/mL, 1500.0 mg, 354.0 mg/mL
, Topical, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Topical, Oral, Powder, for solution - Oral, Cutaneous, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, Gel - Topical, Solution - Topical
Gliomas
20.0 %, , 30.0 mg/mL, 0.078 mg/mg, 0.1 mg/mg, 200.0 mg/mL, 1500.0 mg, 354.0 mg/mL
, Topical, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Topical, Oral, Powder, for solution - Oral, Cutaneous, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, Gel - Topical, Solution - Topical
Actinic Cheilitis
20.0 %, , 30.0 mg/mL, 0.078 mg/mg, 0.1 mg/mg, 200.0 mg/mL, 1500.0 mg, 354.0 mg/mL
, Topical, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Topical, Oral, Powder, for solution - Oral, Cutaneous, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, Gel - Topical, Solution - Topical
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
20.0 %, , 30.0 mg/mL, 0.078 mg/mg, 0.1 mg/mg, 200.0 mg/mL, 1500.0 mg, 354.0 mg/mL
, Topical, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Topical, Oral, Powder, for solution - Oral, Cutaneous, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, Gel - Topical, Solution - Topical
Tumor Visualization
20.0 %, , 30.0 mg/mL, 0.078 mg/mg, 0.1 mg/mg, 200.0 mg/mL, 1500.0 mg, 354.0 mg/mL
, Topical, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Topical, Oral, Powder, for solution - Oral, Cutaneous, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, Gel - Topical, Solution - Topical
Warnings
Levulan has four contraindications and should not be employed when presented with any of the conditions identified in the following table.Levulan ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Porphyria
Do Not Combine
cutaneous photosensitivity at wavelengths 400-450 nm
Do Not Combine
Photodermatoses
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Common Levulan Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Porfimer sodium
Minor
Aminolevulinic acid may increase the photosensitizing activities of Porfimer sodium.
Verteporfin
Minor
Aminolevulinic acid may increase the photosensitizing activities of Verteporfin.
Padeliporfin
Moderate
Aminolevulinic acid may increase the photosensitizing activities of Padeliporfin.
Levulan Toxicity & Overdose RiskThere have been no reports of overdosing on this solution.
Levulan Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Levulan?
53 ongoing trials are examining the possible applications of Levulan in treating Carcinoma, Scalp structure and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Face
0 Actively Recruiting
Actinic Cheilitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Scalp structure
0 Actively Recruiting
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
31 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Early Phase 1
Tumor Visualization
0 Actively Recruiting
Gliomas
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1
Levulan Reviews: What are patients saying about Levulan?
4.3Patient Review
2/1/2018 This treatment is way easier than the six-week ointments I've had to use in the past. I've been using this twice a year for three years now and, although I'm still getting basal cells on my face, I would never go back to the ointments. The discomfort isn't as extreme as others have reported. And living in darkness for two days due to photosensitivity is much more manageable than six weeks of hell with the ointments.
3.7Patient Review
12/11/2019 I am fair-skinned and have reddish blond hair. I found the treatment, as well as the following 24 hours, to be quite painful. The cold air during treatment did help a bit; though, when blowing it on my face/up my nose, I felt like I was being waterboarded. Despite this, the treatment is effective. For me personally, it just caused an extreme amount of pain and discomfort. Icepacks for the first day post-treatment really helped out a lot.
2Patient Review
3/19/2022 I've now had three treatments total, two of which were on my scalp, and I haven't seen any results. No redness, pain, swelling, or itching. I even went out in the sun (with a hat) after treatment and didn't have any negative reaction. At this point, I'm wondering if these medical groups are just trying to make money off of patients.
1Patient Review
1/25/2019 I did a lot of research before starting this treatment and was very hopeful. I even took a week off from work to make sure I didn't miss any early signs, but unfortunately there has been absolutely no improvement whatsoever.
1Patient Review
8/6/2018 I had two treatments on my face.
Patient Q&A Section about levulan
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.How long does it take to recover from blue light therapy?
"It typically takes two to six weeks to fully recover from PDT depending on the area of the body being treated."
Answered by AI
What does Levulan treat?
"LEVULAN Kerastick is a prescription medication that is used in conjunction with blue light therapy to treat actinic keratoses. Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly patches that form on the skin as a result of exposure to ultraviolet light."
Answered by AI
How long does photosensitivity last after Levulan?
"The length of time that the Levulan incubates as well as the amount of damage done by the sun will determine how severe the reaction to the treatment will be. It is not unusual to have a reaction that is similar to a sunburn and lasts for 5 to 7 days. Some swelling, peeling, crusting, and discomfort is also to be expected."
Answered by AI