Levulan
Glioma, Actinic cheilitis, Squamous Cell Carcinoma + 3 more
Treatment
20 Active Studies for Levulan
Treatment for
Glioma
What is Levulan
Aminolevulinic acid
The Generic name of this drug
Treatment Summary
Aminolevulinic 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 Kerastick
is 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 Patients
Aminolevulinic 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 body
Aminolevulinic 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
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, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, 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, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, Cutaneous, Gel - Topical, Solution - Topical
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, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, 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, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, Cutaneous, Gel - Topical, Solution - Topical
Glioma
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, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, 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, Gel, Gel - Cutaneous, 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 Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Porphyrias
Do Not Combine
cutaneous photosensitivity at wavelengths 400-450 nm
Do Not Combine
Photosensitivity Disorders
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
There are 3 known major drug interactions with Levulan.
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 Risk
There 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
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
32 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1
Face
0 Actively Recruiting
Actinic cheilitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Scalp structure
0 Actively Recruiting
Tumor Visualization
0 Actively Recruiting
Glioma
0 Actively Recruiting
Levulan Reviews: What are patients saying about Levulan?
4.3
Patient Review
2/1/2018
Levulan for Skin Lesions that are Not Thick due to Sun Exposure
3.7
Patient Review
12/11/2019
Levulan for Skin Lesions that are Not Thick due to Sun Exposure
2
Patient Review
3/19/2022
Levulan for Red Patches from Sun Exposure on the Face or Scalp
1
Patient Review
1/25/2019
Levulan for Red Patches from Sun Exposure on the Face or Scalp
1
Patient Review
8/6/2018
Levulan for Red Patches from Sun Exposure on the Face or Scalp
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