Levulan/PDT
"Its been a miracle"
Photo dynamic Therapy clears the skin.
Photo dynamic Therapy using the BLU-U® Blue Light Photo dynamic Therapy Illuminator is an advanced 2-step treatment for rough, red, sun spots. The system is unique because it uses a light activated drug therapy to destroy the "sun warts". This system consists of treatment with Levulan Topical Solution and the BLU-U "laser."
How does photodynamic therapy work?
When Levulan Topical Solution is applied to the skin, the solution is absorbed by the sun damaged cells where it is converted to a chemical that makes the cells extremely sensitive to light. When the sun damaged cells are exposed to the BLU-U, this light causes reactions which destroys the sun damaged cells.
Step 1: Application of the Levulan Topical Solution
The first step in the Levulan PDT System is the application of the LevulanTopical Solution, to the individual rough spots on your face or scalp by your dermatologist or other health care professional. This solution is an acid that occurs naturally in your body. It makes the AKs (sun spot) more sensitive to light. This application prepares the AKs for step 2 in the Levulan PDT treatment. Once the Levulan Topical Solution is applied to the AKs, your doctor will direct you to wait the recommended time in order to allow the solution to penetrate the target cells we mentioned earlieryour doctor will direct you to wait the recommended time in order to allow the solution to penetrate the target cells we mentioned earlier.
Step 2: BLU-U Treatment
Step 2: BLU-U Treatment
After your incubation period, you will receive a blue light treatment, which is the second and the final step in the treatment. The BLU-U treatment time is 4 - 16 minutes.
Important Safety Information
What is Levulan used for?
The Levulan Topical Solution plus blue light illumination using the BLU-U Blue Light Photo dynamic Therapy Illuminator is indicated for the treatment of minimally to moderately thick actinic keratoses (sun spots).
Who should NOT take Levulan?
Levulan should not be taken by patients who have cutaneous photo sensitivity at wavelengths at 400-450 nm, porphyria, or known allergies to porphyrins.
Levulan has not been tested on patients with inherited or acquired coagulation defects. There have been no formal studies of the interaction of Levulan Kerastick for Topical Solution with any other drugs and no drug-specific interactions were noted during any of the controlled clinical trials. It is possible that concomitant use of other known photosensitizing agents might increase the photosensitivity reaction of actinic keratoses treated with the Levulan Kerastick. It is important to tell your physician if you are taking any oral medications or using any topical prescription or non-prescription products on your face or scalp. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
What are the possible side effects?
The most common side effects includes scaling/crusting, temporary brown scales, itching, stinging, and/or burning, redness, and edema. Severe stinging and/or burning at one or more lesions being treated was reported by at least 10% of patients at some time during the treatment.
What precautions should be taken?
Patients should avoid sunlight or bright indoor light for 48 hours after blue light treatment. Exposure may result in stinging and/or burning sensations and may cause redness or swelling of the lesions. Sunscreens will only partially protect against photo sensitivity reactions caused by visible light. We recommend Blue Lizard and Anthelios sunscreens.
