Monobenzone, Topical

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: psoralen

Generic and brand names: monobenzone, topical; Benoquin Cream

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is applied to the skin to treat vitiligo (a disease that turns patches of skin smooth and white).

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Tell your healthcare provider if you have:

• an allergy to this medicine or to sunlight
• skin cancer or any other skin disease

Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get this medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use it on skin with cuts or scrapes. If you get medicine on these areas, rinse the area right away.

Rub a thin layer of cream on the pigmented skin 2 or 3 times a day as directed by your healthcare provider. After 1 to 4 months, you will decrease how often you use the medicine. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Follow your provider's instructions exactly. If you do not understand any part of this treatment, ask your healthcare provider to explain.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

This is a very powerful medicine. Serious skin damage can result if this medicine is not used properly, or if you are overexposed to ultraviolet light, including sunlight. Be careful not to get the medicine on normal skin, as it may cause permanent bleaching of the skin.

Avoid exposure to the sun, even on a cloudy day or through windows, for at least 24 hours before and after treatment. If you cannot avoid sun exposure, wear protective clothing, such as a hat and gloves, and sunscreen lotion of at least SPF 15 on all exposed skin, including your lips. Sunscreen should not be used on areas of your skin that are to be treated. Do not use a sunlamp or tanning beds or booths.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious: Report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe burns, severe blistering and peeling of the skin, swelling in your feet and legs, vision problems.

Other: Minor blistering or irritation of the skin.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking or using:

• products that may irritate the skin such as peeling or abrasive products, waxing or hair removal products, strong or abrasive soaps, products containing alcohol, astringents, products having a strong drying effect, medicated cosmetics, and acne medicines

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

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Published by RelayHealth.
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