To help your patients feel more comfortable about undergoing THERAKOS™ Photopheresis, it is important to explain the basic procedure to them.
THERAKOS™ Photopheresis procedure will be performed in a treatment center.
Treatment will most likely happen in a lounge chair or hospital bed. The patient will remain connected to the instrument for the duration of the procedure. They will be able to read, watch television, or just relax until treatment is completed.
Although the time varies from patient to patient, the procedure usually takes about one and a half to 3 hours.
THERAKOS™ Photopheresis may be associated with minor discomfort. Generally few side effects are noted with therapy. Risks include a drop in blood pressure, fever, and worsening of skin redness, which usually resolve in 1 day.
Step 1
An intravenous (IV) line is inserted into the arm. A certain amount of blood is then withdrawn by the photopheresis instrument.
Step 2
The patient’s blood enters the photopheresis instrument, which separates the white blood cells from the other components of the blood. The white blood cells remain in the instrument.
Step 3
A medication, UVADEX® (methoxsalen) Sterile Solution, is added to the separated white blood cells.
Step 4
These white blood cells are exposed to ultraviolet-A light (UVA), which activates the medicine.
Step 5
The treated white blood cells are then returned to the patient’s body.
Specially designed for medical professionals to use in their practice.
Sherry's Experience
The Caregiver's Perspective
The Long Journey
About THERAKOS™ Photopheresis Treatment
How THERAKOS™ Photopheresis Works
See top Opinion Leaders address FAQs about THERAKOS™ Photopheresis
Indications
Methoxsalen Sterile Solution is indicated for extracorporeal administration with the THERAKOS™ UVAR XTS® or THERAKOS™ CELLEX® Photopheresis System in the palliative treatment of the skin manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) that is unresponsive to other forms of treatment.
Methoxsalen should be used only by physicians who have special training in the THERAKOS™ UVAR XTS® or THERAKOS™ CELLEX® Photopheresis Systems. Methoxsalen is contraindicated in patients exhibiting idiosyncratic reactions to psoralen compounds, patients with a specific history of a light sensitive disease, or patients with aphakia.
THERAKOS™ Photopheresis is not appropriate for patients who cannot tolerate extracorporeal volume loss or shifts, or patients with coagulation disorders. See Important Safety Information for additional details.
