Now's the Time to Manage Your Damage
Levulan® Photodynamic Therapy (Levulan PDT) is an advanced
treatment for actinic keratoses (AKs), or rough-textured, dry, scaly patches on the skin that can lead to skin cancer. Levulan
PDT, a 2-part treatment course, is unique because it uses a light activated drug therapy to destroy AKs.
Levulan® Kerastick® Topical Solution is applied to the AK. The solution is then absorbed by the AK cells where it is converted to a chemical that makes the cells extremely sensitive to light. When the AK cells are exposed to the BLU-U® blue light illuminator, a reaction occurs which destroys the AK cells.
The short, 2-part treatment course is convenient and fits your lifestyle:
- Low downtime*
- No prescription to fill
- No daily medication to remember
- Excellent cosmetic response1
- No scarring reported to date
*Patients treated with Levulan PDT should avoid exposure of the photosensitized lesions to sunlight or prolonged or intense light for at least 40 hours.
1Data on file; DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.®
Pre-Cancer Therapy for Actinic Keratoses
What are actinic keratoses?
Actinic keratoses (AKs) are rough scaly patches of the skin, caused by excessive exposure to the sun that sometimes progress
into dangerous skin cancers. Doctors estimate that the second leading cause of skin cancer deaths in the United States, begin
as AKs. AKs sometimes become larger and thicker. Patients may notice increased redness, tenderness, itching, and burning.
Is there anything I can do to prevent AKs in the future?
Long-term exposure to the sun is the single
most significant cause of AKs, so the best defense against them is a comprehensive sun protection program.
What
is the Levulan PDT® System?
The Levulan® PDT system is an advanced 2-step treatment
for minimally to moderately thick AKs of the face or scalp.
How effective is it?
The Levulan®
PDT system has been proven effective in clinical testing. Eight weeks after treatment, it had cleared 100% or AKs in about
2/3 patients.
Are there any precautions I should take during the treatment?
Sunscreens will
not protect these treated areas. Stay out of the sunlight or bright indoor light, and wear light-protecting clothing such
as a wide-brimmed hat.
Frequently asked questions about the Levulan® Kerastick® PDT System
What should I do after the BLU-U® light treatment?
Be careful to avoid exposure to the sun
for a day
Avoid extremes of temperature and wind (if possible)
Avoid hot water or other potential irritants
