Only a qualified doctor or other healthcare professional should apply aminolevulinic acid. Aminolevulinic acid is not intended for application by the patient. Sunscreens will not protect you. If you experience stinging or burning of the treated skin, reduce your exposure to light. It has not been determined if perspiration can spread aminolevulinic acid outside the treatment site to the eyes or surrounding skin.
Aminolevulinic acid causes skin cells to become much more sensitive to certain types of light.
Skin cells treated with aminolevulinic acid and exposed to a special light die and then slough off. Treatment involves application of aminolevulinic acid, followed 14 to 18 hours later by exposure to a special blue light. Aminolevulinic acid may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. You may not be able to use aminolevulinic acid, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment. This means that it is not known whether aminolevulinic acid will harm an unborn baby.