Aminolevulinic acid

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Aminolevulinic acid is used to help doctors see your tumor(s) more clearly during surgery. Aminolevulinic acid is in a class of medications called optical imaging agents. It works by making tumor tissue appear as a red color when seen with a special microscope during surgery.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Aminolevulinic acid comes as liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken one time, about 3 hours (range of 2 to 4 hours) before the beginning of your surgery.

Take aminolevulinic acid exactly as directed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Do not take more or less of it than prescribed by your doctor.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before taking aminolevulinic acid,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug, or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
• you should know that some medications should not be taken 24 hours before or after receiving aminolevulinic acid. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before taking aminolevulinic acid with your doctor and pharmacist. Before taking aminolevulinic acid, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
• you should know that the following nonprescription or herbal product may interact with aminolevulinic acid: St John's wort. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking this medication. You should not take it 24 hours before you receive aminolevulinic acid and for 24 hours afterwards.
• tell your doctor if you have porphyria. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take aminolevulinic acid.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
• you should know to plan to avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight and room lights for 48 hours after you receive aminolevulinic acid. Aminolevulinic acid may make your skin very sensitive to room lights and sunlight. Use only very low room lights during this time. Wear protective clothing to completely cover your body when you leave the hospital.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• sunburn-like reaction, redness, swelling, burning or stinging
• rash; hives; swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing

Aminolevulinic acid may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about aminolevulinic acid.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2024. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: March 15, 2025.