GNH USA

Europe — EMA

Metvix

GNH USA supplies Metvix (Methyl aminolevulinate), a photosensitizer for actinic keratosis and superficial basal cell carcinoma. Request a quote for supply.

Methyl Aminolevulinate

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What is Methyl Aminolevulinate?

Methyl aminolevulinate, the active ingredient in Metvix, is a photosensitizer presented as a 16% w/w cream for topical use. It treats actinic keratosis and superficial basal cell carcinoma through photodynamic therapy, selectively destroying abnormal skin cells while sparing surrounding tissue.

GNH USA supplies Metvix as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, pharmacies and clinics worldwide. The company adheres to stringent quality standards and provides regulatory‑approved batches to meet global demand. Customers benefit from reliable logistics, comprehensive documentation, and responsive technical support throughout the procurement process.

What is Methyl Aminolevulinate used for?

Metvix is a topical photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy for precancerous and early skin cancers. - Actinic keratosis: clears precancerous lesions by inducing selective cytotoxicity after red‑light activation, reducing progression to squamous cell carcinoma. - Superficial basal cell carcinoma: eradicates superficial skin cancer cells through targeted photodynamic treatment, offering a non‑surgical alternative for eligible lesions. - Photodynamic therapy of skin lesions: enables controlled destruction of abnormal skin tissue while preserving healthy surrounding skin, suitable for various dysplastic lesions.

What are the side effects of Methyl Aminolevulinate?

The most frequently reported reactions to Metvix are related to local skin response and illumination. Common Side Effects: - Erythema: redness at the application site. - Edema: swelling of the treated area. - Pain or burning sensation during or after illumination. - Crusting or scaling of the skin. - Itching or pruritus. - Hyperemia. Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Severe photosensitivity reactions extending beyond the treated field. - Infection of the treated area requiring medical intervention. - Allergic contact dermatitis. - Persistent ulceration or scarring. - Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. - Systemic phototoxicity in rare cases.

What precautions apply to Methyl Aminolevulinate?

Before using Metvix, healthcare professionals should consider several safety measures to minimize adverse outcomes. - Light exposure: avoid direct sunlight or strong artificial light on treated area for at least 48 hours after illumination. - Application area: limit use to diagnosed lesions and follow prescribed treatment field dimensions. - Patient selection: exercise caution in immunocompromised patients or those with extensive skin disease. - Pregnancy and lactation: safety not established; avoid use unless benefit outweighs potential risk. - Concomitant photosensitizing agents: review patient medications and discontinue or adjust as appropriate. - Store at below 25°C: keep the cream in the original container, protect from moisture and light.

What does Methyl Aminolevulinate interact with?

Metvix may interact with other agents that influence photosensitivity or skin healing. Major Interactions (Avoid): - Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline): increase risk of severe photosensitivity. - Oral retinoids (e.g., isotretinoin): enhance skin irritation and phototoxic response. - Phenothiazine antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine): potentiate photosensitivity. - Amiodarone: may cause exaggerated phototoxic reactions. - St. John’s wort: can increase photosensitivity. Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Topical corticosteroids: may reduce efficacy of photodynamic treatment if applied immediately after therapy. - Systemic chemotherapy agents: may impair wound healing and increase risk of infection at treatment sites.

Frequently asked questions

What conditions is Metvix used to treat?+
Metvix is indicated for the treatment of actinic keratosis, superficial basal cell carcinoma, and for use in photodynamic therapy of various skin lesions. It is applied topically and activated by red light to selectively destroy abnormal skin cells.
How does methyl aminolevulinate work in photodynamic therapy?+
Methyl aminolevulinate is a prodrug that is taken up by skin cells and converted into protoporphyrin IX, a photosensitizer. When the treated area is illuminated with red light, protoporphyrin IX generates reactive oxygen species that cause oxidative damage and selective death of the targeted abnormal cells.
What determines the dose of Metvix?+
The amount of Metvix applied and the illumination parameters are determined by the prescribing clinician based on lesion type, size, and treatment protocol. No fixed dosing regimen is provided; the prescriber tailors therapy to each patient’s clinical situation.
Is Metvix safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?+
The safety of Metvix in pregnancy and lactation has not been established. It is generally recommended to avoid use unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus or infant, and the decision should be made by a qualified healthcare professional.
How do I order Metvix from GNH USA?+
To order Metvix, submit an enquiry on the product page at gnh-usa.com specifying the required quantity. GNH USA supplies hospitals, pharmacies and procurement teams worldwide, verifies trade or institutional credentials, and then provides pricing, availability, shipping details and any required import documentation.
How does Metvix compare with other photodynamic agents such as aminolevulinic acid?+
Both methyl aminolevulinate (Metvix) and aminolevulinic acid are prodrugs that generate protoporphyrin IX for photodynamic therapy. Methyl aminolevulinate generally penetrates the skin more efficiently, allowing shorter incubation times and potentially higher lesion clearance rates, while aminolevulinic acid may require longer application periods.
What are the recommended storage conditions for Metvix?+
Metvix should be stored at temperatures below 25 °C. Keep the cream in its original container, protect it from moisture and light, and avoid freezing. Ensure the packaging remains sealed until use.
How is Metvix applied and administered?+
Metvix is applied as a thin layer of the 16 % cream to the pre‑identified skin lesion(s) by a qualified healthcare professional. After a prescribed incubation period, the area is illuminated with red light of a specific wavelength to activate the photosensitizer.
What are the most serious risks associated with Metvix?+
Serious risks include severe photosensitivity reactions that may affect surrounding healthy skin, infection of the treated area, allergic contact dermatitis, persistent ulceration or scarring, and, in rare cases, systemic phototoxicity. Patients should be monitored closely for these events.
Who should not use Metvix?+
Metvix should be avoided in patients with known hypersensitivity to methyl aminolevulinate or any component of the formulation, in individuals with extensive uncontrolled skin disease, and in those for whom safe illumination cannot be guaranteed. Caution is also advised for immunocompromised patients.
Information provided on this page is for educational use by procurement and clinical professionals. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for medical advice and prescribing decisions. GNH USA supplies this product subject to applicable regulatory and licensing requirements.

Product details

Drug
Methyl Aminolevulinate
Route
Cutaneous Use
Manufacturer
Galderma Nordic Ab
Origin
EU

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