Question

A client with psoriasis who is to begin PUVA therapy calls to verify when the ordered psoralen is to be taken. Which is the appropriate answer to be given? a. At bedtime, the night before treatment b. With breakfast, on the day of treatment c. One and a half to two hours before treatment d. Immediately following treatment

Short answer

Option c: One and a half to two hours before treatment.

Step-by-step solution

- Understanding the Medications

Identify what PUVA therapy and psoralen are. PUVA therapy is a type of ultraviolet light therapy used to treat psoriasis, which involves taking a drug called psoralen before exposure to UVA light.

- Analyze the Timing Options

Consider the different timings provided for taking psoralen: the night before, with breakfast, 1.5 to 2 hours before treatment, and immediately after treatment. It's important to understand how psoralen must be activated by exposure to UVA light for the therapy to be effective.

- Evaluate Each Option

Evaluate each option based on the need for psoralen to be in the system when UVA light therapy begins.- Option a: At bedtime, the night before treatment, might result in the drug not being active during the treatment.- Option b: With breakfast, on the day of treatment, could be too early or too close depending on the timing of the treatment.- Option c: One and a half to two hours before treatment ensures psoralen is active during the therapy.- Option d: Immediately following treatment does not align with the necessity of having psoralen active at the time of light exposure.

- Determine the Correct Option

Based on the evaluation, the correct option is the one ensuring psoralen is present in the system and active during the UVA exposure. Therefore, taking psoralen 1.5 to 2 hours before the therapy starts matches the requirement of the drug being active at the correct time.

Key concepts

psoralen administration timing

For PUVA therapy to be effective, it's crucial to time the administration of psoralen correctly. Psoralen needs to be in your system and active when you're exposed to UVA light.
The recommended timing for taking psoralen is typically 1.5 to 2 hours before your scheduled UV light treatment.
This ensures the medication is properly absorbed and active at the time of the UVA exposure. If taken too early, the drug might not be effective when needed. Conversely, taking it too late wouldn't give it sufficient time to work.
Always follow your healthcare provider's guidelines on timing to achieve the best treatment outcome.

UV light therapy

UV light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a common treatment for various skin conditions, including psoriasis. The specific type used in PUVA therapy is UVA light, which is used in conjunction with the drug psoralen.
Here's why UV light therapy is important:

• It helps to slow down the growth of skin cells in psoriasis.
• Reduces inflammation and clears up lesions.

During the therapy session, you will be exposed to UVA light either in a light box or using a handheld device, depending on the extent of your condition. The session duration and frequency will be tailored to your specific needs and monitored by your healthcare provider.

psoriasis treatment options

Psoriasis requires a multifaceted approach for effective management. PUVA therapy is just one of several treatment options available. Here are a few other common treatments for psoriasis:

• Topical treatments: These include creams and ointments applied directly to the skin, like corticosteroids and vitamin D analogues.
• Systemic treatments: Oral or injected medications that work throughout the body, such as methotrexate or biologics.
• Other light therapies: Apart from PUVA, other UV therapies like UVB phototherapy are also used.

The choice of treatment depends on the severity of your psoriasis and how you respond to initial treatments.
Your healthcare provider will assess and recommend the most appropriate option or a combination of treatments.

medication activation timeline

The activation timeline of medication like psoralen is essential for the success of PUVA therapy. For the drug to be effective, it must be absorbed and activated in your system when you are under UVA light.
Typically, psoralen is taken 1.5 to 2 hours before the UVA exposure. This timeframe allows the drug to reach optimal levels in your bloodstream, ensuring maximum efficacy during the light therapy session.
Missing this window may result in insufficient drug levels at the time of treatment, reducing its effectiveness. It's vital to adhere strictly to prescribed timing to ensure the success of the therapy.