Product image of Metvix (Methyl Aminolevulinate) supplied by GNH India

Metvix

Active Ingredient:
Methyl Aminolevulinate
Origin:
EU

Metvix (Methyl Aminolevulinate)

Methyl Aminolevulinate, the active ingredient in Metvix, is a photosensitizer (photodynamic therapy agent) formulated as a 160 mg/g cream for topical application. It is prescribed for the treatment of actinic keratosis on the face and scalp in adult patients, primarily in the EU market.

GNH India supplies Metvix as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, pharmacies, clinics and research institutions worldwide, providing regulated bulk and unit‑dose shipments under appropriate import and quality‑assurance protocols and to meet local regulatory requirements.

Manufacturer / TM Owner

Galderma International

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Indications & Clinical Uses

Metvix is used in dermatology for the photodynamic treatment of precancerous skin lesions.

  • Actinic keratosis of the face: clears visible lesions and reduces the risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Actinic keratosis of the scalp: achieves selective destruction of dysplastic cells, improving skin appearance.
  • Field cancerization on sun‑exposed areas: treats multiple subclinical lesions within a treated field, providing broader skin protection.

How It Works

  • Methyl Aminolevulinate penetrates epidermal cells and is converted by the heme biosynthetic pathway into protoporphyrin IX, a potent photosensitizer. After topical application, the area is illuminated with red light (approximately 635 nm), activating protoporphyrin IX to generate reactive oxygen species that selectively damage dysplastic keratinocytes while sparing normal tissue.

Side Effects

Metvix may cause local and systemic adverse reactions, most of which are related to the photodynamic process.

Common Side Effects

  • Application site erythema: redness at the treated area.
  • Pain or burning sensation: discomfort during or after illumination.
  • Edema: swelling of the treated skin.
  • Crusting or scaling: formation of crusts as lesions heal.
  • Skin discoloration: temporary hyperpigmentation at the treatment site.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Severe photosensitivity reaction: extensive skin inflammation beyond the treated area.
  • Infection of treated sites: bacterial colonisation requiring medical attention.
  • Hypersensitivity: systemic allergic response such as urticaria or angioedema.
  • Persistent ulceration: non‑healing wound requiring medical intervention.

Precautions & Warnings

Before using Metvix, clinicians should consider several safety and handling precautions.

  • Patient selection: limit use to adults with diagnosed actinic keratosis of the face or scalp.
  • Sun exposure: avoid direct sunlight on the treated area for at least 48 hours after illumination.
  • Light protection: advise patients to wear protective clothing and sunglasses during and after treatment.
  • Concomitant photosensitizers: discontinue other photosensitizing drugs (e.g., tetracyclines) before therapy.
  • Pregnancy and lactation: avoid use as safety data are lacking.
  • Store at room temperature: keep below 25 °C, in the original container, protected from light and moisture.

Avoid Interactions

Metvix can interact with other agents that affect photosensitivity or heme synthesis.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Tetracycline antibiotics: increase photosensitivity and may exacerbate skin reactions.
  • Retinoids (e.g., isotretinoin): enhance cutaneous sensitivity to light.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): may modestly increase photosensitivity.
  • Antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole): potential additive irritation at the application site.
  • Herbal supplements (e.g., St. John’s wort): may affect the phototoxic response and should be reviewed before treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Metvix is a prescription topical cream containing methyl aminolevulinate that is used in dermatology to treat actinic keratosis of the face and scalp. It works through photodynamic therapy to selectively destroy precancerous skin cells.

Methyl aminolevulinate is a prodrug that is taken up by skin cells and converted into protoporphyrin IX, a photosensitizer. When the treated area is exposed to red light, the photosensitizer generates reactive oxygen species that damage dysplastic keratinocytes while sparing normal tissue.

The prescribed dose of Metvix is determined by the treating physician based on the extent and location of the actinic keratosis. The clinician decides the amount of cream to apply, the incubation time before illumination, and the light dose required for each patient.

Safety data for methyl aminolevulinate in pregnancy and lactation are limited, and the product is classified as having an unknown pregnancy category. Therefore, Metvix should be avoided in pregnant or breastfeeding women unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.

To order Metvix, submit an enquiry on the product page at gnhindia.com, specifying the required quantity. GNH India supplies hospitals, pharmacies and procurement teams worldwide, verifies trade or institutional credentials, and then provides pricing, availability, shipping details and any required import documentation.

Metvix offers a photodynamic approach that selectively targets dysplastic cells, whereas alternative treatments such as topical 5‑fluorouracil or imiquimod rely on cytotoxic or immune‑modulating mechanisms. Photodynamic therapy can treat larger field areas with fewer systemic side effects, but it requires a light‑activation step.

Metvix should be stored at room temperature, below 25 °C, in its original container. The product must be kept away from direct light and moisture to maintain stability and potency throughout its shelf life.

Metvix is applied topically to the affected skin area as a thin layer of cream. After a prescribed incubation period, the area is illuminated with a specific wavelength of red light. The entire procedure is performed under medical supervision in a clinical setting.

The most serious risks include severe photosensitivity reactions that can cause extensive skin inflammation, infection of treated sites, and rare systemic hypersensitivity such as urticaria or angioedema. Patients should be monitored closely for any signs of these adverse events.

Metvix should not be used in individuals who are under 18 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or patients with known hypersensitivity to methyl aminolevulinate or any component of the formulation. It is also contraindicated in patients who cannot avoid light exposure after treatment.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

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