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 presented as a cream for topical use. It is authorized in the European Union for this indication and is supplied by prescription only. It is employed in the management of actinic keratosis affecting the face and scalp, primarily in adult patients with sun‑damage‑related skin lesions.

GNH India supplies Metvix as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, pharmacies and clinics worldwide, providing regulatory‑approved batches and supporting import documentation for global distribution.

Manufacturer / TM Owner

Galderma Nordic Ab

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Indications & Clinical Uses

Metvix (methyl aminolevulinate) is a topical photosensitizer used in the treatment of actinic keratosis, a precancerous skin condition caused by ultraviolet damage.

  • Actinic keratosis of the face: clears dysplastic lesions and reduces risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Actinic keratosis of the scalp: removes precancerous spots and improves skin appearance.
  • Field cancerization on sun‑exposed areas: treats multiple lesions within a defined treatment field.

How It Works

  • Methyl aminolevulinate is a prodrug that penetrates dysplastic skin cells and is metabolized to protoporphyrin IX. Upon illumination with visible light, protoporphyrin IX generates reactive oxygen species that cause selective cytotoxicity, destroying abnormal keratinocytes while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

  • Erythema: redness at the application site.
  • Edema: localized swelling.
  • Pain or burning sensation during illumination.
  • Crusting and desquamation as the treated area heals.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Severe photosensitivity reactions extending beyond the treated area.
  • Secondary infection of the treated skin.
  • Allergic contact dermatitis to the cream components.
  • Scarring or pigmentary changes.
  • Ocular damage if light exposure occurs to the eyes.

Precautions & Warnings

Metvix should be used only under medical supervision with appropriate patient selection.

  • Patient selection: prescribe for adults with confirmed actinic keratosis.
  • Sun exposure: avoid direct sunlight on treated area for the recommended post‑treatment period.
  • Eye protection: wear protective goggles during illumination to prevent ocular injury.
  • Pregnancy and lactation: safety not established; use only if benefit outweighs potential risk.
  • Storage: Store at room temperature below 25°C: keep in original packaging, protect from moisture and light.

Avoid Interactions

Methyl aminolevulinate may interact with other agents that affect photosensitivity.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Systemic photosensitizers (e.g., tetracyclines, retinoids): increase risk of severe phototoxic reactions.
  • Concurrent photodynamic therapy agents: may cause overlapping toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • Topical corticosteroids applied before illumination: may reduce efficacy.
  • Anticoagulants: monitor for bleeding if extensive skin injury occurs.
  • Immunosuppressants: may alter healing response and increase infection risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Metvix is a prescription‑only topical cream containing methyl aminolevulinate. It is used in photodynamic therapy to treat actinic keratosis lesions on the face and scalp, helping to remove precancerous skin changes and lower the risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma.

Methyl aminolevulinate penetrates abnormal skin cells and is converted intracellularly into protoporphyrin IX, a photosensitizer. When the area is exposed to a specific wavelength of visible light, protoporphyrin IX produces reactive oxygen species that selectively destroy dysplastic keratinocytes while sparing normal tissue.

The prescribed amount of Metvix is determined by the treating physician based on lesion size, location, and clinical judgment. The healthcare professional will decide the exact quantity of cream to apply and the illumination protocol for each patient.

Safety data for methyl aminolevulinate in pregnancy or lactation are limited. It should be used only if the potential benefit justifies any possible risk to the fetus or infant, and the decision must be made by a qualified healthcare provider.

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

Metvix offers a photodynamic therapy approach, which can treat multiple lesions in a single field and may provide better cosmetic outcomes compared with lesion‑destructive methods such as cryotherapy or topical 5‑fluorouracil. The choice depends on lesion characteristics, patient preference, and clinician experience.

Metvix should be stored at room temperature below 25 °C, in its original container, protected from moisture and direct light. Keep the product out of reach of children and avoid freezing the cream.

A thin layer of Metvix cream is applied to the cleaned, pre‑treated skin area by a healthcare professional. After a defined incubation period, the area is illuminated with a calibrated light source for a specific duration, completing the photodynamic therapy session.

Serious risks include severe photosensitivity reactions, secondary skin infection, allergic contact dermatitis, and rare ocular injury if proper eye protection is not used during illumination. Patients should be monitored closely for any unexpected adverse events.

Metvix is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to methyl aminolevulinate or any cream excipients, in individuals with active skin infections at the treatment site, and in those who cannot avoid light exposure during the required post‑treatment period.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

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