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During Treatment

What happens during a photopheresis treatment?

During treatment, blood is drawn through an intravenous (IV) line inserted in the arm or elsewhere in the body, and then separated by the photopheresis instrument. A small amount of your white blood cells is temporarily isolated, while your red blood cells and plasma are automatically returned to your bloodstream. The collected white blood cells are treated with a drug called UVADEX® (methoxsalen) and then exposed to ultraviolet-A (UVA) light, which activates the drug. The treated cells are then reinfused into your body.

The UVAR(r) XTS(tm) Instruments draw blood from the patient->Blood is separated by centrifugation and red blood cells are returned->Methoxsalen White blood cells are treated with methoxsalen and exposed to UVA light->Photoactivation with UVA light->The photoactivated white blood cells are returned to the patient

(1) A very small amount of the patient’s white blood cells (3% to 5%) is temporarily collected. (2) The rest of the blood is automatically returned to the bloodstream. (3) The collected white blood cells are treated with a drug and (4) exposed to UVA light, which activates the drug. (5) The treated cells are then reinfused into the body so that they can modulate an immune response.

Did You Know... Photopheresis is typically done on an outpatient basis. The procedure usually takes 3 to 4 hours, during which you can read, watch television, or simply relax.