Common Questions

How often will I have photopheresis?

Is photopheresis safe?

Do I have to spend the night in the hospital?

How long does the procedure take?

Is the procedure painful?

Does the procedure have any side effects?

How often will I have photopheresis?

Your doctor will tailor a treatment schedule to fit your condition and unique needs. The minimum recommendation for new patients is two consecutive days, once a month, for about six months. Depending on your response, your physician may increase or decrease how frequently you receive treatment.

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Is photopheresis safe?

While there are always some risks associated with any medical treatment, THERAKOS photopheresis is approved for patient use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). THERAKOS has taken numerous steps to ensure the safety of this treatment:

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Do I have to spend the night in the hospital?

No. Most people receive photopheresis as an outpatient procedure. They are admitted to the hospital for several hours and receive the treatment in a lounge chair or hospital bed. While undergoing the procedure, they are able to read or watch television. Once the treatment concludes, they are able to go home. However, each patient is different, and in some cases treatment may require an overnight stay in the hospital. Talk with your doctor about your options; he or she will recommend the best plan for you based on your particular health needs.

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How long does the procedure take?

Typically, the procedure takes 3 to 4 hours; however, treatment time varies from patient to patient.

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Is the procedure painful?

Most patients report little to no discomfort. You may feel minor discomfort when the IV needle is inserted. If you are concerned about this possibility, you can ask your nurse or doctor about getting a local anesthetic (such as novocaine or lidocaine).

You may experience sensations during the procedure that are not painful, such as a slight pulsing from the instrument’s pump, a slight chill, or a cool feeling where blood reenters the body. In very rare cases, some patients get a bitter or sour taste for a brief period (30 minutes or less).

A small number of patients feel a little weak or dizzy during or immediately after the procedure. This is associated with a slight drop in blood pressure that can easily be corrected with increased fluids. Eating a small, non-fat meal before your treatment may prevent this as well. If you feel any dizziness or weakness, tell your photopheresis caregiver.

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Does the procedure have any side effects?

The medicine used in photopheresis will make you more sensitive to sunlight for about 24 hours after treatment. For this reason, you must take some simple but very important precautions to protect your eyes and skin. (Without these precautions, you put yourself at risk for cataracts or serious sunburns). For 24 hours you should:

• Avoid sunlight as much as possible - even indirect sunlight coming through a window.
• Wear sunscreen (no lower than SPF 15) when exposed to sunlight (outdoors or indoors).
• Wear UVA-protective, full-coverage sunglasses when exposed to sunlight.

Other possible side effects usually are minor and go away within a day. These could include fatigue, temporary increase in itchiness, or a slight fever or redness appearing 6 to 8 hours after treatment. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may be taken for fever if needed. As with any procedure that involves a needle puncture, there is a small risk of getting an infection around the wound. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about potential risks.