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Acitretin
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Brand Name(s):Soriatane Drug Class:Retinoid Available OTC?:NoAvailable Generic?:No | |
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Available InCapsules Why PrescribedTo treat severe psoriasis. Acitretin is used only when other medications to treat psoriasis prove ineffective. How It WorksThe exact mechanism of action of acitretin is unknown. It appears to establish a more normal pattern of growth and shedding of skin cells. Range and FrequencyTo start, 25 mg once a day. A maintenance dose, given after the initial response to therapy, is 25 to 50 mg once a day. If the response to the drug is unsatisfactory after four weeks and there are minimal side effects, the dose may be increased by your doctor, depending on your condition and body weight. Onset of EffectIt may take two to three months to attain the full therapeutic benefit of acitretin. Duration of ActionUnknown. Dietary AdviceAcitretin is best taken with the main meal of the day. StorageStore in a tightly sealed container away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Missed DoseTake it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosage schedule. Do not double the next dose. Stopping the DrugYou should take it as prescribed for the full treatment period, but you may stop taking the drug before the scheduled end of therapy if the symptoms have sufficiently resolved. Consult your doctor. Prolonged UseAcitretin is generally prescribed for one-month periods. See your doctor regularly for tests and examinations to assess the effectiveness and safety of the drug. Over 60Adverse reactions may be more likely and more severe in older patients. Driving and Hazardous WorkDo not drive or engage in hazardous work until you determine how the medicine affects you. AlcoholAvoid alcohol during and for two months after completing therapy. PregnancyAcitretin can cause serious birth defects. Before your doctor will prescribe it, you must sign a waiver agreeing to use contraceptive measures for one month prior to therapy and three years afterward. You must receive a negative result on a pregnancy test within one week of beginning treatment. Breast FeedingAcitretin may pass into breast milk and cause serious harm. Do not nurse while taking this medication. Infants and ChildrenNo studies have been done with children, although it is believed that acitretin could adversely affect growth. Special ConcernsYou may experience increased sensitivity to contact lenses while taking acitretin. If it causes increased sensitivity to sunlight, wear protective clothing, use sun block, and try to avoid exposure to sunlight. Do not donate blood while you take acitretin and for three years afterward. Many patients will experience a relapse and require further treatment after they stop taking acitretin. Overdose SymptomsNo cases of overdose have been reported. What to DoAn overdose of acitretin is unlikely to be life-threatening. However, if someone takes a much larger dose than prescribed, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS), or the nearest poison control center immediately. Drug InteractionsOther drugs may interact with acitretin. Consult your doctor if you are taking vitamin A, any other retinoid, or methotrexate. Also tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drug. Food InteractionsNo known food interactions. Disease InteractionsConsult your doctor for advice if you have diabetes mellitus, liver disease, or any other medical condition. Serious Side EffectsSevere headache, liver damage, eye lesions, joint pain, abnormal spinal bone growth, rigidity, violent shivering associated with chills and fever. Call your doctor as soon as possible. Common Side EffectsDry mouth, dryness and cracking of the lips, runny nose, nosebleeds, skin peeling, hair loss, dry skin, nail problems, itching, rash, increased sensitivity to touch, numbness or tingling, inflammation of fingers or toes, sticky skin, dry eyes, irritation of eyes, loss of eyebrows and eyelashes. Less Common Side EffectsBleeding gums, increased saliva, thirst, inflammation of the mouth, abnormal skin odor, blisters, cold and clammy skin, increased sweating, skin infection, ulcerations, sunburn, abnormal or blurred vision, reduced night vision, joint pain, back pain, muscle pain, mild headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, odd taste in mouth, ringing in ears, depression, insomnia. | |
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