Generic Name: acitretin (A si TRE tin)Brand names: Soriatane, Soriatane CK
Acitretin is a retinoid, which is a form of vitamin A.
Acitretin is used to treat severe psoriasis in adults. It is usually given after other psoriasis medicines have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.
Acitretin is not a cure for psoriasis, and you may relapse after you stop taking this medication.
Acitretin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Acitretin is available only under an agreement that you will use birth control and undergo required pregnancy testing, and that you will not consume alcohol while you are taking acitretin and for 2 months after you stop taking it.
high levels of triglycerides (lipids) in your blood;
if you are also using methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall); or
if you are also using a tetracycline antibiotic, including demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Adoxa, Doryx, Oracea, Vibramycin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn, Vectrin), tetracycline (Brodspec, Panmycin, Sumycin, Tetracap), and others.
Acitretin is available only under an agreement that you will use birth control and undergo required pregnancy testing, and that you will not consume alcohol while you are taking acitretin and for 2 months after you stop taking it.
If you have any of the following conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take acitretin:
heart disease;
high cholesterol;
diabetes (you may need to check your blood sugar more often);
depression; or
if you drink large amounts of alcohol.
The first birth control method should include one of the following forms: birth control pills (but not the "mini-pill"), an intrauterine device (IUD), birth control shots, inserts, skin patches, or implants, a tubal ligation, or your male partner's vasectomy.
The second birth control method should include one of the following forms: a latex condom, or a diaphragm or cervical cap used together with a spermicide cream or gel.
For women taking acitretin: Before using acitretin, you must have 2 negative pregnancy tests. The first test is given when your doctor prescribes acitretin. The second test must be given during the first 5 days of your menstrual period just before you start taking acitretin. No testing is needed if you have had a hysterectomy or have gone completely through menopause.
You will need monthly pregnancy tests while you are taking acitretin. If you are not menstruating, your pregnancy test should be done at least 11 days after you last had sex without using 2 effective forms of birth control.
Do not miss a scheduled pregnancy test or you may not be able to continue taking acitretin.You will also need pregnancy tests every 3 months for at least 3 years after you stop taking this medication.
Call your doctor right away if you think you might be pregnant, if you miss a period, or if you have had sex without using the 2 recommended forms of birth control within 3 years of taking acitretin. Do not take acitretin if you are breast-feeding a baby. Acitretin may pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby.Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Acitretin comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. You will also be required to read and sign an agreement stating you will follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Acitretin is usually taken with your main meal of the day. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. Your psoriasis may seem to get worse at the start of therapy. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after one course of acitretin treatment.To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Never share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Store acitretin at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.See also: Acitretin dosage in more detail
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose symptoms may include headache, dizziness or spinning sensation, and nausea or vomiting.
Avoid taking vitamin supplements that contain vitamin A. Acitretin is a form of vitamin A, and taking too much can cause side effects similar to overdose symptoms.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Acitretin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun. Acitretin can cause side effects that may impair your vision, especially at night. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to see clearly.blurred vision, headache or pain behind your eyes, sometimes with vomiting;
sudden decrease in night vision;
depressed mood, aggression, unusual thoughts or behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself;
chest pain or heavy feeling, spreading to the arm or shoulder, sweating, shortness of breath;
sudden headache, confusion, problems with speech or balance, numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body);
sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast heart rate;
pain or swelling in one or both legs;
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
loss of feeling in your hands or feet, trouble moving, pain in your back, joints, muscles, or bones.
Less serious side effects may include:
dry or irritated eyes, thinning eyebrows or lashes;
chapped or peeling skin, hair loss;
dry mouth, dry or runny nose, nosebleeds;
warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin;
nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
mouth sores, swollen or bleeding gums;
headache;
sleep problems (insomnia); or
ringing in your ears.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Usual Adult Dose for Psoriasis:
Initial dose: 25 to 50 mg orally as a single dose with foodMaintenance dose: 25 to 50 mg/day; dosage should be individualized according to patient's response
Before taking acitretin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
phenytoin (Dilantin); or
St. John's wort.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with acitretin. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.