What is Acitretin?
Actitretin is used to treat severe psoriasis (abnormal growth of skin cells that causes red, thickened, or scaly skin). Acitretin is in a class of medications called retinoids. The way acitretin works is not known.
Brand Name
Soriatan
Other Names
What is Acitretin?
Actitretin is used to treat severe psoriasis (abnormal growth of skin cells that causes red, thickened, or scaly skin). Acitretin is in a class of medications called retinoids. The way acitretin works is not known.
How
After you stop taking acitretin, your symptoms may come back. Tell your doctor if this happens. Do not use leftover acitretin to treat a new flare-up of psoriasis. A different medication or dose may be needed.
Side Effects
peeling, dry, itchy, scaling, cracked, blistered, sticky or infected skinbrittle or weak fingernails and toenailsdandruffsunburnabnormal skin odorexcessive sweatinghair losschanges in hair texturedry eyesloss of eyebrows or eyelasheshot flashes or flushingweak nailschapped or swollen lipsswollen or bleeding gumsexcessive salivatongue pain, swelling, or blisteringmouth swelling or blistersstomach paindiarrheaincreased appetitedifficulty falling or staying asleepsinus infectionrunny nosedry nosenosebleedjoint paintight musclesAcitretin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.htmlextreme thirstfrequent urinationextreme hungerweaknessblurred visiondry mouthupset stomach and vomitingshortness of breathbreath that smells fruitydecreased consciousnessshakinessdizziness or lightheadednesssweating nervousness or irritabilitysudden changes in behavior or moodheadachenumbness or tingling around the mouthweaknesspale skin hungerclumsy or jerky movementsconfusionseizuresloss of consciousness
Precautions
Before taking acitretin,tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to acitretin, other retinoids such as adapalene (Differen), alitretinoin (Panretin), etretinate (Tegison), isotretinoin (Accutane), tazarotene (Tazorac), tretinoin (Renova, Retin-A, Vesanoid), Vitamin A, or any other medications.do not take methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) or tetracycline antibiotics such as demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin), and tetracycline (Sumycin) while taking acitretin.tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention the medications and herbs listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and any of the following: glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase, Micronase), other oral retinoids such as isotretinoin (Accutane) and tretinoin (Vesanoid), phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), and vitamin A. Also tell your doctor if you have ever taken etretinate (Tegison). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.tell your doctor if you have or have ever had the conditions mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section; if you drink large amounts of alcohol; if you have a family history of high cholesterol or diabetes; if you have or have ever had diabetes, high cholesterol or triglycerides, spinal problems, depression, or stroke or mini-stroke; or if you have or have ever had joint, bone, kidney, or heart disease.do not breastfeed while taking acitretin or if you have recently stopped taking acitretin.you should know that acitretin may limit your ability to see at night. This problem may begin suddenly at any time during your treatment. Be very careful when driving at night.plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps while taking acitretin. Acitretin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.if you need to have phototherapy, tell your doctor that you are taking acitretin.you should know that acitretin may dry your eyes and make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable during or after treatment. Remove your contact lenses and call your doctor if this happens.
Overdose
If a female who could become pregnant takes an overdose of acitretin, she should take a pregnancy test after the overdose and use two forms of birth control for the next 3 years.
headachedizzinessvomitingupset stomachdry, itchy skinloss of appetitebone or joint pain
What If I Forget
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Dietary Restrictions
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Miscellaneous
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Other Uses
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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