Soriatane

acitretin

Brand(s):

• Actoid Acrotac

Manufacturer:

• Intas Pharmaceuticals / Sun Pharmacies

Disease(s):

• Psoriasis

Known as:

• Soriatane

Acitretin Tablets

What is Acitretin?

Acitretin is a retinoid, a form of vitamin A, prescribed to manage severe psoriasis in adults. It's important to note that acitretin does not cure psoriasis, and symptoms may recur after discontinuing treatment.

Warnings

• Birth Defects: Acitretin can cause severe birth defects. It's crucial to avoid pregnancy while taking acitretin and for at least 3 years after your last dose. Effective birth control methods must be used throughout this period.
• Alcohol Consumption: Women taking acitretin or who might become pregnant must avoid alcohol consumption while using the medication and for at least 2 months after the last dose. Alcohol can convert acitretin into a substance that can persist in the body for up to 3 years.
• Blood Donation: Men and women taking acitretin should not donate blood during treatment and for at least 3 years after the last dose. Donated blood containing acitretin could pose a risk of birth defects if transfused to a pregnant woman.
• Liver Problems: Acitretin can lead to serious liver issues. Discontinue use and consult your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes).

Before Taking Acitretin

It's crucial to inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions or are using specific medications before starting acitretin:

• Allergies to retinoids (acitretin, isotretinoin, tretinoin, etc.)
• Severe liver or kidney disease
• High levels of triglycerides (a type of fat) in your blood
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Concurrent use of methotrexate
• Concurrent use of tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., demeclocycline, doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline)

For women of childbearing age, strict adherence to birth control measures is required while taking acitretin and for at least 3 years after the last dose. This includes two effective methods of contraception, one of which must be a highly reliable form like birth control pills, IUD, injections, implants, or certain surgical procedures.

How to Take Acitretin

• Follow the dosage and frequency instructions provided on the prescription label accurately.
• Take acitretin with food to enhance absorption.
• Symptom improvement may take 2 to 3 months. Continue taking acitretin as prescribed even if your symptoms worsen initially.
• Regular blood tests will be necessary during treatment. Long-term use may require additional medical tests, including x-rays.

What to Avoid While Taking Acitretin

• Alcohol Consumption: Women capable of pregnancy must completely avoid alcohol while taking acitretin and for at least 2 months after the last dose. Read food and medication labels carefully to ensure they don't contain alcohol.
• Blood Donation: Men and women should refrain from donating blood during acitretin treatment and for at least 3 years after the last dose.
• Vitamin A Intake: Limit your intake of vitamin A from other sources, as acitretin is a form of vitamin A. Excessive vitamin A can be harmful.
• Sun Exposure: Acitretin increases your susceptibility to sunburn. Wear protective clothing, use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), and avoid tanning beds.
• Vision Impairment: Acitretin may affect your vision, especially at night. Exercise caution while driving or engaging in activities that require clear vision.

Acitretin Side Effects

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• Allergic reactions (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat)
• Heart attack or stroke symptoms (chest pain, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, sudden numbness or weakness, severe headache, speech or balance problems, swelling or warmth in one or both legs)
• High blood sugar (increased thirst, urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, headache, blurred vision)
• Increased pressure inside the skull (severe headaches, ringing in the ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind the eyes)
• Liver problems (nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, or jaundice)
• Bone or muscle problems (loss of feeling in hands or feet, trouble moving, pain in back, joints, muscles, or bones)
• Severe skin problems (itching, redness, pain, swelling or peeling of skin)
• Signs of a blood vessel problem (sudden swelling, rapid weight gain, fever, muscle pain, feeling light-headed)

Common side effects may include:

• Chapped lips, dry mouth
• Itchy or scaly skin
• Weak nails, fragile skin
• Peeling skin on hands and feet
• Hair loss
• Dry eyes, discomfort with contact lenses
• Dry or runny nose, nosebleeds
• Joint pain, tight muscles

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some drugs that may interact with acitretin include:

• Glyburide
• Phenytoin
• St. John's wort
• Hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills (especially 'minipills')

FAQs About Acitretin

What is the purpose of acitretin?

Acitretin is used to treat severe psoriasis in adults.

How long does it take to see results from acitretin?

It may take 2 to 3 months before symptoms improve.

Is acitretin a cure for psoriasis?

No, acitretin is not a cure for psoriasis. Symptoms may recur after discontinuing treatment.

What is the most common side effect of acitretin?

Common side effects include chapped lips, dry mouth, itchy or scaly skin, and weak nails.

Can I drink alcohol while taking acitretin?

No, women capable of pregnancy must avoid alcohol while taking acitretin and for at least 2 months after the last dose.

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