Sign up
Log in
EspañolAcitretin overview
BRAND NAMES:
Soriatane, Soriatane
Generic Names:
Acitretin
Uses:
Treats severe psoriasis.
Therapeutic Classes:
Antipsoriatic
Forms:
Capsule
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What form(s) does Acitretin come in
Capsule
What are common Acitretin doses?
Capsule 10MG
Capsule 17.5MG
Capsule 25MG
Common Acitretin prescriptions
Acitretin
10mg capsuleAcitretin
17.5mg capsuleAcitretin
25mg capsule
How to take Acitretin
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
It is best to take this medicine with food, at your main meal of the day.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
It is best to take this medicine with food, at your main meal of the day.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Acitretin contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to acitretin, etretinate, or similar medicines, including isotretinoin. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have severe kidney or liver disease, or high cholesterol or triglyceride levels that cannot be controlled.
Acitretin warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy because it can cause very serious birth defects. You must use 2 forms of birth control for 1 month before you start taking acitretin, for the entire time you are being treated, and for 3 years after you take your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, bone or muscle problems, diabetes, eye or vision problems, heart disease, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, or a history of depression. Tell your doctor if you are also receiving light therapy (phototherapy).
This medicine may cause the following problems:Liver problemsBone or muscle problemsPancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)Benign intracranial hypertension (increased pressure in the brain)Capillary leak syndrome (blood vessel problem)Depression or changes in mood or behavior
Do not donate blood during the time you are being treated with this medicine and for at least 3 years after you take your last dose.
This medicine may cause blurred vision or a decrease in night vision (night blindness). Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not able to see well.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
Your psoriasis may get worse for a short time before it starts to improve. It may take 8 weeks or longer before your skin starts to look and feel better.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision
Acitretin interactions
Do not use this medicine if you are also taking methotrexate or a tetracycline antibiotic, including doxycycline, minocycline, or tetracycline.
Some medicines can affect how acitretin works. Tell your doctor if you are also taking any of the following: Glyburide, phenytoinBirth control pills, including progestin only "minipills"Multivitamins or vitamin A supplementsRetinoid medicine, including isotretinoin
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Do not drink alcohol for at least 2 months after your last dose.
Do not donate blood during the time you are being treated with this medicine and for at least 3 years after you take your last dose.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
Your psoriasis may get worse for a short time before it starts to improve. It may take 8 weeks or longer before your skin starts to look and feel better.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Acitretin side effects
Serious Side Effects
Chest pain, trouble breathing, unusual sweating, faintness, severe headache
Severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision
Feeling depressed, thoughts of hurting yourself or others, unusual mood or behavior
Cloudy urine, lightheadedness, fever, swelling of your hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs
Increased hunger or thirst, increase in how much or how often you urinate
Joint pain or stiffness
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Changes in vision (especially at night), eye pain or irritation, blurred vision
Less Serious Side Effects
Hair loss
Mild skin dryness, peeling, scaling, redness, or itching
Dry eyes or mouth, chapped lips, stuffy or runny nose