Acitretin is used for the treatment of severe psoriasis, a skin disease marked by red, itchy, scaly patches.
Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Acitretin should be taken with food preferably with main meals or with a glass of milk. Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following:
- severe liver disease
- severe kidney disease
- an abnormally high cholesterol levels in the blood
as Acitretin may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not take Acitretin with methotrexate (medicine used to treat cancer), tetracycline (an antibiotic), vitamin A or other retinoids.
Inform your doctor if you have diabetes.
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Certain factors such as dry and cold weather, stress, trauma to the skin, infections, alcohol, and smoking can trigger or worsen psoriasis. Take good care of your skin by keeping it clean, moisturized and free from cuts and infections. Avoid going out during dry and cold weather. Learn to manage your stress, avoid alcohol, and quit smoking. Regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight are also good for your overall health and wellness.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Your doctor may also need to do routine blood tests to determine your lipid profile and the current status of your liver. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Acitretin may cause visual disturbances e.g. impaired night vision, blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or operate any vehicle at night.
Avoid direct or prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Other side effects include any of the following: dryness of the skin, lips, mouth, and nose, peeling of the skin (especially the palms of the hands and soles of the feet), increased sensitivity of the skin, hair loss, change in pigmentation of skin and hair, visual disturbances such as dry eyes.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- yellowing of the skin and eyes
- arthritis, muscle pain, back pain, bone pain
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Acitretin with methotrexate (medicine used to treat cancer), tetracycline (an antibiotic), vitamin A or other retinoids.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking phenytoin (medicine for epilepsy) or progestogen-only birth control pills.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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