Acitretin, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: retinoid

Generic and brand names: acitretin, oral; Soriatane

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat severe psoriasis (scaly patches on the skin that may include pus).

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have ever had:

• diabetes
• high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood
• kidney or liver disease.

Males and females: This medicine may cause birth defects while you are taking it and for 3 years after you stop taking it. Discuss birth control methods with your health care provider before you start taking this medicine.

Females of childbearing age: DO NOT take this medicine if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the next 3 years. It can cause serious harm to the baby. Do not start this medicine until you have had a negative pregnancy test. Then start taking this medicine during the menstrual period following the negative pregnancy test. You must use 2 reliable birth control methods while you are taking this medicine and for 3 years after you stop taking it. Do not breast feed while you are taking this medicine.

How should I take it?

This medicine is usually taken once a day with a meal. Take this medicine exactly as your health care provider prescribes. Do not take more or for a longer time than directed by your health care provider.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose the next day. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

Do not drink alcohol or any products containing alcohol during treatment and for 2 months after treatment. Discuss these and other warnings with your health care provider.

Do not take large doses of vitamin A while you are taking this medicine. You may get too much vitamin A in your body.

Do not donate blood while you are taking this medicine and for 3 years after you stop.

You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun and may cause you to sunburn more easily. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. While you are in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen lotion until you know how you will react to the sun. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your health care provider right away.

Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your health care provider about this.

You may notice a temporary worsening of your psoriasis during early treatment. You may not see the benefits of this medicine until you have been taking it for 2 to 3 months.

Contact lenses may be uncomfortable while you are taking this medicine.

Do not give this medicine to anyone else.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report this to your health care provider right away): Yellowing of your eyes or skin, severe tiredness, loss of appetite, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, changes in your vision.

Other: Loss of hair, skin peeling, dry skin, itching, rash, runny nose, dry mouth, bleeding of the gums, eye irritation.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• birth control pills
• glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase, Micronase)
• methotrexate
• vitamin A.

Do not drink alcohol in any form while taking this medicine.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.