This medicine is used for the following purposes:
- psoriasis
- skin disorder
- cancer
Brand Name(s): Soriatane
Generic Name: Acitretin
Instructions
Take the medicine with a meal.
This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.
If you wear contact lenses you may need to use a wetting solution since this medicine can cause dry eyes.
This medicine can make you sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when in sun.
It may take several months for this medicine to fully work.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
This medicine may cause higher blood sugar levels or diabetes. Please follow your doctor's instructions and check your blood sugar level regularly while on this medicine.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
This medicine is associated with a rare, but serious problem of the liver. Speak to your doctor about the early signs of liver problems and the benefits and risks of using this medicine.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
This medicine may cause blurry vision or increased sensitivity to light. Avoid driving at night.
Do not drink beverages with alcohol while on this medicine and for 2 months after stopping treatment.
Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed, has thoughts of suicide, or shows changes in behavior.
Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 3 years after stopping treatment.
Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.
Women of childbearing age must have two negative pregnancy tests before starting this medicine.
Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 3 years after stopping to prevent pregnancy.
Female patients of childbearing age should have monthly pregnancy tests during treatment to make sure they are not pregnant.
Women of childbearing age should have pregnancy tests every 3 months after treatment for 3 years to make sure they are not pregnant.
If you think you might possibly be pregnant, stop taking this medicine immediately and contact your doctor.
Do not take St. John's wort while on this medicine.
Do not take products containing vitamin A while on this medicine.
Women who are pregnant or in their childbearing years should not touch or handle this medicine. This medicine can be absorbed through the woman's skin and harm the unborn baby.
Do not donate blood for at least 3 years after the last dose of this medicine.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- dry mouth
- dry eyes
- hair loss
- changes in taste or unpleasant taste
- thirst
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
- bone pain
- depression or feeling sad
- dizziness
- swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
- fever
- severe or persistent headache
- high blood sugar
- signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
- signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
- joint or muscle pain
- severe stomach or bowel pain
- suicidal thoughts
- blurring or changes of vision
- sudden or unexplained weight gain
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about ACITRETIN - ORAL
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Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
