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Acitretin
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About acitretin
| Type of medicine | Retinoid |
| Used for | Severe resistant psoriasis and other skin problems where there is thickening and shedding of the skin |
| Also called | Neotigason® |
| Available as | Capsules |
About acitretin
Acitretin is used to treat psoriasis and similar skin conditions. Psoriasis is a skin disorder caused by cells in the outer layer of the skin multiplying too quickly. As new skin cells are produced, old ones are shed. If this process is taking place too quickly, old skin cells build up on the skin surface causing red, scaly patches. Acitretin helps to control psoriasis by slowing down the production of new skin cells.
Acitretin may be used as a treatment on its own, but is more often used alongside other preparations.
Before taking acitretin
Before taking acitretin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
- If you suffer from high cholesterol or diabetes.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, vitamins, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take acitretin
- Before beginning treatment, read carefully the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Try to take acitretin at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses. Take your dose at a mealtime with a drink of water.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Getting the most from your treatment
- It may take 2-4 weeks before you start to feel the benefit from this medicine. It may take up to 6 weeks or so before you feel the full benefit.
- Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. Your doctor will probably want you to have blood tests during your treatment.
- Treatment with acitretin is usually for a period of up to six months.
- Important: If you are a woman, it is important that you do not become pregnant while you are being treated with acitretin. Your doctor will probably have advised you about using sufficient contraceptive methods during your treatment. You should also ensure that you do not become pregnant for at least two years after your treatment with acitretin has finished. If at any time during your treatment you think you may be pregnant, stop taking acitretin and contact your doctor for advice.
- It is best not to drink alcohol while you are taking acitretin.
- You should not donate blood while you are being treated with acitretin and for at least one year after finishing your treatment.
- Acitretin can alter blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, check your blood glucose levels frequently.
- If you buy any medicines including vitamins, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with acitretin.
Can acitretin cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects | What can I do if I experience this |
| Dry mouth | Try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice |
| Dry eyes | This could cause problems if you wear contact lenses - ask your pharmacist or optician for advice |
| Dry skin and lips, peeling | Use a moisturising cream and lip salve regularly. Petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline®) can be helpful for particularly dry areas |
| Reduced night vision | Be cautious when driving or operating machinery at night |
| Increased sensitivity to sunlight | Try to avoid strong sunlight and use a suncream higher than factor 15. Avoid the use of sun beds |
| Loss of hair and changes in hair texture | Your hair will return to normal when your treatment finishes |
| Muscle and joint pain | Avoid exercising vigorously |
| Nose bleeds, weak nails, swollen ankles, feeling sick or unwell, headache, drowsiness, runny nose, sweating, inflamed gums and disturbed sense of taste | If any of these are troublesome, speak with your doctor |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store acitretin
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Neotigason®, Roche Products Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. August 2007, accesed 17 April 2008.
- British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
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