Related to this topic: Equipment | Books | Your Experience | Other resources | Glossaries
Print options: Printer friendly version of this leaflet (html)     Other options:  AddThis Social Bookmark Button (what's this?)

Acitretin

  • If you are a woman, it is important that you do not become pregnant while you are being treated with acitretin. Ask your doctor about suitable contraception.
  • Do not donate blood while you are taking acitretin and for at least one year after stopping treatment.
  • Try to avoid strong sunlight or use a suncream higher than factor 15. Do not use sunbeds.

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

Important: If you experience severe headache, sickness, diarrhoea, tummy pain and changes in your sight, speak with your doctor as soon as possible.

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


  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

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).
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3727
DocRef:
dils3717
Last Updated:
11 Jul 2008
Date of Next Review:
11 Jul 2010
Version:
22


















Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site










Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site


PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

^ Top of Page