Filter By Category
Archives
Share on -
ACITRETIN
Generic Name: ACITRETIN
ABSTRACT -
Acitretin is an oral systemic retinoid used for severe psoriasis and certain disorders of keratinization when specialist therapy is appropriate. It regulates epidermal cell growth and differentiation but is highly teratogenic. Acitretin has important safety restrictions, including strict pregnancy prevention requirements and prolonged contraception after discontinuation for patients who can become pregnant. It should be prescribed and monitored by clinicians experienced with systemic retinoids.
DOSAGE -
Acitretin dosage must be individualized by a qualified healthcare professional, usually a dermatologist, according to disease severity, response, adverse effects, and local labeling.
- Taken orally, preferably with food or milk to improve absorption.
- Common adult starting doses are often in the range of 25 mg to 50 mg once daily, depending on local prescribing information and patient factors.
- Dose may be adjusted to the lowest effective dose based on clinical response and tolerability.
- Liver function tests, lipid profile, pregnancy testing when applicable, and other monitoring are required.
- Do not donate blood during treatment and for the required period after treatment according to local labeling.
- Do not consume alcohol during treatment and for the recommended post-treatment period because alcohol can promote conversion to etretinate.
SIDE EFFECTS –
Reported or potential side effects may include:
- Dry lips, dry mouth, dry nose, or nosebleeds
- Dry eyes or contact lens intolerance
- Peeling skin, itching, or skin fragility
- Hair thinning
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Elevated triglycerides or cholesterol
- Elevated liver enzymes or liver injury
- Photosensitivity
- Mood changes, rarely
- Pseudotumor cerebri symptoms such as severe headache and visual changes, rarely
- Birth defects if exposure occurs during pregnancy
ALLRGIC REACTIONS–
(These symptoms may indicate an allergic reaction to the medicine.)
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Hives
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Anaphylaxis or severe hypersensitivity reaction
DRUG INTERACTIONS–
Caution should be exercised when acitretin is used with:
- Alcohol, due to increased risk of etretinate formation and prolonged teratogenic risk
- Tetracyclines, due to increased intracranial pressure risk
- Methotrexate, due to increased liver toxicity risk
- Vitamin A supplements or other retinoids, due to additive toxicity
- Phenytoin and other medicines affected by protein binding or metabolism
- Progestin-only microdose contraceptives, which may be less reliable
- Other hepatotoxic or lipid-raising medicines
Patients should inform healthcare providers about all prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines, vitamins, herbal products, vaccines, and supplements being used.
PREAUTIONS–
- Strict pregnancy prevention requirements apply to patients who can become pregnant before, during, and long after treatment.
- Obtain pregnancy tests, lipid profile, liver function tests, and other monitoring as required.
- Avoid alcohol during therapy and for the required period after stopping.
- Avoid vitamin A supplements and unnecessary retinoid products.
- Use sunscreen and protective clothing due to photosensitivity.
- Use caution in liver disease, kidney disease, uncontrolled hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity, or heavy alcohol use.
- Report severe headache, visual disturbances, mood changes, jaundice, severe abdominal pain, or symptoms of pancreatitis promptly.
WARNINGS –
- Acitretin is highly teratogenic and must not be used during pregnancy.
- Pregnancy must be avoided during treatment and for the prolonged post-treatment period specified by local labeling, commonly at least 3 years.
- Serious liver toxicity, severe hyperlipidemia, pancreatitis, pseudotumor cerebri, and severe skin reactions may occur.
- Do not share acitretin with anyone.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- In case of pregnancy exposure, suspected overdose, severe headache, vision changes, chest pain, or severe abdominal pain, seek immediate medical attention.
- Patients should report unusual symptoms or side effects to their healthcare provider promptly.
Share on -
. Developed by