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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Drugs & Medications > Detailed Drug Information (USP DI) > Acitretin

Acitretin (Systemic)

Brand Names : Soriatane, 13-cis acitretin, etretin, isoetretin

Description and Brand Names | Before Using | Proper Use | Precautions | Side Effects


Category
  • Antipsoriatic (systemic)
  • keratinization stabilizer (systemic)
Description

Acitretin (a-si-TRE-tin) is used to help relieve and control severe skin disorders, such as severe psoriasis. It works by allowing normal growth and development of the skin. Acitretin may continue to work after you stop taking it, but usually after a time, the skin condition returns and you may need to begin taking it again.

Acitretin must not be used to treat women who are able to bear children unless other forms of treatment have been tried first and failed. Acitretin must not be taken during pregnancy because it causes birth defects in humans. If you are able to bear children, it is very important that you read, understand, and follow the pregnancy warnings for acitretin .

You must take important precautions while taking acitretin and continue with them for a period of time after you stop taking the medicine . The precautions are:

  • Women should not become pregnant and should use two methods of very effective birth control. The birth control methods should begin 1 month before starting the medicine and continue for at least 2 or 3 years after discontinuing the medicine or as directed by your doctor.
  • Men and women should not donate blood for transfusion purposes during treatment and for 2 or 3 years after discontinuing the medicine or as directed by your doctor.
  • Men and women should not drink alcohol during treatment and for 2 months after discontinuing the medicine.
If you do not think these precautions are reasonable, you should discuss this with your doctor before starting to take this medicine.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form(s):

    Oral
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

  • Soriatane

   

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Acitretin: Before Using

Date Written: 04/24/1998









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Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006