Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Soriatane (Acitretine).
Alcohol: Alcohol must not be consumed while taking acitretin and for 2 months after stopping the treatment. This includes alcohol in foods, drinks, and medicines.
Benign intracranial hypertension: Acitretin has been known to cause a condition called benign intracranial hypertension. Contact your doctor if you experience headaches, nausea and vomiting, or changes in vision.
Blood donation: Do not donate blood while taking acitretin and for at least 3 years after your last dose of acitretin, as your blood should not be given to pregnant women.
Cholesterol: Acitretin has been found to cause an increase in cholesterol and other lipids in the blood. You are more likely to experience this if you are already at an increased risk of developing High Cholesterol, for example if you have Diabetes or a family history of high cholesterol, are overweight, or have an increased alcohol intake.
If you are at any increased risk of developing increased blood lipids, discuss with your doctor how Soriatane (Acitretine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Soriatane (Acitretine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Contact lenses: If you wear contact lenses, you may find them uncomfortable during and after treatment with acitretin due to dry eyes.
Decreased night vision: Acitretin may cause decreased night vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery at night until you know how Soriatane (Acitretine) affects you.
Depression and suicidal thoughts: Retinoid medications have been known to cause mood swings and symptoms of depression. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Soriatane (Acitretine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Soriatane (Acitretine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, or decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking Soriatane (Acitretine), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Diabetes: Acitretin can cause changes in glucose tolerance for people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Soriatane (Acitretine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Soriatane (Acitretine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Excessive bone growth: Long-term use of acitretin may lead to excessive bone growth or unusual bone formation. Your doctor may request that you have yearly X-rays to monitor for bone changes.
Liver function: Retinoids like acitretin have been linked to inflammation of the liver in some cases. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Soriatane (Acitretine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Soriatane (Acitretine).
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Stomach and bowels: Other retinoid medications have occasionally caused inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If you have inflammatory bowel disease, discuss with your doctor how Soriatane (Acitretine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Soriatane (Acitretine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding or severe diarrhea, you should stop using Soriatane (Acitretine) and contact your doctor.
Sun sensitivity: Acitretin may make you more likely to burn in the sun. Use appropriate measures to prevent excessive exposure to the sun. Wear a hat and sunglasses when out in the sun, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and avoid going out in the sun between 10 am and 2 pm when the sun is at its strongest. Avoid using sun lamps and tanning beds.
Women capable of becoming pregnant: See "Who should not take Soriatane (Acitretine)?"
Pregnancy: Acitretin can cause birth defects. Soriatane (Acitretine) must not be taken during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking acitretin, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Soriatane (Acitretine) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking acitretin, it may affect your baby. Breast-feeding mothers must not take Soriatane (Acitretine).
Children: The safety and efficacy of using Soriatane (Acitretine) have not been established for children.
