What is the most important information I should know about acitretin?
This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant or
plan to become pregnant within 3 years after you stop taking acitretin. You must
use 2 forms of birth control together starting at least 1 month before treatment with acitretin, and
for at least 3 years after you stop taking this medication.
For women taking acitretin: Before using acitretin and during
treatment, you must have negative pregnancy tests at regular intervals to make sure you are not
pregnant. No testing is needed if you have had a hysterectomy or have gone completely through
menopause.
Do not miss a scheduled pregnancy test or you may not be able to continue taking
acitretin.
Do not donate blood while taking acitretin and for at least 3 years after you stop
taking it. Donated blood may be given to a pregnant woman and could cause birth defects if the
blood contains acitretin.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). acitretin
can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen
(minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
Women taking acitretin must not drink alcohol during treatment and
for at least 2 months after treatment ends. Alcohol can cause acitretin to convert to
another substance in your body that can take 3 years or longer to clear from your body. Read the
labels of all foods and medicines you consume to make sure they do not contain alcohol.
What is acitretin?
Acitretin is a retinoid, which is a form of vitamin A.
Acitretin is used to treat severe psoriasis in adults. It is usually given after other psoriasis
medicines have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.
Acitretin is not a cure for psoriasis, and you may relapse after you stop taking this
medication.
Acitretin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acitretin?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to acitretin or similar medications such
as Accutane, Altinac, Avita, Renova, Retin-A, and others. Do not use acitretin if you are
pregnant, or if you have:
diabetes (you may need to check your blood sugar more
often);
depression; or
if you drink large amounts of alcohol.
Acitretin can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant within 3 years after you stop taking acitretin. You must use 2 effective forms of birth control starting at least 1 month before
treatment with acitretin, and for at least 3 years after you stop taking this medication.
Use both forms of birth control together every time you have sexual intercourse while
taking acitretin and for 3 years after treatment ends.
The first birth control method should include one of the following forms: birth control
pills (but not the "mini-pill"), an intrauterine device (IUD), birth control shots, inserts, skin
patches, or implants, a tubal ligation, or your male partner's vasectomy.
The second birth control method should include one of the following forms: a diaphragm,
latex condom, or cervical cap (any of these must be used together with a spermicide cream or
gel).
For women taking acitretin: Before using acitretin, you must have 2
negative pregnancy tests. The first test is given when your doctor prescribes acitretin. The
second test must be given during the first 5 days of your menstrual period just before you start
taking acitretin. No testing is needed if you have had a hysterectomy or have gone completely
through menopause.
You will need monthly pregnancy tests while you are taking acitretin. If you are
not menstruating, your pregnancy test should be done at least 11 days after you last
had sexual intercourse without using 2 effective forms of birth control.
Do not miss a scheduled pregnancy test or you may not be able to continue taking
acitretin.
Call your doctor right away if you think you might be pregnant, if you miss a period,
or if you have had sex without using the 2 recommended forms of birth control within 3 years of
taking acitretin.
Do not take acitretin if you are breast-feeding a baby. Acitretin may
pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby.
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