Soriatane (Acitretin) for Psoriasis

Overview
Soriatane is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996 for the treatment of severe psoriasis in adults. Soriatane is prescribed for all types of psoriasis. Soriatane is also known by its drug name, acitretin.

Soriatane should not be used by people who have severe liver or kidney dysfunction, high triglyceride levels, or are hypersensitive to retinoids. Soriatane should be used with caution in people who have a family history of diabetes, obesity, or alcoholism. Soriatane is not appropriate for women who are pregnant, may become pregnant within the next few years, or are breastfeeding.

Soriatane is a synthetic retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A. Soriatane is believed to work in cases of psoriasis by slowing the growth rate of cells.

How do I take it?
Soriatane is taken orally as a capsule once a day with your largest meal. Take Soriatane at the same time each day.

Women of reproductive age should use two methods of birth control starting one month before beginning Soriatane, while taking Soriatane, and for three years after stopping the medication. Some types of oral birth control are made less effective by Soriatane. Women should not drink alcohol while taking Soriatane or for two months after discontinuing the drug.

While taking Soriatane, avoid tanning beds and excessive sun exposure. Do not take supplements containing more than the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A.

Your doctor may order regular blood tests to monitor your triglyceride levels while you are taking Soriatane.

Do not donate blood while taking Soriatane or for three years after stopping the medication. Blood donated during this period could cause severe birth defects if it is given to pregnant women.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Soriatane.

Side effects
It is normal for your psoriasis to become worse during the first two or three months of taking Soriatane. It does not indicate that Soriatane will not be effective for you.

Common side effects of Soriatane include depression, hair loss, dry skin, eyes, lips, and mouth, bleeding nose or gums, raised triglyceride levels in the blood, headache, and joint pain. It may become more difficult to see at night or wear contacts while taking Soriatane.

Tell your doctor if you experience suicidal thoughts, yellowing of the eyes or skin, chest pain, shortness of breath, increased urination, breath that smells fruity, confusion, a sudden, severe headache, or numbness in your hands or feet while taking Soriatane.

At high doses and over long periods of time, Soiratane and other retinoids can cause some connective tissues to harden.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Soriatane — Stiefel Laboratories
https://www.soriatane.com