Acitretin is a medication that is primarily used to treat severe psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin. It is a retinoid, which means it is a derivative of vitamin A. Acitretin works by slowing down the growth of skin cells and reducing inflammation.
Acitretin is usually taken orally in capsule form, with or without food, as directed by a healthcare professional. The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the severity of the psoriasis and other factors, such as age and medical history. It may take several weeks or months of treatment for the full benefits of acitretin to be seen.
Like other retinoids, acitretin can have side effects, including dry skin, dry mouth, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and elevated levels of triglycerides and liver enzymes. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not take acitretin, as it can cause birth defects. It is also not recommended for women who are breastfeeding. Patients should talk to their doctor about the risks and benefits of acitretin before starting treatment.
Acitretin Uses
Acitretin is a medication that is primarily used to treat severe psoriasis and other skin conditions. It is a retinoid, which is a class of medications derived from vitamin A. Acitretin works by regulating the growth and differentiation of skin cells, which helps to reduce inflammation and the formation of thick, scaly patches on the skin.
In addition to psoriasis, acitretin may also be used to treat other skin conditions such as ichthyosis, a group of genetic skin disorders that cause dry, scaly skin, and Darier disease, a rare genetic disorder that causes skin lesions and other symptoms.
Acitretin is typically taken in the form of a capsule, and the dosage and duration of treatment may vary depending on the individual’s condition and response to the medication. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and to attend regular check-ups to monitor your progress and any potential side effects.
Acitretin side effects
Acitretin, like all medications, can cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects of acitretin include:
- Dryness and peeling of the skin
- Itching or burning skin
- Hair loss or thinning
- Redness or cracking of the lips
- Dryness of the eyes, nose, or mouth
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue or weakness
In addition to these common side effects, acitretin may also cause more serious side effects in some individuals. These can include:
- Birth defects if taken during pregnancy, including serious central nervous system and cardiovascular abnormalities
- Increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood
- Liver damage or inflammation
- Pancreatitis
- Increased risk of infections
- Increased risk of depression or suicidal thoughts
It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of acitretin treatment with your healthcare provider before starting the medication. You should also report any unusual or concerning side effects to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Foods to avoid when taking acitretin
When taking acitretin, it is important to avoid certain foods that may increase the risk of side effects or interact with the medication. Here are some foods to avoid or limit while taking acitretin:
- Vitamin A supplements: Acitretin is derived from vitamin A, and taking vitamin A supplements while on acitretin treatment can increase the risk of vitamin A toxicity and side effects.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking acitretin can increase the risk of liver damage and inflammation.
- Foods high in fat: Acitretin can increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, so it is important to avoid or limit foods that are high in fat or cholesterol, such as fried foods, fatty meats, and dairy products.
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with acitretin and increase the risk of side effects.
- St. John’s wort: St. John’s wort can interact with acitretin and reduce its effectiveness.
It is also important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet while taking acitretin to support overall health and well-being. Your healthcare provider can provide more specific guidance on foods to avoid or limit while taking acitretin based on your individual needs and medical history.
Acitretin during pregnancy
Acitretin is known to cause birth defects and should not be taken during pregnancy. It is recommended that women of childbearing potential use effective contraception before starting acitretin treatment, during the treatment, and for at least three years after stopping the treatment.
If a woman becomes pregnant while taking acitretin, she should stop the medication immediately and consult with her healthcare provider. The potential risks and benefits of continuing the pregnancy or considering termination should be discussed with the healthcare provider.
Women who are breastfeeding should also not take acitretin, as the medication can pass into breast milk and may harm the nursing infant.
It is important to discuss any potential risks and benefits of acitretin treatment with your healthcare provider before starting the medication, especially if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your healthcare provider can provide specific guidance on the safest treatment options for your individual situation.
Acitretin dosage information
The dosage of acitretin can vary depending on the individual’s condition and response to the medication. The usual starting dose of acitretin is 25 to 50 mg per day, taken orally in a single dose with food. Your healthcare provider may adjust the dose as needed based on your response to the medication.
The maximum recommended dose of acitretin is 75 mg per day. It is important to not exceed the recommended dose, as higher doses can increase the risk of side effects and toxicity.
Acitretin is usually taken for a period of several months to a year or more, depending on the individual’s condition and response to the medication. Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress and adjust the treatment as needed.
It is important to take acitretin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, and to attend regular check-ups to monitor your progress and any potential side effects. If you miss a dose of acitretin, take it as soon as you remember, but do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Do not stop taking acitretin without first consulting with your healthcare provider, even if you are feeling better. Stopping the medication suddenly can cause a worsening of symptoms or a relapse of the condition.
Acitretin overdose
An overdose of acitretin can be very serious and potentially life-threatening. Symptoms of an overdose may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Blurred vision or other vision changes
- Dry or peeling skin
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Muscle weakness
- Elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Liver damage or inflammation
- Increased pressure in the skull
If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of acitretin, seek immediate medical attention. Treatment may include pumping the stomach or using activated charcoal to remove the medication from the body, as well as supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
It is important to take acitretin only as prescribed by your healthcare provider and to attend regular check-ups to monitor your progress and any potential side effects. If you have any concerns or questions about your acitretin treatment, talk to your healthcare provider.
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about acitretin:
Q: What is acitretin used for?
A: Acitretin is primarily used to treat severe psoriasis and other skin conditions, such as ichthyosis and Darier disease.
Q: How does acitretin work?
A: Acitretin works by regulating the growth and differentiation of skin cells, which helps to reduce inflammation and the formation of thick, scaly patches on the skin.
Q: What are the common side effects of acitretin?
A: Common side effects of acitretin can include dryness and peeling of the skin, itching or burning skin, hair loss or thinning, redness or cracking of the lips, dryness of the eyes, nose, or mouth, joint pain or stiffness, muscle weakness, and fatigue or weakness.
Q: What foods should I avoid while taking acitretin?
A: You should avoid or limit vitamin A supplements, alcohol, foods high in fat, grapefruit and grapefruit juice, and St. John’s wort while taking acitretin.
Q: Can I take acitretin during pregnancy?
A: No, acitretin is known to cause birth defects and should not be taken during pregnancy. Effective contraception should be used before, during, and for at least three years after stopping acitretin treatment.
Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of acitretin?
A: If you miss a dose of acitretin, take it as soon as you remember, but do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Q: What should I do if I suspect an overdose of acitretin?
A: If you suspect an overdose of acitretin, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an overdose can be serious and potentially life-threatening.
Q: How long will I need to take acitretin?
A: The duration of acitretin treatment can vary depending on the individual’s condition and response to the medication. It is usually taken for several months to a year or more. Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress and adjust the treatment as needed.
If you have any other questions or concerns about acitretin, talk to your healthcare provider.
Sirisha B