Product Details: Soriatane (Acitretin)

PLEASE NOTE BRAND SORIATANE IS ALSO MARKETED INTERNATIONALLY UNDER THE NAME NEOTIGASON.

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Roche

Description

This medicine is an antipsoriatic and keratinization stabilizer used to treat severe psoriasis and other skin conditions in adults.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE WITH FOOD or just after a meal. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C), away from heat and light. Do not store in bathroom. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, you may take it later the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you have any questions regarding acitretin, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking the medicine.

Cautions

IT MAY TAKE 2 TO 3 MONTHS for this medicine to work fully. During the first month, you may even notice a temporary worsening of your skin condition. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS (e.g., monthly pregnancy tests, liver function tests, X-rays, lipid tests) while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sun lamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. DO NOT TAKE VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENTS or multivitamins containing vitamin A while you are taking this medicine. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL WHILE TAKING THIS MEDICINE, without first discussing it with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE CHANGES IN VISION such as decreased night vision. It may also cause dry or irritated eyes or other changes in vision. Use caution or avoid driving at night if you experience these effects. If you wear contact lenses, you may notice increased irritation with them while you are taking this medicine. If these effects continue, check with your doctor. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT contact your doctor immediately. WOMEN OF CHILD-BEARING AGE SHOULD EITHER ABSTAIN FROM SEXUAL INTERCOURSE OR USE 2 EFFECTIVE METHODS OF BIRTH CONTROL for at least 1 month before and 3 years after taking this medicine. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while you are using this medicine and for at least 3 years after stopping treatment. DO NOT DONATE BLOOD while you are taking this medicine and for at least 3 years after stopping treatment. This will prevent the possibility of your blood being given to a pregnant women.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include chapped lips; peeling of fingertips, palms, and soles of feet; some degree of hair loss or thinning (severity is not predictable); itching or sticky skin; runny or dry nose; dry mouth; or dry or irritated eyes. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision or other changes in vision, irritability or changes in mood (e.g., depression, aggressive or violent behavior, and in some rare cases thoughts of suicide), yellowing of skin or eyes, flu-like symptoms, chills, fever, fatigue, drowsiness, pale stools, dark urine, muscle or joint pain, or stiffness. AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THIS MEDICINE IS UNLIKELY, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Acitretin