Soriatane^© (Acitretin)

  Content:

SIDE EFFECTS, SAFETY AND RISKS

Side Effects

Skin

• alopecia
• chapped lips
• dry mucus
• membranes
• pruritus
• peeling of eyelids, fingertips, palms and soles
• photosensitivity

Liver

• transient elevation of serum transaminases
• lactic dehydrogenase

Lipids

• elevated serum triglycerides
• elevated cholesterol
• decreased high-density lipoprotein

Bones/muscles

• arthralgia
• myalgia
• diffuse hyperostosis of the spine
• muscle stiffness

Ocular

• eye irritation
• blepharitis
• photophobia
• conjunctivitis

Other

• headaches
• nausea
• anemia
• leukemia

Minimizing Side Effects

• Many side effects of the skin are dose related, occurring within the first few days of therapy, and are reversible when treatment is terminated
• They also occur particularly with high initial doses during treatment and then after at least 2 years off-therapy (after a pregnancy)
• Liberal use of emollients and periodic use of corticosteroids can help with skin dryness
• Hair loss is a dose-related effect and is reversible within 2 months after discontinuing therapy or a significant dose reduction
• Hair loss and paronychia may occur with high initial doses of acitretin (greater than 50 mg/day)

Safety

• Not to be used by women who are, or intend to become, pregnant during treatment, and for two years following discontinuation of treatment (some of the literature says 3 years…)
• If a woman of childbearing age takes acitretin, she must use two forms of reliable birth control and have monthly pregnancy tests
• All food, drinks or medicines containing alcohol must be avoided during treatment and for at least two months after treatment is stopped
• Patients must not exceed the minimum recommended daily allowance of vitamin A due to additive toxic effects and increased risk of intracranial hypertension

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