Why is Soriatane prescribed?

Soriatane is used to treat severe psoriasis (abnormal growth of skin cells that causes red, thickened, or scaly skin) in adults. Acitretin is in a class of medications called retinoids. The way acitretin works is not known. It is a retinoid, which is a form of Vitamin A. This medicine is not a cure for psoriasis, and you may relapse after you stop taking this medication. Acitretin (Generic) is also available in addition to the brand name Soriatane.

What is the most effective way to take Soriatane?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take Soriatane in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

• Take Soriatane with food
• It may take 2 to 3 months before your symptoms improve, and your psoriasis may even get worse when you start taking Soriatane. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
• While using Soriatane, you may need frequent blood tests. If you use this medicine long-term, you may need additional medical tests, including x-rays.

NEVER share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Before taking Acitretin,

• tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or if you have any other drug allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details
• tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney/liver/heart disease, diabetes, or a personal or family history of mental/mood problems (such as bipolar disorder)
• Do not donate blood while taking this drug and for at least 3 years after stopping therapy. This will prevent the possibility of your blood being given to a pregnant woman.
• Know that this medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun and take precautions when you do go outdoors. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
• Acitretin may cause changes in your vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision (especially at night) until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication and for 2 months after stopping it

Pregnancy Warning:

• This drug must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor right away. This drug should not be used if you are planning to become pregnant during treatment or within 3 years after use has stopped.
• Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the capsules.
• Semen may pose a risk to a pregnant woman if a male is using this drug. Consult your doctor.
• It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this medication and for at least three years after the medication has been stopped.

Acitretin may cause side effects including but not limited to:

• peeling, dry, itchy, scaling, cracked, blistered, sticky or infected skin
• brittle or weak fingernails and toenails
• dandruff
• abnormal skin odor
• excessive sweating
• loss of eyebrows or eyelashes
• hot flashes or flushing
• swollen or bleeding gums
• excessive saliva
• tongue pain, swelling, or blistering
• mouth swelling or blisters
• stomach pain
• increased appetite
• difficulty falling or staying asleep
• sinus infection
• runny or dry nose
• joint pain
• tight muscles
• changes in taste

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away. Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

• rash
• headache
• extreme thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, blurred vision, or weakness
• dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, breath that smells fruity, and decreased consciousness
• pain, swelling, or redness of eyes or eyelids
• depression
• thoughts of hurting or killing yourself
• bone, muscle, or back pain
• difficulty moving any part of your body
• loss of feeling in hands or feet
• chest pain
• slow or difficult speech
• tingling in arms and legs
• loss of muscle tone
• weakness or heaviness in legs
• cold, gray, or pale skin
• fast heartbeat
• shortness of breath
• ear pain or ringing

Acitretin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Why is Soriatane prescribed?

Soriatane is used to treat severe psoriasis in adults.

Am Is it safe to become pregnant while using Soriatane?

Soriatane can cause severe birth defects. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or if you might become pregnant within 3 years after you stop taking Soriatane.

Can I share this medication with someone with the same skin issues?

It is NEVER okay to share this medicine with another person, regardless of the similarity of symptoms 

What if I forget a dose of Soriatane?

Skip the missed dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.