Acitretin: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Acitretin is used to treat serious skin disorders, such as psoriasis. It works by allowing the normal growth and development of the skin. It should be noted that Acitretin must not be taken during pregnancy because it causes birth defects in the unborn baby. In this article, we will provide useful information for you to better understand the uses, indications and precautions when using Acitretin.

1. Acitretin

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes cells in the outer layer of the skin to grow faster than normal and build up on the surface of the skin, leading to inflammation and areas of red, thickened, and often silvery scaly skin. . Acitretin is a medication used to treat severe psoriasis. The drug works by binding to receptors in the body. These receptors help normalize the rate of skin cell growth, reducing the impact of conditions including psoriasis.
Your doctor will prescribe Acitretin if other medicines don't work for your psoriasis or you can't take any other psoriasis medicine.

2. Contraindications and considerations for use

Pregnant women, planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding Do not use the drug in patients with hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients. Tell your doctor before taking this medicine, especially for the following: + Eye or vision problems
+ Depression
+ Heart disease
+ Hypercholesterolemia
+ Hyperostosis ( abnormal bone growth)
+ Increased blood triglycerides
+ Too much vitamin A in the body

+ Severe acute pancreatitis
+ Pseudotumor cerebri (brain problem)
+ Mental disorders
+ Diabetes
+ Overweight and obesity
+ Kidney disease
+ Liver disease
+ If you have ever taken medication named Tegison, Tigason.

3. Dosage

Acitretin is prepared in general form with a strength of 10 mg in the form of brand name Losartan 10mg capsules; 17.5 mg; 22.5 mg and 25 mg.
Dosage for adults for psoriasis
Typical start: 25 - 50 mg x 1 time/day with main meal of the day. Your doctor will monitor your response to this dose and make changes if the side effects become severe. Maintenance dose: 25 - 50 mg once a day is used according to the patient's response to the initial therapeutic dose. Adults over 65 will usually start with a lower dose.
Children under 18 years old are not recommended to use

4. Warning

Acitretin carries a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) black box warning. This is the most serious health warning for a drug
Serious warning regarding birth defects : Avoid taking this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant for at least three years after stopping the drug this. Acitretin can cause serious birth defects. Women of childbearing potential should use effective birth control while being treated with acitretin. Liver problems warning : This drug may cause liver problems, including abnormal liver function test results and liver inflammation. Your doctor will test your blood before prescribing acitretin. They are used to check liver function before and during treatment with acitretin. Vision problems: This drug can decrease vision in the dark, causing a condition called night blindness that can have a sudden onset. Use extreme caution when driving at night while taking acitretin. This usually goes away after the treatment is finished. Avoid Donating Blood: Do not donate blood while taking this medicine and for at least 3 years after stopping. The presence of acitretin in the blood can harm an unborn baby if administered to a pregnant woman. Depression: This medication may cause depression or aggressive behavior, including urges to self-harm. Call your doctor right away if you notice these symptoms. Your doctor may recommend a change in medication.

5. Side effects

5.1. Side effects that do not require medical attention These side effects usually go away as your body gets used to the medicine or your doctor tells you in advance to prevent them including:
Common:
+ Dry, chapped, or swollen lips
+ Difficulty wearing contact lenses
+ Dry or runny nose
+ Dry eyes
+ Increased likelihood of sunburn
+ Unusual increase in earwax
+ Irritation in the mouth or swollen gums
+ Itchy skin
+ Hair loss
+ Scaling and peeling of eyelids, fingertips, palms and soles
+ Unusual thirst
Uncommon:
+ Constipation
+ Increased sweating

5.2. Serious side effects When you have any of the following symptoms or reactions you should call your doctor or go to the nearest medical facility right away. These include:
Mood swings - depression, aggression, unusual thoughts or behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself; heart attack or stroke symptoms--chest pain, dizziness, nausea, feeling short of breath, sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, problems with voice or balance, swelling or heat in one or both legs; high blood sugar - increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath, headache, blurred vision; increased pressure inside the skull--severe headache, ringing in the ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind the eyes; liver problems--nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); problems with your bones or muscles - loss of feeling in your hands or feet, trouble moving, pain in your back, joints, muscles or bones; severe skin problems--itching, redness, pain, swelling, or peeling of the skin; signs of a blood vessel problem--sudden swelling, rapid weight gain, fever, muscle aches, feeling light-headed.

6. Drug interactions

Acitretin can interact with other drugs and chemicals in the body leading to side effects.
The drug is also known to increase the risk of congenital abnormalities and alcohol can increase the duration of this risk to more than 3 years after stopping acitretin. Avoid alcohol completely while taking acitretin.
Certain medications to avoid while taking Acitretin
Tetracycline antibiotics: These increase the risk of dangerously high pressure in the brain. Methotrexate: Taking this medicine along with acitretin can significantly increase your risk of liver problems. Progestin-only or minipill: Acitretin can decrease the effectiveness of the mini pill and it's important not to get pregnant while you're taking acitretin. Your doctor may stop the drops and prescribe another method of birth control. Phenytoin: Acitretin may increase the side effects of phenytoin, including slurred speech, confusion, and problems with coordination or balance. Vitamin A supplements and other oral retinoids: Taking these drugs with acitretin can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of balance, and blurred vision.

7. Preservation of drugs

Store at room temperature (from 15-25oC), avoid moisture and extreme heat, direct light. It's better to ask your doctor or pharmacist how best to store your medicine. Keep it in a safe place, out of reach of children and pets. Do not use expired, modified or no longer need the medicine. Do not throw medicine in the toilet or flush it down the sewer line

8. Handling when forgetting medicine

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is late or near time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take it as usual. Do not double the dose as it will cause many unwanted side effects.

9. Note when taking medicine

Medicines must be prescribed and monitored when used by a doctor to avoid unnecessary side effects. Acitretin makes the skin more sensitive, so always wear protective clothing when exposed to the sun. Do not share your medicine with anyone or give them your medicine even if they have the same symptoms as you. You should avoid skin products that can irritate the skin. Some examples:

+ Any topical or acne product that contains an exfoliant (for example, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or sulfur).
+ Hair products that cause irritation, such as dyes or hair removal products.
+ Products for sun-sensitive skin, such as those containing spices or lemon.
+ Skin products that contain large amounts of alcohol, such as astringents, shaving cream, or aftershave lotion.
+ Skin products that are too dry or abrasive, such as some cosmetics, soaps or skin cleansers.
Medicines can affect your blood sugar. Remember to have regular blood and urine tests to check and notify your doctor if there are any abnormalities.
Maintain daily medication at a certain time.
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References: drugs.com, medicalnewstoday.com