Uses of Acitretin

Acitretin is used to treat severe skin problems such as psoriasis, ichthyosis, and keratosis follicularis or Darier’s disease.

Therapeutic Category

Acitretin: Retinoids

How Acitretin works

Acitretin is a retinoid which works by inhibiting the excessive cell growth and prevents the hardening of skin that results in reduced thickening of the skin and plaque formation thus enabling the skin to grow normal in the affected regions.

Common side effects of Acitretin

• dry, irritated, or swollen eyes and runny nose 
• nose bleeding
• dry mouth and thirst
• dryness or inflammation in lips
• allergic skin reaction such as itching, hair loss, peeling of the skin from the palms of hands or the soles of the feet or even rest of the body, skin rash, redness in the skin
• thinning of the skin
• headache
• inflammation of mouth
• stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea
• fragile skin
• brittle nails, skin infection around nail
• changes in the hair texture
• joint and muscle pain 
• swelling of hands, ankles and feet

When to consult your doctor

• in case of accidental overdosage
• if you experience immediate allergic reactions (such as skin rash, swelling or itching of the skin, red and swollen eyes, severe nasal congestion, asthma or wheezing) which can be minor to life-threatening
• if you experience signs of jaundice such as yellowing of the skin and the whites of your eyes
• if you experience inflammation of the liver with other symptoms such as loss of appetite, fever, general feeling of being unwell, nausea, dark urine, and abdominal discomfort

Health Tips for Acitretin

• If you are women of childbearing age and sexually active, it is essential to use reliable contraception before, during, and for at least three years after stopping Acitretin, as it can cause severe birth defects
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure and use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear protective clothing, and use sunglasses when outdoors
• Stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water daily as it can help minimise potential side effects, such as dry skin and lips
• Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Acitretin as it may increase the risk of liver damage
• Keep your skin well-moisturized to help alleviate dryness and peeling. Use gentle, fragrance-free skin care products to avoid further irritation
• Do not donate blood during treatment with Acitretin or for at least 3 years after stopping therapy, as the medication can be harmful to pregnant women who receive your blood