The following information is a summary about Soriatane. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Soriatane Important Information
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant within the next 3 years, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Soriatane/acitretin, stop taking Soriatane/acitretin and call your doctor immediately. Soriatane/Acitretin can harm the fetus. The harmful effects can last up to 3 years after Soriatane/acitretin has been discontinued. At least two reliable methods of birth control must be used for at least 1 month prior to beginning Soriatane/acitretin, during treatment, and for 3 years after you have stopped taking Soriatane/acitretin. Women who are taking Soriatane/acitretin must not drink alcohol or use products containing alcohol during treatment with Soriatane/acitretin and for 2 months after stopping Soriatane/acitretin. Alcohol and Soriatane/acitretin combine to form a toxic compound that can harm the fetus.It is not known if Soriatane/acitretin contained in the semen of men taking acitretin can harm the fetus. Soriatane/Acitretin can cause liver damage. If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: fatigue, loss of appetite, upset stomach, vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or pale stools. Soriatane/Acitretin may increase the amount of cholesterol and certain fatty substances in your blood. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check how Soriatane/acitretin affects your cholesterol and fatty substance levels. If you experience severe abdominal pain, call your doctor immediately. Soriatane/Acitretin may cause intracranial hypertension (increased pressure in the skull). Rarely, intracranial hypertension causes vision loss. If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances.
Why is this Soriatane medication prescribed?
Soriatane/Acitretin is used to treat severe psoriasis. Soriatane/Acitretin controls psoriasis but does not cure it. This Soriatane medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or Soriatane pharmacist for more Soriatane information.
How should this Soriatane medicine be used?
Soriatane/Acitretin comes as a capsule to take by mouth. Soriatane/Acitretin is usually taken once a day with your main meal. Follow the Soriatane directions on your Soriatane prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or Soriatane pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use Soriatane/acitretin exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of Soriatane or use Soriatane more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Soriatane/Acitretin sometimes takes 2-3 months to begin having an effect on your psoriasis. Occasionally, Soriatane initially makes the psoriasis worse. If you are concerned about your response to Soriatane/acitretin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other Soriatane Uses
Soriatane/Acitretin may also be used to treat Darier's disease, palmoplantar pustulosis, lichen planus, lamellar ichthyosis in children, nonbullous and bullous ichthyosiform erythroderma, Sjgren-Larssen syndrome, lichen sclerosus et atrophicus of the vulva, and palmoplantar lichen nitidus. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this Soriatane drug for your condition.
What special Soriatane precautions should I follow?
Before taking Soriatane/acitretin,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Soriatane/acitretin, alitretinoin, etretinate, isotretinoin, parabens, tazarotene, tretinoin, or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medications including methotrexate (Rheumatrex), oral contraceptives, and vitamins (including vitamin A) or herbal products.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, liver or kidney disease, or high cholesterol.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using Soriatane/acitretin, call your doctor.
do not drink alcohol while taking Soriatane/acitretin and for 2 months after stopping Soriatane/acitretin.
plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and sun lamps and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Soriatane/Acitretin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
if you wear contact lenses, be aware that Soriatane/acitretin may make your eyes very dry and contacts may become uncomfortable.
you should not give blood during treatment with Soriatane/acitretin and for 3 years after stopping Soriatane/acitretin.
What side effects can this Soriatane medication cause?
Although side effects from Soriatane/acitretin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these Soriatane symptoms are severe or do not go away:
dry or irritated eyes
stiff muscles
thinning of the hair, eyebrows, or eyelashes
dry, peeling skin
tingling of the skin
skin infections
changes in finger- or toenails
runny nose
bloody nose
dry mouth
changes in taste
joint, muscle, or back pain
headache
stomach pain
diarrhea
earache
If you experience any of the following Soriatane symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
rash
blurred vision
changes in vision
In case of Soriatane emergency/overdose
In case of Soriatane overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What storage conditions are needed for Soriatane?
Keep Soriatane in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Soriatane at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Soriatane medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Soriatane medication.
What other Soriatane information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your response to Soriatane.
Do not let anyone else take your Soriatane medication. Ask your Soriatane pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your Soriatane prescription.
What should I do if I forget a Soriatane dose?
Take the missed Soriatane dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Soriatane dose, skip the missed Soriatane dose and continue your regular Soriatane dosing schedule. Do not take a double Soriatane dose to make up for a missed one.
Other uses for this Soriatane medicine
This Soriatane medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Soriatane information.
