Acitretin: Uses, Side Effects, and Drug Interactions
Brand names: ACITRETIN
# Acitretin: What You Need to Know Acitretin is a prescription medication used to treat severe skin conditions, especially a serious type of psoriasis called psoriasis. It works by helping to normalize how skin cells grow and develop. This medicine is typically prescribed when other treatments haven't worked well enough. Doctors use acitretin carefully because it's a powerful medication that requires close monitoring and specific precautions. This medication comes with serious safety warnings that you must follow. **Most importantly, acitretin can cause severe birth defects, so women who could become pregnant must not take it and should use effective birth control during treatment and for several years afterward.** You should also avoid drinking alcohol while taking acitretin, as mixing alcohol with this drug can create a longer-lasting form of the medicine in your body that could cause additional health problems. Before starting acitretin, tell your doctor about all other medicines you take and any health conditions you have. Your doctor will likely order blood tests before and during treatment to make sure the medicine is working safely for you.
Taking Acitretin with other medications?
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Check Now ↓Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)
- PSORIASIS1,152 reports
- DRUG INEFFECTIVE1,132 reports
- PAIN462 reports
- FATIGUE457 reports
- OFF LABEL USE446 reports
- PRURITUS437 reports
- NAUSEA409 reports
- HEADACHE348 reports
- SKIN EXFOLIATION343 reports
- PNEUMONIA331 reports
Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.
Check interactions with Acitretin:
SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.