Soriatane (Acitretin)

What is Soriatane?

Soriatane (acitretin) is a retinoid. It is a form of vitamin A.

What is Soriatane used for?

Soriatane is indicated for the treatment of severe psoriasis in adults. However, the medication does not cure psoriasis. Generally, it is given after other medicines have failed to treat symptoms of psoriasis.

How does Soriatane work?

It is not known how Soriatane works to help treat psoriasis.

How to use Soriatane

Soriatane should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken once daily, with the main meal. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day. Get your blood tested on a regular basis in order to be sure that the medication is working effectively.

Soriatane warnings and precautions

Do not use Soriatane if you have severe liver or kidney disease, or if you are allergic to Acitretin, Altinac, Avita, Accutane, Renova, Retin-A, etc. Also, if you have high levels of triglycerides in your blood or if you are using methotrexate (Trexall, Rheumatrex), do not take Soriatane.

Prior to taking Soriatane, tell your doctor if you have heart, kidney or liver disease, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, depression or if you take alcohol in large amounts.                                          

While using Soriatane, women must abstain from drinking alcohol. Also, do not donate blood if you are on a Soriatane dosing schedule. Avoid consuming vitamin A supplements and also avoid exposure to UV rays (sunlight or artificial ultraviolet rays).

Pregnant women should never us

What do I do if I have missed a Soriatane dose?

If you have missed your Soriatane dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Soriatane overdose?

If you have taken a Soriatane overdose you should seek medical attention.

Soriatane interactions

Before taking Soriatane, consult your doctor if you take phenytoin (Dilantin), St. John’s wort, or tetracycline antibiotics such as doxycycline (Doryx, Adoxa, Oracea, Vibramycin), demeclocycline (Declomycin), minocycline (Minocin, Solodyn, Dynacin, Vectrin), tetracycline (Panmycin, Sumycin, Brodspec, Tetracap), etc.

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use. Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Soriatane side effects

Soriatane side effects include hives, fast heart rate, breathing trouble (rapid breathing and/or shortness of breath), wheezing, sudden cough, confusion, increased sweating, blurred vision, sudden or extreme headache, vomiting, sudden decrease in night vision, jaundice, numbness or weakness, pain in chest spreading to arms or shoulders, back ache, pain in joints or muscles, depressed mood, unusual behavior, aggression, pain in bones; problems with speech, vision or balance; swelling in legs, face, hands, feet, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Soriatane, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.

 Loss of appetite, nausea, stomach ache, diarrhea, headache, dryness or irritation in eyes, dry mouth, nosebleeds, runny or dry nose, insomnia, chapped or peeling skin, thinning eye lashes or eyebrows, loss of hair, tingly feeling under skin, swollen or bleeding gums, and mouth sores are some less serious