Soriatane is a retinoid, which is a form of vitamin A.

Soriatane is used to treat severe psoriasis in adults. This medicine is not a cure for psoriasis, and you may relapse after you stop taking this medication.

Acitretin must not be used to treat women who are able to bear children unless other forms of treatment have been tried first and have failed. Acitretin must not be taken during pregnancy because it causes birth defects in humans. If you are able to bear children, it is very important that you read, understand, and follow the pregnancy warnings for acitretin.  

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take Soriatane in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

While using Soriatane, you may need frequent blood tests. If you use this medicine long-term, you may need additional medical tests, including x-rays.

It may take 2 to 3 months before your symptoms improve, and your psoriasis may even get worse when you start taking Soriatane. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Take Soriatane with food.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Never share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Your skin condition may improve or get worse during the first few weeks of treatment and you also may notice some skin irritation from the medicine. With continued use, the expected skin irritation will lessen after a few weeks. Check with your doctor if the skin irritation becomes worse or if your skin condition does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks.

Do not take vitamin A or any supplement containing vitamin A while you are using this medicine, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Do not donate blood during treatment with Soriatane, for 3 years following treatment, or as directed by your doctor. Women who are able to bear children must not receive blood containing the medicine.

Acitretin may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, check with you doctor right away.

Common side effects may include:

• chapped lips, dry mouth;

• itchy or scaly skin;

• weak nails, fragile skin;

• dry eyes, discomfort while wearing contact lenses;

• signs of a blood vessel problem--sudden swelling, rapid weight gain, fever, muscle pain, feeling light-headed.

• serious skin problems--itching, redness, pain, swelling or peeling of your skin; 

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, headache, blurred vision

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule. Do not take double or extra doses.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-alcoholism
-depression
-high cholesterol
-taking St. John's Wort
-visual problems

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-alcohol, including alcohol that may be in drinks, food, or medicines including over-the-counter medicines
-methotrexate
-progestin-only birth control pills (mini pill)