Acitretin Side Effects and Warnings

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Do not donate blood while using this medicine and for 3 years after stopping.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• If you have mental illness, talk with healthcare provider.

• Avoid other sources of vitamin A.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) while using this medicine and for 2 months after medicine is stopped.

• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.

• If you are a female of childbearing age, talk with healthcare provider about pregnancy risks when taking this medicine. You will also get a written paper talking about the risks.

• You must have two pregnancy tests that confirm you are not pregnant. You need a pregnancy test every month in order to get more medicine.

• Use two forms of birth control that you can trust 1 month before treatment begins, during treatment, and for at least 3 years after treatment ends.

• Do not use birth control pills that have a low dose of progesterone. They may not work well.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Serious mental problems such as depression.

• Liver damage can rarely occur.

• High cholesterol level.

• High triglyceride level.

• Mouth irritation. Frequent mouth care with a soft toothbrush or cotton swabs and rinsing mouth may help.

• Nasal irritation.

• Skin irritation.

• Eye irritation.

• Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Hair loss. Hair usually grows back when medicine is stopped.

• Sunburn.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.

• Violent actions or thoughts of violence.

• Severe headache.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe belly pain.

• Not able to eat.

• Severe muscle pain or weakness.

• Sudden change in vision, eye pain, or irritation.

• Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.

• For females, if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.