• Females: Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant in the next 3 years. Your healthcare provider will talk about the risk before starting you on this medicine. Use two effective forms of birth control 1 month before starting this medicine and for 3 years after treatment ends. Pregnancy tests will be done to show that you are NOT pregnant before starting and while taking this medicine. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, call healthcare provider right away. If you understand all the information and can follow the directions you must sign a patient information/consent form. Do not sign the form and do not take the medicine if you do not understand everything on the form.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine and for 2 months after medicine is stopped.
• This medicine does not mix well with many medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.
• Do not donate blood while using this medicine and for 3 years after stopping.
• This medicine may cause liver problems. Call healthcare provider if you notice dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Please read the medication guide.
• If you have an allergy to acitretin or any other part of this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• If you are an alcohol drinker or take any alcohol-containing medicines.
• If you have any of the following conditions: High cholesterol, kidney disease, or liver disease.
• If you are of childbearing age, but are not using two forms of birth control or if you are planning to become pregnant during your treatment or within 3 years after treatment has ended.
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
• If you are breast-feeding.
• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Created: 2005-04-07 16:15:24.0
Modified: 2010-03-09 08:28:04.0
Lexi-PALS TM © (1977)-(2007) Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.
• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
• If you are a female of childbearing age, take two pregnancy tests before starting this medicine and monthly while using this medicine.
• Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.
• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
