Users' questions

What is acitretin used for?

What is acitretin used for?

Acitretin is used to treat severe psoriasis (abnormal growth of skin cells that causes red, thickened, or scaly skin). Acitretin is in a class of medications called retinoids. The way acitretin works is not known.

Does acitretin work psoriasis?

Results/conclusion: Acitretin is an effective systemic therapy for psoriasis and is generally well tolerated at low doses for long-term use. If monotherapy with acitretin is inadequate, it can be used in combination with other treatments, particularly UVB phototherapy, to increase efficacy.

How does methotrexate work for psoriasis?

Methotrexate is a strong medicine. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it to treat adults with severe, disabling psoriasis that cannot be controlled with medicine applied to the skin or light treatments. Methotrexate works by suppressing the overactive immune system that causes psoriasis.

How effective is cyclosporine for psoriasis?

Safety and effectiveness Cyclosporine can effectively treat severe and disabling psoriasis, and it works quickly. In clinical trials, 80% to 90% of patients who received cyclosporine for 12 to 16 weeks had rapid improvement.

Does acitretin affect your immune system?

Acitretin is not immunosuppressive, is generally safe for long-term use and has no time limit restrictions, which makes it useful in combination therapy and for maintenance therapy.

Is there an alternative to acitretin?

As an off-label use, Accutane (isotretinoin) is another oral retinoid that is sometimes used in place of acitretin to treat psoriasis.

How long can you stay on methotrexate?

This medicine can stay in a woman’s body for 6 months after they stop taking it. For men, there is a risk that methotrexate can damage sperm. This can affect the way a baby develops during pregnancy. Women and men wanting to try for a baby need to stop taking methotrexate at least 6 months before trying to conceive.

Does cyclosporine lower your immune system?

Cyclosporine works by suppressing the immune system to prevent the white blood cells from trying to get rid of the transplanted organ.

Can you take cyclosporine long term?

However, cyclosporine is potentially toxic. Side effects include renal toxic effects, hypertension, and an increased risk of malignant neoplasm. The toxicity of cyclosporine is dose-related, yet the safe duration of treatment is undefined.

What happens if you drink alcohol with acitretin?

Women should not drink any alcoholic beverages while taking acitretin or for 2 months after stopping treatment. Alcoholic beverages increase the risk for birth defects while taking acitretin. Acitretin can cause severe, life-threatening birth defects if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ16DU7Wpx1O0Ty4zJEtPsQ

How long does it take for Soriatane to take effect?

Soriatane tends to work slowly for plaque psoriasis. Psoriasis may worsen before individuals start to see clearing. After eight to 16 weeks of treatment, the skin lesions usually will improve. It may take up to six months for the drug to reach its peak effect.

Are there any side effects of discontinuing Soriatane?

Hypersensitivity, including angioedema and urticaria (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ). Myopathy with peripheral neuropathy has been reported during therapy with SORIATANE. Both conditions improved with discontinuation of the drug. Aggressive feelings and/or suicidal thoughts have been reported.

Who is the best person to prescribe Soriatane to?

Soriatane should be prescribed only by those who have special competence in the diagnosis and treatment of severe psoriasis, are experienced in the use of systemic retinoids, and understand the risk of teratogenicity.

What kind of retinoid is Soriatane used for?

Soriatane (acitretin) is a retinoid, which is a form of vitamin A, used to treat severe psoriasis in adults.

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