Acitretin
Soriatane
Soriatane (acitretin) is an FDA-approved medication specifically designed to treat serious forms of psoriasis in adults. Available in oral capsule form, Soriatane has two strengths: 10 mg and 25 mg. Patients are advised to take this medication orally once daily, ideally with the main meal to enhance absorption. Soriatane functions by regulating the growth of skin cells. It effectively reduces the rapid production of skin cells that is characteristic of psoriasis, thereby reducing the scaling and thickening of the skin. You can buy Soriatane to treat psoriasis with your doctor’s prescription.
Soriatane Overview
Soriatane (acitretin) is an oral medication approved by the FDA to treat severe psoriasis in adults. It comes in capsule form with 10 mg and 25 mg dosages and is generally taken once daily alongside the main meal to enhance absorption. This drug aims to moderate the rapid skin cell production associated with psoriasis, reducing the skin’s scaling and thickening. Acitretin works by altering skin cell growth and features anti-inflammatory properties that diminish redness and irritation. Its systemic effects make it effective for treating widespread or stubborn cases of psoriasis that are unresponsive to topical treatments or light therapy. Strict adherence to medical instructions is crucial for safety and efficacy.
Women of childbearing potential must follow stringent guidelines due to the chance of serious birth defects, including using dual contraception and avoiding alcohol. Acitretin carries an FDA black box warning about its potential teratogenic effects. Common side effects of this medication involve impacts on the skin and mucous membranes, such as dryness, hair loss, and brittle nails. Serious side effects can include jaundice, muscle pain, and severe headaches. Patients experiencing significant adverse effects should seek prompt medical consultation.
The drug should not be combined with certain other medications due to the risk of severe interactions and is contraindicated in patients with significant liver or kidney disease. Monitoring of these organs is recommended during treatment. Patients must avoid doubling doses if one is missed, and in the event of an overdose, immediate medical intervention is required. Soriatane should be stored correctly and kept out of children’s reach. Patients should always consult their doctor for any concerns about side effects, interactions, or usage.
What Are the Uses of Soriatane?
This medication is a retinoid used to treat
- Severe psoriasis
- Other skin disorders in adults
What Are the Forms & Strengths of Soriatane?
Soriatane comes in oral capsule form and has the following strengths:
- Capsules: 10 mg and 25 mg
What Are the Recommended Dosage of Soriatane?
For Severe Psoriasis
- Adults: Initially, 25 to 50 milligrams (mg) once daily in a single dose. Your doctor may adjust this Soriatane dosage based on your response to treatment. The maximum dose of Soriatane is 75 mg daily.
- Children: The dosage and use should be determined by a pediatrician.
Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the use of this medication to ensure optimal safety and effectiveness.
[Note: Remember, these recommendations mentioned above may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your pharmacist or doctor, and they’ll customize your Soriatane dosage accordingly.]
How to Use Soriatane?
Acitretin, the active ingredient of Soriatane, is a medication used to treat severe skin conditions, but it requires strict adherence to medical guidance due to its potential side effects and risks. Here are the key guidelines for taking acitretin:
- Always read the patient information form and Medication Guide provided with acitretin. Follow the instructions carefully, & don’t hesitate to ask your doctor if anything is unclear. You will be required to sign a consent form to confirm your understanding of the treatment’s requirements.
- Learn about the Do Your P.A.R.T. program, designed to prevent pregnancy during and after treatment with acitretin. If you have questions about this program, ask your doctor for clarification.
- Consume acitretin with your main meal of the day to optimize absorption and effectiveness.
For women, especially, acitretin poses risks of birth defects, necessitating additional precautions:
- Use 2 effective forms of birth control simultaneously for at least one month before starting treatment.
- Ensure your menstrual cycles are regular as part of the pre-treatment assessment.
- Undergo a pregnancy test within one week prior to starting acitretin to ensure you are not pregnant.
- Start taking acitretin on Day 2 or Day 3 of your next menstrual period.
- Sign an acknowledgment of the necessity to avoid pregnancy for at least 2 to 3 years after stopping acitretin treatment.
Due to the severe risks associated with unintended exposure, it is critical:
- Never share acitretin with anyone else, as it can cause birth defects & other serious side effects in people for whom it was not prescribed.
[Note: Your doctor will decide the accurate amount of Soriatane for you based on your condition, following guidelines & studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]
How Does Soriatane Work?
Soriatane, also known by its generic name acitretin, is an oral retinoid medication primarily used to treat severe psoriasis. It works by modulating the growth and differentiation of skin cells. Soriatane effectively slows down the excessive production of skin cells associated with psoriasis, reducing scaling and thickening. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties that help you reduce the redness & irritation caused by the condition. As a systemic treatment, it impacts the whole body, making it suitable for treating extensive or resistant cases of psoriasis that do not respond well to topical treatments or light therapy.
Important Safety Information for Using Soriatane
What Are the Side Effects of Soriatane?
Like all medications, it can have side effects, and some of them can be serious. Here are the common and serious side effects of Soriatane:
- The common side effects of Soriatane (acitretin) generally relate to its impact on the skin and mucous membranes, reflecting the medication’s influence on cell turnover and skin health. Here are the frequent side effects that users might experience:
- Dry or runny nose
- Itchy or scaly skin
- Dry mouth
- Hair loss
- Dry eyes
- Fragile skin
- Weak nails
- If you experience any of the following side effects, consult your doctor immediately, as they can lead to serious problems if not addressed within 2-3 weeks. These include:
- Yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Muscle pain
- Sudden numbness or weakness
- Pain behind your eyes
- Trouble moving
- Fruity breath odor
- Nausea
- Chest pain
- Itching
- Unusual thoughts or behavior
- Shortness of breath
- Mood changes
- Fever
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Increased thirst
- Swelling or warmth in one or both legs
- Lightheadedness
- Sudden swelling
- Vomiting
- Problems with balance
- Dark urine
- Increased urination
- Pain in your joints, back, muscles, or bones
- Swelling or peeling of your skin
- Difficulty breathing
- Headache
- Depression
- Ringing in your ears
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Hives
- Aggression
- Redness
- Pain
- Sudden severe headache
- Swelling of your tongue, face, lips, or throat
- Loss of appetite
- Rapid weight gain
[Note: Remember, this list might not cover all potential side effects. Always consult with your doctor or healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]
Are There Any Warnings for Soriatane?
Yes, there are several important warnings to be aware of when taking Soriatane (acitretin):
Alcohol Consumption: Women who are capable of becoming pregnant must avoid alcohol consumption while taking Soriatane and for at least two months after the final dose. Alcohol can cause Soriatane to convert into another substance within the body that can take three years or longer to be fully eliminated.
Blood Donation: Both men and women should refrain from donating blood while taking Soriatane and for at least three years after the last dose. Donated blood containing this medication could cause birth defects if transfused to a pregnant woman.
Liver Problems: Soriatane can lead to serious liver issues. Discontinue the medication & contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
What Are the FDA Boxed Warning for Soriatane?
Yes! Soriatane (acitretin) carries a black box warning issued by the FDA. This includes:
Harmful to the Fetus: Acitretin, the active ingredient in Soriatane, poses a severe risk to the fetus. It is contraindicated for use in women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant during treatment, or within three years of stopping therapy. This medication should also not be used by women who do not utilize reliable contraception.
What Are the Soriatane Precautions?
When considering the use of any medication, it is crucial to balance the potential risks against the benefits it may provide. This decision should be made collaboratively between you and your doctor. For acitretin, the following precautions should be taken into account:
- Allergies: Let your doctor know if you have had any unusual or allergic reactions to acitretin or any other medications. Also, share information about any severe allergies you might have to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, always read the label or package ingredients carefully.
- Pediatric Use: There have been no appropriate studies to determine the relationship between age and the effects of acitretin in children. Therefore, the safety and efficacy of acitretin in the pediatric population have not been established.
- Geriatric Use: Studies conducted to date have not identified any geriatric-specific issues that would limit the usefulness of acitretin in older adults. However, elderly patients are more likely to have various age-related kidney, liver, or heart conditions, which may necessitate caution and possible dose adjustments when using acitretin.
- Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is strongly not recommended while using this medication and should be avoided for a minimum of three years after discontinuing the treatment. This precaution is necessary due to the potential for harmful effects on the infant from the medication that may persist in the body for an extended period.
What If You Missed a Dose of Soriatane?
- If you miss a dose of Soriatane, do not take an extra dose to make up for it.
- Simply skip the missed dose & continue with your next regularly scheduled dose.
- Doubling up on doses can enhance the risk of side effects and is not recommended.
- Stick to your usual dosing schedule to maintain the treatment’s effectiveness and safety.
[Note: If you have missed a dose of Soriatane and are unsure about when to take the next one, quickly consult your doctor or pharmacist.]
What Happens If You Take Too Much of Soriatane?
If you take too much Soriatane, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- A feeling that you or your surroundings are constantly moving
- Sensation of spinning
If you suspect an overdose of Soriatane, seek medical attention immediately to manage these symptoms effectively.
[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended Soriatane dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]
How to Store a Soriatane?
- Store Soriatane in a tightly sealed container at room temperature (15 to 25 degrees Celsius). Avoid exposure to excessive heat, moisture, & direct sunlight. Ensure the medication does not freeze.
- Keep Soriatane out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.
- Do not retain medicine that is outdated or no longer needed.
- Consult your doctor for proper disposal methods for any unused Soriatane, ensuring it is done safely and responsibly.
[Note: You can discuss with your healthcare professional or doctor about the proper disposal of any unused medicine & any questions you may have regarding its storage.]
What Medications Interact with Soriatane?
While certain medications should not be used together under any circumstances, others may be used concurrently, even if interactions might occur. In those cases, your healthcare provider may adjust the dose or take other necessary precautions. It is crucial to inform your doctor or healthcare professional if you are taking any of the medications listed below. The following interactions are selected based on their potential significance and are not exhaustive.
- Medications Not Recommended: Using Soriatane with the following medications is not recommended. Your doctor may choose not to treat you with Soriatane or may change some of your other medications:
- Tigecycline
- Lymecycline
- Doxycycline
- Methacycline
- Omadacycline
- Chlortetracycline
- Eravacycline
- Tetracycline
- Sarecycline
- Rolitetracycline
- Minocycline
- Demeclocycline
- Meclocycline
- Oxytetracycline
- Medications with Increased Risk of Side Effects: Using Soriatane with the following medications is usually not recommended but may be necessary in some cases. If both medications are prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency of use for one or both of the medications:
- Palovarotene
- Pexidartinib
- Levonorgestrel
What Are the Other Soriatane Interactions?
Certain medications should not be used at or around the time of eating food or consuming specific types of food as interactions may occur. Additionally, using alcohol or tobacco with certain medications may also lead to interactions. The following interactions are selected based on their potential significance and are not exhaustive.
- Food Interactions: Using this medicine with certain foods is usually not recommended but can not be avoided in some cases. If used together, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency of use or provide special instructions about food consumption.
- Alcohol Interactions: Using this medication with alcohol is generally not recommended, but in some cases, it may be necessary. Your doctor may modify the dosage or usage instructions if alcohol consumption is unavoidable.
- Tobacco Interactions: The use of this medication with tobacco is typically discouraged, but if unavoidable, your doctor may need to change the dose or provide specific guidelines for using tobacco while on this medication.
[Note: This isn’t a complete list, & there could be other drugs that interact with Soriatane. Make sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, & herbal products you’re taking.]
What Are the Soriatane Alternatives?
When considering alternatives to Soriatane (acitretin), it is important to categorize these alternatives based on their drug classes. Here are some of the alternatives and their respective categories:
- Retinoids: These are commonly used to treat severe psoriasis and other skin conditions. They work by regulating skin cell growth.
- Tazorac (tazarotene)
- Accutane (isotretinoin)
- Claravis (isotretinoin)
- Biologics: These medications target particular parts of the immune system to control inflammation and are often used for moderate to severe psoriasis.
- Immunosuppressants: These are used to treat severe psoriasis when other treatments have not been effective.
- Neoral (cyclosporine)
- Gengraf (cyclosporine)
- Topical Corticosteroids: These are anti-inflammatory medications used to treat various skin conditions. They reduce inflammation, itching, and redness.
- Non-Biologic Systemic Treatments: These are oral or injected medications that work throughout the body to treat severe psoriasis.
- Otezla (apremilast)
[Note: Your doctor will choose what is the best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without conversing with your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself can cause serious side effects.]
Soriatane Cost & Coupons
The cost of Soriatane (acitretin) can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the dosage, quantity prescribed, pharmacy location, and whether you have health insurance that covers prescription medications. Generally, You buy Soriatane to treat psoriasis, and it can be quite expensive without insurance or a discount. Consider Polar Bear Meds, the best Canadian pharmacy, where you can buy Soriatane from Canada in the USA at a reduced price. Additionally, customers can use the Soriatane coupon code WELCOMEPB10 to receive a 10% discount on their first order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does acitretin do to the body?
Acitretin is a medication primarily prescribed for the treatment of severe skin conditions, notably psoriasis. It functions by promoting the normal growth and development of skin cells, which helps to alleviate the symptoms of the disorder. The therapeutic effects of acitretin extend beyond the period of active medication usage; however, these benefits are not permanent. Over time, after discontinuation of the treatment, the symptoms of the skin condition often reemerge. Consequently, repeated courses of acitretin may be necessary to manage the condition effectively over the long term.
Does acitretin cause hair loss?
Acitretin, a medication commonly used to treat skin conditions, has been linked to several hair-related side effects, including alopecia (hair loss) and various changes to the hair shaft. These changes can manifest as hair kinking, hair curling, poliosis (whitening of the hair), and alterations in hair color such as re-pigmentation. For most patients, these side effects tend to be mild and closely related to the dosage of the medication. Importantly, these hair issues are typically temporary. Normal hair growth usually resumes once acitretin treatment is discontinued.
Can acitretin damage the liver?
Acitretin, while generally considered safe, has been linked to instances of acute liver injury, though such occurrences are rare. Research indicates that this adverse effect happens in approximately 0.1% to 0.5% of patients undergoing treatment with acitretin. Therefore, while liver damage from acitretin is not common, it is a recognized risk associated with its use.
How do I know if acitretin is working?
Understanding the effectiveness of acitretin in treating psoriasis involves patience, as it may require a significant amount of time—typically 2 to 3 months or possibly longer—to experience its full benefits. During the initial stages of treatment, it is not uncommon for your psoriasis symptoms to worsen. This initial exacerbation should not be interpreted as a failure of the medication; rather, it is a part of the treatment process. However, it is crucial to communicate with your healthcare provider if you notice an aggravation in your symptoms. Despite these initial challenges, it is important to continue taking acitretin consistently, even if you begin to feel better, to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment in managing your condition.
Does acitretin affect the kidneys?
Acitretin, a medication used in certain medical treatments, has been observed to adversely influence kidney function. Studies have noted significantly reduced plasma concentrations of the drug in patients suffering from end-stage renal failure. Due to these findings, the administration of acitretin is strictly contraindicated for individuals with severely compromised kidney function. To ensure safety & manage any potential risks, medical guidelines strongly recommend regular monitoring of kidney function in patients who are prescribed acitretin.
Our Guarantee
At PolarBearMeds.com, we assure you the most affordable price to buy Soriatane online from Canada. Rest easy knowing that your order will be dispatched from a reputable Licensed Canada Pharmacy Online, adhering to the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our discounted medications are shipped directly from Canada to your doorstep, ensuring a swift and secure delivery experience. To conveniently buy Soriatane online to treat psoriasis at a substantial cost, call us at 1-888-779-2193 toll-free.
