Acitretin
Acitretin is a systemic medication which is usually given by mouth in pill form. This type of medication is also known as a retinoid. Click here for more information about topical retinoids, which are applied directly to your skin.
How does it work?
Acitretin slows down the rate at which skin cells are replaced, allowing them to develop normally.
When is it used?
Acitretin may be used if your psoriasis is severe and extensive (covers large areas of your body), and if other therapies have not been effective. Your healthcare team may also prescribe methotrexate if you have pustular psoriasis. It can also be used in combination with phototherapy, allowing the number of light treatments to be reduced.
How is it taken?
Acitretin is a pill to be taken once a day. After 2–4 weeks of therapy, the amount of acitretin that you take each week may be changed by your healthcare team. This will be so that you get the maximum effect of treatment, without too many side effects. You should not continue acitretin therapy for more than 6 months.
Advantages and disadvantages
Acitretin is an effective treatment for psoriasis, even in people whose psoriasis has not improved with topical therapies. It is especially effective in the treatment of erythrodermic and pustular psoriasis. Acitretin can cause a range of side effects, the most common of these are:
- skin conditions (including dryness, scaling, thinning, redness, flaking, inflammation or itching)
- Mouth, nose and eye conditions (including dry mouth, ulcers or inflammation to the mouth, lips and nose, dry eyes, conjunctivitis)
Because of the risk of liver damage, your healthcare team will probably carry out regular check-ups during treatment. These check ups will normally include blood samples being taken, so that your healthcare team can monitor any early signs of liver damage.
If you have any questions about acitretin, you may want to discuss them with a member of your healthcare team.