Acitretin

Acitretin is a prescription retinoid medication used for treating severe psoriasis in adults. This medication has strict rules and regulations regarding its sale and use, as it can be extremely dangerous when used during pregnancy. The medicine comes in the form of a capsule and is generally used once daily. Potential side effects include hair loss, chapped lips, and dry skin.

What Is Acitretin?

Acitretin (Soriatane®) is a prescription medication approved to treat severe psoriasis in adults. Because this drug is extremely dangerous for use during pregnancy, there are strict rules and regulations for prescribing and dispensing it.
 
(Click What Is Acitretin Used For? for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Possible Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. However, very serious side effects are also possible.
 
Some of the possible side effects include but are not limited to:
 
  • Chapped, irritated lips
  • Hair loss
  • Peeling skin
  • Dry skin.
     
(Click Side Effects of Acitretin to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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