ACITRETIN (Generic for SORIATANE)

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medication. Your symptoms may get worse when you first start treatment. It may take 2 to 3 months to see the full benefit of treatment.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.
This medication can increase bad cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and decrease good cholesterol (HDL) in your blood. You may need blood tests to check your cholesterol. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of high cholesterol while taking this medication.
This medication may increase blood sugar. The risk may be higher in patients who already have diabetes. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of diabetes while taking this medication.
This medication may cause dry eyes. If you wear contact lenses, you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating eye drops may help. See your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe. This medication may make it difficult to see at night or in low lit areas. Avoid driving at night until you know how it has affected your vision.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths. If you are receiving light treatment (phototherapy), your care team may need to change your light dosages to avoid burns.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Before you receive your first prescription, review the Patient Agreement/Informed Consent with your care team. This is to help you understand the risk of birth defects and how to avoid pregnancy. If you did not talk to your care team about this and sign the consent form, contact your care team.
Talk to your care team if you or your partner may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 3 years after the last dose. The risk of birth defects may last longer than 3 years if you swallow any form of alcohol while taking this medication and for 2 months after the last dose. You will need a negative pregnancy test before, during, and after taking this medication. Progestin hormones may not work as well while you are taking this medication. Two forms of contraception are recommended before starting this medication, during treatment, and for 3 years after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.
Do not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 3 years after the last dose.
Do not donate blood while you are taking this medication and for 3 years after the last dose. Donated blood may contain enough of this medication to cause birth defects if transfused to someone who is pregnant.

If you miss a dose, skip it. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take extra or 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Avoid exposure to extreme heat. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.