Acitretin Oral Capsule (ACITRETIN - ORAL)

Instructions

Take the medicine with a meal.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

If you wear contact lenses you may need to use a wetting solution since this medicine can cause dry eyes.

This medicine can make you sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when in sun.

It may take several months for this medicine to fully work.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

This medicine may cause higher blood sugar levels or diabetes. Please follow your doctor's instructions and check your blood sugar level regularly while on this medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine is associated with a rare, but serious problem of the liver. Speak to your doctor about the early signs of liver problems and the benefits and risks of using this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

This medicine may cause blurry vision or increased sensitivity to light. Avoid driving at night.

Do not drink beverages with alcohol while on this medicine and for 2 months after stopping treatment.

Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed, has thoughts of suicide, or shows changes in behavior.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 3 years after stopping treatment.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

Women of childbearing age must have two negative pregnancy tests before starting this medicine.

Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 3 years after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Female patients of childbearing age should have monthly pregnancy tests during treatment to make sure they are not pregnant.

Women of childbearing age should have pregnancy tests every 3 months after treatment for 3 years to make sure they are not pregnant.

If you think you might possibly be pregnant, stop taking this medicine immediately and contact your doctor.

Do not take St. John's wort while on this medicine.

Do not take products containing vitamin A while on this medicine.

Women who are pregnant or in their childbearing years should not touch or handle this medicine. This medicine can be absorbed through the woman's skin and harm the unborn baby.

Do not donate blood for at least 3 years after the last dose of this medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• dry mouth
• dry eyes
• hair loss
• changes in taste or unpleasant taste
• thirst

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
• bone pain
• depression or feeling sad
• dizziness
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• fever
• severe or persistent headache
• high blood sugar
• signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• joint or muscle pain
• severe stomach or bowel pain
• suicidal thoughts
• blurring or changes of vision
• sudden or unexplained weight gain

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.