Acitretin Orifarm
Acitretin Orifarm is a vitamin A-like medicine used to treat severe skin conditions, such as thick and scaly skin.
Form
kapseli, kova
Strength
25 mg
Active Ingredient
Acitretin
Manufacturer
Orifarm Generics A/S
How to Use
Dosage
The usual starting dose for adults and elderly is 10 mg, 25 mg, or 30 mg once a day. Your doctor may adjust the dose after 2-4 weeks.
Method
Take the capsules with a meal, preferably with milk, and swallow them whole.
Important
The maximum dose is usually 30 mg per day, but in some cases, it can be 75 mg per day.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Dry nose, nosebleeds, runny nose
- •Dry mouth, thirst, dry lips, cracked lips, dry skin, itching, hair loss, skin peeling, especially on palms and soles
- •Increased blood fat levels (triglycerides, cholesterol), increased risk of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
- •Temporary changes in liver function (blood tests)
- •Headache
- •Dry and infected eye membranes (which might mean you can't wear contact lenses)
- •Mouth and lip inflammation
- •Stomach problems (e.g., stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting)
- •Fragile skin, oily skin, blistering skin inflammations, hair changes, brittle nails, nail inflammation, skin redness
- •Joint and muscle pain
- •Swelling of hands, feet, and ankles
RARE
- •Liver inflammation (yellow skin and eyes, dark urine, pale stools, stomach pain, loss of appetite, and tiredness)
- •Dizziness
- •Blurred vision
- •Gum inflammation
- •Cracked skin, blistering skin infections, increased skin sensitivity to light
- •Increased pressure in the head (headache, pain behind the eyes, vision problems)
- •Bone changes (stiffness and bone pain)
- •Swelling around the eyes, mouth, or lips (angioedema)
- •Weakness, tingling, numbness or paralysis, pain in hands and feet
- •Painful corneal ulcers and blurred vision
- •Worsened night vision
- •Taste disturbances
- •Rectal bleeding
- •Bone-related pain, fatigue
- •Jaundice (yellowing of skin, mucous membranes, and whites of the eyes)
- •Fluid leakage from blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure and cause blood changes (capillary leak syndrome/retinoic acid syndrome)
- •Vaginal yeast infection
- •Hypersensitivity reaction
- •Hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- •Redness
- •Small, red, bleeding skin nodules
- •Loss of eyelashes
- •Hives (urticaria)
- •Thinning skin
- •Skin peeling as flakes or layers
- •Voice changes (dysphonia)
- •Changed mood
- •Signs of psychosis: altered reality perception, such as hearing voices or seeing things that aren't there.
Important Warnings
- This medicine can seriously harm an unborn baby. Women must use effective contraception. Do not use if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
- Do not use if you are breastfeeding, as the medicine can pass into breast milk and harm the baby.
- Do not become pregnant for three years after treatment ends, as the medicine may still be in your body.
- Do not donate blood during treatment or for 3 years after treatment, as it could harm an unborn baby if a pregnant woman receives your blood.
- If you are a woman of childbearing age, do not consume alcohol (in drinks, food, or medicines) during treatment and for two months after stopping the medicine.
Show 5 more warnings
- If you wear contact lenses, Acitretin Orifarm can cause dry eyes. You should use glasses throughout the treatment.
- Contact your doctor if you experience severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and vision problems, as these could be signs of increased pressure in your head.
- If you have had mental health problems like depression, aggression, mood swings, or psychosis, be aware that Acitretin Orifarm can affect your mood and mental health.
- Acitretin increases blood fats like cholesterol and triglycerides, which are linked to pancreatitis. Tell your doctor about severe stomach and back pain, as it could be a sign of pancreatitis.
- Your vision in the dark might worsen during treatment, and rarely, this problem may continue after stopping the medicine. Be careful when driving or using machines at night or in tunnels.