Alitretinoin Orifarm
This medicine treats severe, long-lasting hand eczema in adults that hasn't improved with other local treatments, including steroids.
Form
kapseli, pehmeä
Strength
10 mg
Active Ingredient
Alitretinoin
Manufacturer
Orifarm Generics A/S
How to Use
Dosage
The usual dose is 10 mg or 30 mg once a day. If you cannot tolerate the 30 mg dose, you may be prescribed a lower 10 mg dose.
Method
Take this medicine with your main meal, preferably at the same time each day. Swallow the capsules whole; do not chew them.
Important
The maximum daily dose is 30 mg.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Headache
- •High blood fat levels (triglycerides, cholesterol)
- •Changes in blood cell counts (increased platelets, decreased red and white blood cells)
- •Low thyroid hormone levels
- •Dizziness
- •Eye inflammation (conjunctivitis), inflamed eyelids; dry and irritated eyes
- •Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- •Flushing
- •High blood pressure
- •Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth
- •Temporary changes in liver function tests (blood tests)
- •Dry skin (especially on the face), dry and inflamed lips, skin redness, itchy rash, inflamed skin, hair loss
- •Joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue
- •Increased levels of muscle breakdown products in blood (if exercising intensely)
RARE
- •Vision problems like blurred or distorted vision, cloudy eye surface (corneal opacity, cataract)
- •Increased pressure in the brain (severe headache, nausea, vomiting, pain behind eyes, vision problems)
- •Severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling around eyes, mouth or lips, difficulty breathing or fainting)
- •Severe stomach pain, possibly with bloody diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
- •Bone overgrowth, including spine disease (ankylosing spondylitis)
- •Digestive problems (indigestion)
- •Itching, peeling skin, rash, dry eczema
- •Nosebleeds
- •Inflammation of blood vessels
- •Nail disorders
- •Increased skin sensitivity to sunlight
- •Changes in hair quality
- •Poor night vision
- •Swelling of hands, feet, and ankles
- •Depression or related disorders (e.g., low mood, mood swings, anxiety, emotional difficulties)
- •Worsening of existing depression
- •Aggression or violent behavior
- •Suicidal thoughts or attempts, unusual behavior, psychosis (loss of touch with reality, hearing or seeing things that are not real)
- •Diabetes (e.g., excessive thirst, frequent urination, high blood sugar in blood tests)
- •Color blindness, impaired color vision, intolerance to contact lenses
- •Arthritis, bone disorders (e.g., delayed growth, changes in bone density), bones stopping growth
Important Warnings
- This medicine can cause severe harm to an unborn baby. Women must use effective contraception. Do not use if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
- Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to alitretinoin, other retinoids (like isotretinoin), peanuts, soy, or any other ingredients in this medicine.
- Do not take this medicine if you have liver disease, severe kidney disease, high blood fat levels, untreated thyroid disease, very high vitamin A levels, or if you are taking tetracycline.
- This medicine can affect your mood. If you have ever had mental health problems (like depression, aggressive behavior, mood swings, or thoughts of harming yourself), tell your doctor. Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor right away if you develop any mental health issues.
- If you experience vision problems, tell your doctor right away.
Show 9 more warnings
- If you have a constant headache, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision, these could be signs of increased pressure in your head. Contact your doctor.
- If you have bloody diarrhea, stop treatment immediately and contact your doctor as soon as possible.
- Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds. Your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 before going outside.
- Do not donate blood during treatment or for one month after, as it could harm an unborn baby if a pregnant person receives your blood.
- This medicine may affect your night vision, driving, and operating machinery. If you experience this, avoid driving or operating machines at night or in tunnels. Be careful with tasks requiring sharp focus.
- If you get an allergic reaction like redness or itching on your arms or legs, tell your doctor. You may need to stop the treatment.
- During treatment, your skin and lips may become dry. Use moisturizer and lip balm.
- Reduce intense physical exercise, as this medicine can cause muscle and joint pain.
- If your eyes become dry, use eye drops or artificial tears. If you wear contact lenses, you may need to switch to glasses.