It works by slowing skin cell growth and reducing inflammation, but it also carries clear risks you need to know before starting treatment.
Typical dosing ranges from 10 mg to 50 mg once daily, often taken with food to improve absorption. Your doctor will choose a dose based on weight, severity, and response. Unlike topical treatments, acitretin affects the whole body and often takes weeks to show benefit. Many people notice gradual improvement after two to three months.
Before you start, expect baseline blood tests: liver function and fasting lipids are standard. Repeat testing usually occurs after one month, then periodically while you take the drug. If liver enzymes or triglycerides rise too high, your prescriber may reduce the dose or stop treatment.
Pregnancy prevention is the most important safety point. Acitretin causes severe birth defects. People who can get pregnant must use reliable contraception during treatment and for three years after stopping. Two negative pregnancy tests are usually required before starting. Do not donate blood while on acitretin and for three years after stopping.
Avoid alcohol during treatment and for a period after stopping, because alcohol can change acitretin into etretinate, a long-lasting compound that prolongs risk to a fetus. Also avoid vitamin A supplements and other retinoids; combined use raises side effect risks.
Common side effects include dry skin, chapped lips, nosebleeds, dry eyes, hair thinning, and sensitivity to sunlight. Most are dose-related and improve when the drug is lowered or stopped. Serious but less common problems can include pancreatitis and significant liver injury.
Watch for interactions. Do not take tetracycline antibiotics with acitretin because of increased risk of intracranial hypertension. Combining acitretin with methotrexate or high alcohol intake raises liver toxicity risk. Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and recent vaccination plans.
Buying acitretin online requires caution. Only use pharmacies that require a prescription and show clear accreditation. Look for verified contact info, pharmacist access, and HTTPS checkout. Avoid sites offering unusually low prices without asking for a prescription — counterfeit or substandard products are common risks.
If you experience severe side effects — sudden severe stomach pain, severe headache with vision changes, or signs of liver trouble like dark urine and yellowing skin — stop the drug and seek medical care immediately.
Talk to your dermatologist about realistic goals, monitoring schedules, and how long to stay on acitretin. In many cases, short courses or intermittent dosing can control symptoms while limiting long-term exposure. If you plan pregnancy now or in the future, ask about safer alternatives.
Early effects include dry skin, chapped lips, and peeling. Most problems are manageable with moisturizers and lip care. Sunscreen is essential. Avoid laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and waxing while taking acitretin because healing is slower and scarring risk rises.
Pregnancy test, contraception, baseline labs, avoid alcohol, monitor lipids and liver, use moisturizers and sunscreen and regular follow-ups.
As someone living with psoriasis, I've been exploring various treatment options to improve my quality of life. Recently, I've discovered Acitretin, a medication that has shown promising results in managing psoriasis symptoms. By taking Acitretin, I've noticed a significant improvement in my skin's appearance and reduced itching and inflammation. Not only has this helped boost my self-esteem, but it's also allowed me to enjoy my daily activities without the constant discomfort of psoriasis. I'm thrilled to share my experience with Acitretin and encourage others with psoriasis to consider this treatment option for a better quality of life.
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