Acitretin
Retinoids For Treatment Of Psoriasis
Sold as SORIATANE
- Drug class
- Retinoids For Treatment Of Psoriasis
- Availability
- Prescription only
- Routes
- Oral
- Markets covered
- 3
- Products on record
- 16
- FDA reports (12 mo)
- 259
Overview
Plain-language summary, compiled from the cited regulatory records
Acitretin is a retinoid medication used to treat severe psoriasis in adults [1]. It belongs to the drug class of Retinoids For Treatment Of Psoriasis [1]. Due to potentially significant adverse effects, acitretin should only be prescribed by healthcare professionals experienced in the systemic use of retinoids [1]. For females who can become pregnant, acitretin is reserved for non-pregnant patients who have not responded to other treatments or for whom other treatments are not suitable [1].
In the past 12 months, there were 259 adverse event reports associated with acitretin [2]. Common reactions reported include psoriasis, drug ineffectiveness, vomiting, nausea, and pain [2].
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA Canada | Health Canada | 8 | May 25, 2026 |
| GB United Kingdom | MHRA | 6 | May 22, 2026 |
| US United States | FDA | 2 | August 9, 2024 |
CACanada· Health Canada
8 products
Uses
SORIATANE (acitretin) is indicated for: • Severe psoriasis (includes erythrodermic and pustular types) • Other disorders of keratinization Severe psoriasis is a condition that involves more than 10% of body surface area or is physically, occupationally or psychologically disabling.
Because of significant adverse effects associated with its use, SORIATANE should be reserved for patients with the diseases listed above when these are unresponsive to or intolerant of standard treatment. SORIATANE should only be prescribed by physicians knowledgeable and experienced in the use of systemic retinoids and who understand the risk of teratogenicity associated with SORIATANE treatment (see
How to take
GBUnited Kingdom· MHRA
6 products
Uses
• Severe extensive psoriasis which is resistant to other forms of therapy. • Palmo-plantar pustular psoriasis. • Severe congenital ichthyosis. • Severe Darier’s disease (keratosis follicularis).
How to take
USUnited States· FDA
2 products
Uses
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Acitretin Capsules, USP are indicated for the treatment of severe psoriasis in adults. Because of significant adverse effects associated with its use, Acitretin Capsules, USP should be prescribed only by those knowledgeable in the systemic use of retinoids.
In females of reproductive potential, Acitretin Capsules, USP should be reserved for non-pregnant patients who are unresponsive to other therapies or whose clinical condition contraindicates the use of other treatments (see boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS — Acitretin Capsules, USP can cause severe birth defects).
Most patients experience relapse of psoriasis after discontinuing therapy. Subsequent courses, when clinically indicated, have produced efficacy results similar to the initial course of therapy.
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Acitretin. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
Sources & citations
- [1]Health Canada (DPD) · 02070847 · revised February 2, 2026
- [2]MHRA (UK) · PL201170266 · revised May 22, 2026
- [3]FDA DailyMed · 08ce9fdd-1e84-40… · revised January 26, 2024 [PDF]
- [4]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.