Soriatane: Uses, Dosage, Demographic, Side Effects, Interactions, and Generic Options Soriatane (Acitretin) is an oral medication that is used to treat severe psoriasis that is unresponsive to other treatments. It is a retinoid, which is a type of medication that is related to vitamin A. Soriatane helps to reduce the growth of skin cells in psoriasis, which causes lesions to decrease and scaling to improve. In this article, we will discuss the uses, dosage, demographic, side effects, interactions, and generic options of Soriatane in detail. Uses of Soriatane Soriatane is primarily used to treat severe psoriasis that has not responded to other treatments such as topical agents (creams or ointments), phototherapy (UV light therapy), or systemic medications such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, or biologic agents. Soriatane has been shown to reduce the severity of symptoms in patients with severe psoriasis, including reducing scaling, itching, and plaque thickness. Dosage of Soriatane Soriatane is available in capsule form and is taken orally with or without food. The dosage of Soriatane usually starts at 25 to 50 mg per day and can be increased up to 75 to 100 mg per day depending on the severity of the psoriasis and the response of the patient. Soriatane should only be taken according to the instructions of a healthcare professional and should not be stopped or changed without consulting one. It is also important to note that Soriatane should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Demographic of Soriatane Soriatane is primarily prescribed to adults who have severe psoriasis that has not responded to other treatments. It is not recommended for children under the age of 18 or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Soriatane may not be suitable for patients with liver or kidney disease, high cholesterol, or a history of pancreatitis, and should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Side Effects of Soriatane Soriatane may cause some unwanted side effects. Some of the common side effects of Soriatane include dry skin, chapped lips, skin peeling, hair loss, photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to sunlight), and nosebleeds. Soriatane has also been associated with more serious side effects such as liver toxicity, increased triglycerides and cholesterol, and pancreatitis in some patients. Patients taking Soriatane should be closely monitored by their healthcare professionals to ensure that these side effects do not occur. Interactions of Soriatane Soriatane should not be taken with other medications that can be harmful to the liver, such as alcohol or methotrexate. Soriatane may also interact with some antibiotics, antifungal medications, and blood thinners. Patients taking Soriatane should inform their healthcare professional about all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter medications, supplements, and vitamins. Generic Options of Soriatane Acitretin is the generic form of Soriatane, which is equally effective, but less expensive. Other medications that can be used to treat psoriasis that have a different mechanism of action are methotrexate, cyclosporine, and biologic agents such as Humira, Enbrel, and Stelara. These medications may be used instead of Soriatane or in combination with it to achieve better results. Conclusion Soriatane is an effective medication for treating severe psoriasis that has not responded to other treatments. It is available in capsule form and is taken orally with or without food. Soriatane may cause some unwanted side effects such as dry skin, chapped lips, skin peeling, and photosensitivity, but more serious side effects such as liver toxicity and pancreatitis can occur in some patients. Soriatane should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional, and patients should be closely monitored for side effects. Acitretin is the generic form of Soriatane and is equally effective. Other medications that can be used to treat psoriasis are methotrexate, cyclosporine, and biologic agents such as Humira, Enbrel, and Stelara.