[split] Acitretin

[Kat]

Don't know if it helps any but here are some of the side affects with Acitretin:

Very common:
Over 80% of patients experienced: hypervitaminosis A as e.g. dry lips and possibly inflamed lips (using moisturisers or 'emollients' from the start of treatment can help to relieve dry skin problems.)

40 – 80% of patients experienced: dry mucous membranes of mouth and nose, peeling of skin, especially the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, rhinitis.


10 – 40% of patients experienced: nose bleed, scaling and thinning of healthy skin with increased sensitivity, erythema, pruritus, sensation of “burning skin”, sensation of “sticky skin”, dermatitis, hair loss, inflammation of the nail wall, nail fragility.

Common:
Up to 10% of patients experienced: development of rhagades, inflammation of oral mucosa and gingiva associated with taste disturbances, blistering of the skin, change in pigmentation of the skin and hair, change in growth rate of hair, change in hair structure.

There are more side affects as there are with a lot of drugs, and sometimes knowing them all is not a good thing as it can put you even taking a headache pill. But those above look common, and it looks like you could be falling into the unfortunate category.

Sorry.

I've read that some side effects can be temporary. Specifically that hair loss is "usually" temporary with Acitretin. Of course the problem with that is everyone is different and one can't know if side effects will ease or stay present during the entire course of treatment.

I'd definitely talk to my doctor about the side effects. I've read that drugs are licensed when the side effects outweigh what they are trying to cure, only that is actually quite personal on what one would rather deal with imo.