INTRODUCTION
ACROTAC 10MG contains acitretin which belongs to a group of medicines called ‘retinoids. It is used to treat severe skin condition in which the skin has become thick and scaly. These skin problems include the psoriasis, ichthyosis and keratosis follicularis (Darier’s disease). It works by improving the normal growth of the skin. In psoriasis the cells in outer layer of the skin grow more faster than normal with red, irritated, inflamed, thicker skin.
Always take ACROTAC 10MG exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the medicine whole with plenty of water. It should not be given to children as it may cause changes in bone growth. If it is given to a child, the doctor will decide the correct dose based on the child’s weight. This medicine is contraindicated in cases of the hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema, urticaria) to acitretin or to other retinoids. Do not drive or operate any machinery while taking this medicine, particularly at night time since your vision may be affected. Do not take this medicine, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It can pass into your milk and may harm your baby. The most common side effects include dry mouth, joint pain, tight muscles, hair loss, dry eyes, rise in blood fats.
USES OF ACROTAC 10MG
- Treat severe skin problems where skin has become thick and may be scaly (Psoriasis, Ichthyosis and keratosis follicularis (Darier’s disease))
HOW ACROTAC 10MG WORKS
ACROTAC 10MG works by inhibiting the excessive cell growth and keratinization (process by which skin cells become thickened due to the deposition of a protein within them).
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Always take ACROTAC 10MG exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the medicine whole with plenty of water.
SIDE EFFECTS OF ACROTAC 10MG
SERIOUS
- Allergic reaction with symptoms such as skin rash, swelling or itching of the skin, swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue
- Severe nasal congestion, asthma or wheezing
- Severe headache
- Feeling or being sick
- Problems with your eyesight
- Aches and pains in muscles, bones or joints
COMMON
- Dry, irritated or swollen eyes, which may lead to intolerance of contact lenses
- Dry, irritated or runny nose, nose bleeding
- Dry mouth, thirst
- Dryness or inflammation of lips, which may alleviate by application of a fatty ointment.
- Increased level of fats in your blood (shown by blood test)
RARE
- Increased blood pressure in the skull
- Night blindness
- Inflammation of the cornea in eye (ulcerative keratitis)
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea and vomiting:
Keep try taking this medicine with, or just after, a meal or snack and stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food.
Headache:
Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to your forehead. Rest in a quiet, comfortable, dark room.
Stomach pain:
Try to rest and relax. You can eat and drink slowly or have frequent meals. Keeping a heat pad or a covered hot water pack on your stomach may also help. If still pain persists, speak to your doctor.
Diarrhea:
Drink lot of fluid, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Do not take any other medicine without consulting your doctor.
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY
ACROTAC 10MG should be used with caution in pregnant women. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
BREASTFEEDING
ACROTAC 10MG should be used with caution in breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machinery while taking this medicine, particularly at night time since your vision may be affected.
ALCOHOL
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine.
KIDNEY
ACROTAC 10MG should be taken with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Consult your doctor for advice.
LIVER
ACROTAC 10MG should be taken with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice.
ALLERGY
Do not take if you are allergic to any of the ingredients of this medicine.
INTERACTIONS
Talk to your doctor if you are taking:
- An antibiotic called tetracycline (for an infection)
- Methotrexate (for skin problems, arthritis or cancer)
- Low dose progesterone only contraceptives (‘minipills’)
- Medicines or vitamin supplements
- Other retinoid medicines including isotretinoin or tazarotene
MORE INFORMATION
Store below 20-25°C and keep out of reach of children.
FAQ’s ABOUT ACROTAC 10MG
Q: Is ACROTAC 10MG an immunosuppressant?
A: No, it is not immunosuppressive, is generally safe for long-term use and has no time limit restrictions, which makes it useful in combination therapy and for maintenance therapy.
Q: What is ACROTAC 10MG taken for?
A: It is used to treat severe psoriasis (abnormal growth of skin cells that causes red, thickened, or scaly skin). It is in a class of medications called retinoids.
Q: Is ACROTAC 10MG a retinoid?
A: It is the systemic retinoid used for psoriasis and effective as monotherapy.
