Neotigason (Acitretin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Neotigason Used For?
Neotigason contains acitretin and belongs to a group of medicines called retinoids, which are very similar to Vitamin A. It helps treat severe skin conditions by returning the skin to normal development.
Primary Uses
Neotigason is used to treat severe psoriasis (skin disease with thickened patches of red skin, often with silvery scales) and other severe disorders of the skin.
How It Works
In severe psoriasis and some other skin disorders where there is a problem with normal skin development, Neotigason helps return the skin to normal. The affected skin will either peel off or gradually clear during treatment.
Good to know: You may notice the first signs of improvement during the first week, but more often after 2 or 3 weeks. It may take 2 to 3 months before the full effect is seen.
How to Take Neotigason
Neotigason is usually taken once daily, swallowed whole with meals or with a glass of milk. Your doctor will determine the right dose for your specific needs.
Dosage Instructions
The initial dose is usually 25 mg (1 x 25 mg capsule) or 30 mg (3 x 10 mg capsules) per day for 2 to 4 weeks. Your dose will probably then be adjusted by your doctor. If you are female, you should wait until the 2nd or 3rd day of your next normal menstrual period before starting treatment.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and then go back to taking it as you would normally.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. Follow the instructions provided and use Neotigason until your doctor tells you to stop.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- dryness of the lips, mouth, nose, eyes and skin
- thinning or peeling of the skin
- nail fragility
- hair loss
- rash, redness of the skin or itchiness
- flushing
- headache
- nausea
- diarrhoea
- fatigue
- dizziness
- sleepiness
- mood changes
- depression
- thirst
- eye irritation and intolerance to contact lenses
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- skin rash, swelling or itching of the skin
- swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue
- red and swollen eyes
- severe nasal congestion
- asthma or wheezing
- severe or persistent headache
- nausea or vomiting
- blurred vision or visual disturbances
- tenderness or stiffness in joints, muscles or bones
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and conditions that prevent the safe use of Neotigason. Please review these carefully with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Neotigason
Do not use if you are allergic to acitretin, vitamin A, other retinoids or any ingredients; if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant during treatment or in the 3 years after stopping; if you are a woman of childbearing potential unless all conditions of the Pregnancy Prevention Programme are met; if you are taking tetracycline antibiotics, vitamin A preparations, or methotrexate; or if you have severe liver or kidney disease or abnormally high fat levels in your blood.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have diabetes or family history of diabetes, liver disease, high triglycerides or cholesterol levels in the blood or family history of these conditions, or if you take any medicines for other conditions or are allergic to other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Neotigason is highly teratogenic and there is an extremely high risk that a severely deformed baby will result if taken before or during pregnancy. You must use effective contraception (preferably two complementary forms) for one month before, during and 3 years after treatment. Breastfeeding must be stopped before treatment begins.
Blood Donation Warning: Do not donate blood during treatment or for at least 3 years after stopping treatment.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Neotigason and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
Important: Your doctor or pharmacist has a complete list of medicines to avoid while taking Neotigason. Check with them if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking.
- tetracycline antibiotics
- phenytoin
- methotrexate
- alcohol containing medicines
- low-dose progestogen oral contraceptive (mini-pill)
- vitamin A supplements or preparations containing vitamin A
Alcohol & Driving
There are important precautions regarding alcohol consumption and driving while taking Neotigason.
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol in drinks, food or medicines during treatment. Alcohol should also be avoided for 2 months after stopping treatment with Neotigason.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Normally your ability to drive cars or operate machinery is not affected by Neotigason, however decreased night vision has been reported. Patients may need to be cautious before they drive a car or operate machinery at night.
Storage
Keep your capsules in the blister pack until it is time to take them. Store below 25°C in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car or on window sills. Keep where young children cannot reach it.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Neotigason, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (In Australia 13 11 26, in New Zealand 0800 POISON [0800 764 766]), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Signs of overdose may include transient headache, vomiting, flushed face, dry itchy skin and lips, stomach pain, drowsiness, dizziness and uncoordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may notice the first signs of improvement during the first week, but more often after 2 or 3 weeks. It may take 2 to 3 months before the full effect is seen.
Yes, Neotigason is usually taken once daily swallowed whole with meals or with a glass of milk.
No, you should avoid alcohol in drinks, food or medicines during treatment. Alcohol should also be avoided for 2 months after stopping treatment with Neotigason.
Do not stop taking Neotigason or lower the dose without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your progress and may adjust your treatment as needed.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
You must not donate blood during treatment or for at least 3 years after stopping treatment due to the risk of the medication affecting a pregnant recipient.
Decreased night vision has been reported with Neotigason. You may need to be cautious before driving a car or operating machinery at night.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.