Acitretin Drug Information

Generic name: ACITRETIN

Retinoid [EPC]

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Uses of Acitretin

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.

Dosage & Administration of Acitretin

There is intersubject variation in the pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and incidence of side effects with Acitretin Capsules, USP. A number of the more common side effects are dose-related. Individualization of dosage is required to achieve sufficient therapeutic response while minimizing side effects.

Therapy with Acitretin Capsules, USP should be initiated at 25 to 50 mg per day, given as a single dose with the main meal. Maintenance doses of 25 to 50 mg per day may be given dependent upon an individual patient’s response to initial treatment. Relapses may be treated as outlined for initial therapy.

When Acitretin Capsules, USP are used with phototherapy, the prescriber should decrease the phototherapy dose, dependent on the patient’s individual response (see PRECAUTIONS: General ). Females who have taken TEGISON (etretinate) must continue to follow the contraceptive recommendations for TEGISON. TEGISON is no longer marketed in the US; for information, call 1-855-273-0150.

Information for Pharmacists: Acitretin Capsules, USP must only be dispensed in no more than a month supply. An Acitretin Capsules, USP Medication Guide must be given to the patient each time acitretin capsules are dispensed, as required by law.

Side Effects of Acitretin

Hypervitaminosis A produces a wide spectrum of signs and symptoms primarily of the mucocutaneous, musculoskeletal, hepatic, neuropsychiatric, and central nervous systems. Many of the clinical adverse reactions reported to date with administration of acitretin resemble those of the hypervitaminosis A syndrome. Adverse Events/Postmarketing Reports: In addition to the events listed in the tables for the clinical trials, the following adverse events have been identified during postapproval use of acitretin.

Because these events are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Cardiovascular: Acute myocardial infarction, thromboembolism (see WARNINGS ), stroke. Immune System Disorders: Hypersensitivity, including angioedema and urticaria (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ).

Nervous System: Myopathy with peripheral neuropathy has been reported during therapy with acitretin. Both conditions improved with discontinuation of the drug. Psychiatric: Aggressive feelings and/or suicidal thoughts have been reported.

These events, including self-injurious behavior, have been reported in patients taking other systemically administered retinoids, as well as in patients taking acitretin. Since other factors may have contributed to these events, it is not known if they are related to acitretin (see PRECAUTIONS ). Reproductive: Vulvo-vaginitis due to Candida albicans.

Skin and Appendages: Thinning of the skin, skin fragility, and scaling may occur all over the body, particularly on the palms and soles; nail fragility is frequently observed. Madarosis and exfoliative dermatitis/erythroderma have been reported (see WARNINGS ). Vascular Disorders: Capillary leak syndrome (see WARNINGS ).

One-hundred sixteen subjects (22%) left trials prematurely, primarily because of adverse experiences involving the mucous membranes and skin. Three subjects died. Two of the deaths were not drug-related (pancreatic adenocarcinoma and lung cancer); the other subject died of an acute myocardial infarction, considered remotely related to drug therapy.

In clinical trials, acitretin was associated with elevations in liver function test results or triglyceride levels and hepatitis. The tables below list by body system and frequency the adverse events reported during clinical trials of 525 subjects with psoriasis. Table 3.

Adverse Events Frequently Reported during Clinical Trials Percent of Subjects Reporting (N=525) Table 4. Adverse Events Less Frequently Reported during Clinical Trials (Some of Which May Bear No Relationship to Therapy) Percent of Subjects Reporting (N=525) Laboratory: Therapy with acitretin induces changes in liver function tests in a significant number of patients. Elevations of AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT) or LDH were experienced by approximately 1 in 3 subjects treated with acitretin.

In most subjects, elevations were slight to moderate and returned to normal either during continuation of therapy or after cessation of treatment. In subjects receiving acitretin during clinical trials, 66% and 33% experienced elevation in triglycerides and cholesterol, respectively. Decreased high density lipoproteins (HDL) occurred in 40% (see WARNINGS ).

Transient, usually reversible elevations of alkaline phosphatase have been observed. Table 5 lists the laboratory abnormalities reported during clinical trials. Table 5.

Abnormal Laboratory Test Results Reported during Clinical Trials Percent of Subjects Reporting

Table 3. Adverse Events Frequently Reported during Clinical Trials Percent of Subjects Reporting (N=525)
Body System>75%50% to 75%25% to 50%10% to 25%
CNSRigors
Eye DisordersXerophthalmia
Mucous MembranesCheilitisRhinitisDry mouth Epistaxis
MusculoskeletalArthralgia Spinal hyperostosis (progression of existing lesions)
Skin and AppendagesAlopecia Skin peelingDry skin Nail disorder PruritusErythematous rash Hyperesthesia Paresthesia Paronychia Skin atrophy Sticky skin
Table 4. Adverse Events Less Frequently Reported during Clinical Trials (Some of Which May Bear No Relationship to Therapy) Percent of Subjects Reporting (N=525)
Body Sytem1% to 10%≤ 1%
Body as a WholeAnorexia Edema Fatigue Hot flashes Increased appetiteAlcohol intolerance Dizziness Fever Influenza-like symptomsMalaise Moniliasis Muscle weakness Weight increase
CardiovascularFlushingChest pain Cyanosis Increased bleeding timeIntermittent claudication Peripheral ischemia
CNS (also see Psychiatric)Headache PainAbnormal gait Migraine NeuritisPseudotumor cerebri (intracranial hypertension)
Eye DisordersAbnormal/ blurred vision Blepharitis Conjunctivitis/ irritation Corneal epithelial abnormalityDecreased night vision/night blindness Eye abnormality Eye pain PhotophobiaAbnormal lacrimation Chalazion Conjunctival hemorrhage Corneal ulceration Diplopia EctropionItchy eyes and lids Papilledema Recurrent sties Subepithelial corneal lesions
GastrointestinalAbdominal pain Diarrhea Nausea Tongue disorderConstipation Dyspepsia Esophagitis Gastritis GastroenteritisGlossitis Hemorrhoids Melena Tenesmus Tongue ulceration
Liver and BiliaryHepatic function abnormal Hepatitis Jaundice
Mucous MembranesGingival bleeding Gingivitis Increased salivaStomatitis Thirst Ulcerative stomatitisAltered saliva Anal disorder Gum hyperplasiaHemorrhage Pharyngitis
MusculoskeletalArthritis Arthrosis Back pain Hypertonia MyalgiaOsteodynia Peripheral joint hyperostosis (progression of existing lesions)Bone disorder Olecranon bursitis Spinal hyperostosis (new lesions) Tendonitis
PsychiatricDepression Insomnia SomnolenceAnxiety Dysphonia Libido decreased Nervousness
ReproductiveAtrophic vaginitis Leukorrhea
RespiratorySinusitisCoughing Increased sputum Laryngitis
Skin and AppendagesAbnormal skin odor Abnormal hair texture Bullous eruption Cold/clammy skin Dermatitis Increased sweating InfectionPsoriasiform rash Purpura Pyogenic granuloma Rash Seborrhea Skin fissures Skin ulceration SunburnAcne Breast pain Cyst Eczema Fungal infection Furunculosis Hair discoloration Herpes simplex Hyperkeratosis Hypertrichosis Hypoesthesia Impaired healing Otitis mediaOtitis externa Photosensitivity reaction Psoriasis aggravated Scleroderma Skin nodule Skin hypertrophy Skin disorder Skin irritation Sweat gland disorder Urticaria Verrucae
Special Senses/ OtherEarache Taste perversion TinnitusCeruminosis Deafness Taste loss
UrinaryAbnormal urine Dysuria Penis disorder
Table 5. Abnormal Laboratory Test Results Reported during Clinical Trials Percent of Subjects Reporting
Body System50% to 75%25% to 50%10% to 25%1% to 10%
ElectrolytesIncreased: –Phosphorus –Potassium –Sodium Increased and decreased: -MagnesiumDecreased: –Phosphorus –Potassium –Sodium Increased and decreased: -Calcium -Chloride
HematologicIncreased: –ReticulocytesDecreased: –Hematocrit –Hemoglobin –WBC Increased: –Haptoglobin –Neutrophils –WBCIncreased: –Bands –Basophils –Eosinophils –Hematocrit –Hemoglobin –Lymphocytes –Monocytes Decreased: –Haptoglobin –Lymphocytes –Neutrophils –Reticulocytes Increased or decreased: –Platelets –RBC
HepaticIncreased: –Cholesterol –LDH –SGOT –SGPT Decreased: –HDL cholesterolIncreased: –Alkaline phosphatase –Direct bilirubin –GGTPIncreased: –Globulin –Total bilirubin –Total protein Increased and decreased: –Serum albumin
MiscellaneousIncreased: –TriglyceridesIncreased: –CPK –Fasting blood sugarDecreased: –Fasting blood sugar –High occult bloodIncreased and decreased: –Iron
RenalIncreased: –Uric acidIncreased: –BUN –Creatinine
UrinaryWBC in urineAcetonuria Hematuria RBC in urineGlycosuria Proteinuria

Warnings & Cautions for Acitretin

  • ( See also boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS.) Hepatotoxicity: Of the 525 subjects treated in US clinical trials, 2 had clinical jaundice with elevated serum bilirubin and transaminases considered related to treatment with acitretin. Liver function test results in these subjects returned to normal after acitretin was discontinued. Two of the 1,289 subjects treated in European clinical trials developed biopsy-confirmed toxic hepatitis. A second biopsy in one of these subjects revealed nodule formation suggestive of cirrhosis. One subject in a Canadian clinical trial of 63 subjects developed a 3-fold increase of transaminases. A liver biopsy of this subject showed mild lobular disarray, multifocal hepatocyte loss, and mild triaditis of the portal tracts compatible with acute reversible hepatic injury. The subject’s transaminase levels returned to normal 2 months after acitretin was discontinued. The potential of therapy with acitretin to induce hepatotoxicity was prospectively evaluated using liver biopsies in an open-label trial of 128 subjects. Pretreatment and posttreatment biopsies were available for 87 subjects. For 6 subjects, the classification changed from class 0 (no pathology) to class I (normal fatty infiltration; nuclear variability and portal inflammation; both mild); for 7 subjects, the change was from class I to class II (fatty infiltration, nuclear variability, portal inflammation, and focal necrosis; all moderate to severe); and for 1 subject, the change was from class II to class IIIb (fibrosis, moderate to severe). No correlation could be found between liver function test result abnormalities and the change in liver biopsy status, and no cumulative dose relationship was found. Elevations of AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT), GGT (GGTP), or LDH have occurred in approximately 1 in 3 subjects treated with acitretin. Of the 525 subjects treated in clinical trials in the US, treatment was discontinued in 20 (3.8%) due to elevated liver function test results. If hepatotoxicity is suspected during treatment with acitretin, the drug should be discontinued and the etiology further investigated. Ten of 652 subjects treated in US clinical trials of etretinate, of which acitretin is the active metabolite, had clinical or histologic hepatitis considered to be possibly or probably related to etretinate treatment. There have been reports of hepatitis-related deaths worldwide; a few of these subjects had received etretinate for a month or less before presenting with hepatic symptoms or signs.
  • Skeletal Abnormalities: In adults receiving long-term treatment with acitretin, appropriate examinations should be periodically performed in view of possible ossification abnormalities (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ). Because the frequency and severity of iatrogenic bony abnormality in adults is low, periodic radiography is only warranted in the presence of symptoms or long-term use of acitretin. If such disorders arise, the continuation of therapy should be discussed with the patient on the basis of a careful risk/benefit analysis. In clinical trials with acitretin, subjects were prospectively evaluated for evidence of development or change in bony abnormalities of the vertebral column, knees, and ankles. Of 380 subjects treated with acitretin, 15% had preexisting abnormalities of the spine which showed new changes or progression of preexisting findings. Changes included degenerative spurs, anterior bridging of spinal vertebrae, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, ligament calcification, and narrowing and destruction of a cervical disc space. De novo changes (formation of small spurs) were seen in 3 subjects after 1½ to 2½ years. Six of 128 subjects treated with acitretin showed abnormalities in the knees and ankles before treatment that progressed during treatment. In 5, these changes involved the formation of additional spurs or enlargement of existing spurs. The sixth subject had degenerative joint disease which worsened. No subjects developed spurs de novo. Clinical complaints did not predict radiographic changes.
  • Lipids and Possible Cardiovascular Effects: Blood lipid determinations should be performed before acitretin is administered and again at intervals of 1 to 2 weeks until the lipid response to the drug is established, usually within 4 to 8 weeks. In subjects receiving acitretin during clinical trials, 66% and 33% experienced elevation in triglycerides and cholesterol, respectively. Decreased high density lipoproteins (HDL) occurred in 40% of subjects. These effects of acitretin were generally reversible upon cessation of therapy. Subjects with an increased tendency to develop hypertriglyceridemia included those with disturbances of lipid metabolism, diabetes mellitus, obesity, increased alcohol intake, or a familial history of these conditions. Because of the risk of hypertriglyceridemia, serum lipids must be more closely monitored in high-risk patients and during long-term treatment. Hypertriglyceridemia and lowered HDL may increase a patient’s cardiovascular risk status. Although no causal relationship has been established, there have been postmarketing reports of acute myocardial infarction or thromboembolic events in patients on therapy with acitretin. In addition, elevation of serum triglycerides to greater than 800 mg per dL has been associated with fatal fulminant pancreatitis. Therefore, dietary modifications, reduction in dose of acitretin, or drug therapy should be employed to control significant elevations of triglycerides. If, despite these measures, hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL levels persist, the discontinuation of acitretin should be considered.
  • Ophthalmologic Effects: The eyes and vision of 329 subjects treated with acitretin were examined by ophthalmologists. The findings included dry eyes (23%), irritation of eyes (9%), and brow and lash loss (5%).
  • The following were reported in less than 5% of subjects: Bell’s palsy, blepharitis and/or crusting of lids, blurred vision, conjunctivitis, corneal epithelial abnormality, cortical cataract, decreased night vision, diplopia, itchy eyes or eyelids, nuclear cataract, pannus, papilledema, photophobia, posterior subcapsular cataract, recurrent sties, and subepithelial corneal lesions. Any patient treated with acitretin who is experiencing visual difficulties should discontinue the drug and undergo ophthalmologic evaluation.
  • Pancreatitis: Lipid elevations occur in 25% to 50% of subjects treated with acitretin. Triglyceride increases sufficient to be associated with pancreatitis are much less common, although fatal fulminant pancreatitis has been reported. There have been rare reports of pancreatitis during therapy with acitretin in the absence of hypertriglyceridemia.
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri: Acitretin and other retinoids administered orally have been associated with cases of pseudotumor cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension). Some of these events involved concomitant use of isotretinoin and tetracyclines. However, the event seen in a single patient receiving acitretin was not associated with tetracycline use. Early signs and symptoms include papilledema, headache, nausea and vomiting, and visual disturbances. Patients with these signs and symptoms should be examined for papilledema and, if present, should discontinue acitretin immediately and be referred for neurological evaluation and care. Since both acitretin and tetracyclines can cause increased intracranial pressure, their combined use is contraindicated (see CONTRAINDICATIONS ).
  • Capillary Leak Syndrome: Capillary leak syndrome, a potential manifestation of retinoic acid syndrome, has been reported in patients receiving acitretin. Features of this syndrome may include localized or generalized edema with secondary weight gain, fever, and hypotension. Rhabdomyolysis and myalgias have been reported in association with capillary leak syndrome, and laboratory tests may reveal neutrophilia, hypoalbuminemia, and an elevated hematocrit. Discontinue acitretin if capillary leak syndrome develops during therapy.
  • Exfoliative Dermatitis/Erythroderma: Exfoliative dermatitis/erythroderma has been reported in patients receiving acitretin. Discontinue acitretin if exfoliative dermatitis/erythroderma occurs during therapy.

Drug Interactions with Acitretin

Pharmacokinetic Drug Interactions (see also boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions ): In studies of in vivo pharmacokinetic drug interactions, no interaction was seen between acitretin and cimetidine, digoxin, phenprocoumon, or glyburide. Ethanol: Clinical evidence has shown that etretinate (a retinoid with a much longer half-life, see below) can be formed with concurrent ingestion of acitretin and ethanol. In a 2-way crossover trial, all 10 subjects formed etretinate with concurrent ingestion of a single 100-mg oral dose of acitretin during a 3-hour period of ethanol ingestion (total ethanol, approximately 1.4 g per kg body weight).

A mean peak etretinate concentration of 59 ng per mL (range: 22 to 105 ng per mL) was observed, and extrapolation of AUC values indicated that the formation of etretinate in this trial was comparable to a single 5-mg oral dose of etretinate. There was no detectable formation of etretinate when a single 100-mg oral dose of acitretin was administered without concurrent ethanol ingestion, although the formation of etretinate without concurrent ethanol ingestion cannot be excluded (see boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS ). Etretinate has a much longer elimination half-life compared with that of acitretin.

The long half-life appears to be due to storage of etretinate in adipose tissue. Progestin-only Contraceptives: It has not been established if there is a pharmacokinetic interaction between acitretin and combined oral contraceptives. However, it has been established that acitretin interferes with the contraceptive effect of microdosed progestin preparations. 1 Microdosed “minipill” progestin preparations are not recommended for use with acitretin.

It is not known whether other progestin-only contraceptives, such as implants and injectables, are adequate methods of contraception during acitretin therapy.

Pediatric Use of Acitretin

  • Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. No clinical trials have been conducted in pediatric subjects. Ossification of interosseous ligaments and tendons of the extremities, skeletal hyperostoses, decreases in bone mineral density, and premature epiphyseal closure have been reported in children taking other systemic retinoids, including etretinate, a metabolite of acitretin. A causal relationship between these effects and acitretin has not been established. While it is not known that these occurrences are more severe or more frequent in children, there is special concern in pediatric patients because of the implications for growth potential (see WARNINGS: Skeletal Abnormalities ).

Contraindications for Acitretin

  • Pregnancy Category X: ( see boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS. ) Acitretin is contraindicated in patients with severely impaired liver or kidney function and in patients with chronic abnormally elevated blood lipid values (see boxed WARNINGS: Hepatotoxicity, WARNINGS: Lipids and Possible Cardiovascular Effects, and PRECAUTIONS ). An increased risk of hepatitis has been reported to result from combined use of methotrexate and etretinate. Consequently, the combination of methotrexate with acitretin is also contraindicated (see PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions ). Since both acitretin and tetracyclines can cause increased intracranial pressure, their combined use is contraindicated (see WARNINGS: Pseudotumor Cerebri ). Acitretin is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema, urticaria) to the preparation (acitretin or excipients) or to other retinoids.

Overdosage Information for Acitretin

In the event of acute overdosage, acitretin must be withdrawn at once. Symptoms of overdose are identical to acute hypervitaminosis A (e.g., headache and vertigo). The acute oral toxicity (LD 50 ) of acitretin in both mice and rats was greater than 4,000 mg per kg.

In one reported case of overdose, a 32-year-old male with Darier’s disease took 21 x 25-mg capsules (525-mg single dose). He vomited several hours later but experienced no other ill effects. All female patients of childbearing potential who have taken an overdose of acitretin must: Have a pregnancy test at the time of overdose; Be counseled as per the boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS sections regarding birth defects and contraceptive use for at least 3 years’ duration after the overdose.

Clinical Studies of Acitretin

In 2 double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, acitretin was administered once daily to subjects with severe psoriasis (e.g., covering at least 10% to 20% of the body surface area). At 8 weeks (see Table 1) subjects treated in Trial A with 50 mg of acitretin per day showed significant improvements ( P≤ 0.05) relative to baseline and to placebo in the physician’s global evaluation and in the mean ratings of severity of psoriasis (scaling, thickness, and erythema). In Trial B, differences from baseline and from placebo were statistically significant ( P≤ 0.05) for all variables at both the 25-mg and 50-mg doses; it should be noted for Trial B that no statistical adjustment for multiplicity was carried out.

Table 1. Summary of the Efficacy Results of the 8- Week Double- Blind Phase of Trials A and B of Acitretin The efficacy variables consisted of: the mean severity rating of scale, lesion thickness, erythema, and the physician's global evaluation of the current status of the disease. A subset of 141 subjects from both pivotal Trials A and B continued to receive acitretin in an open fashion for up to 24 weeks.

At the end of the treatment period, all efficacy variables, as indicated in Table 2, were significantly improved ( P ≤0.01) from baseline, including extent of psoriasis, mean ratings of psoriasis severity, and physician’s global evaluation. Table 2. Summary of the First Course of Therapy with Acitretin (24 Weeks) The efficacy variables consisted of: the mean severity rating of scale, lesion thickness, erythema, and the physician's global evaluation of the current status of the disease.

All efficacy variables improved significantly in a subset of 55 subjects from Trial A treated for a second, 6-month maintenance course of therapy (for a total of 12 months of treatment); a small subset of subjects (n = 4) from Trial A continued to improve after a third 6-month course of therapy (for a total of 18 months of treatment).

Table 1. Summary of the Efficacy Results of the 8- Week Double- Blind Phase of Trials A and B of Acitretin
Efficacy VariablesTrial ATrial B
Total Daily doseTotal Daily dose
Placebo (N=29)50 mg (N=29)Placebo (N=72)25 mg (N=74)50 mg (N=71)
Physician's Global Evaluation
Baseline4.624.554.434.374.49
Mean Change After 8 weeks-0.29-2.00 Values were statistically significantly different from placebo and from baseline (P≤0.05). No adjustment for multiplicity was done for Trial B.-0.06-1.06-1.57
Scaling
Baseline4.103.763.974.114.10
Mean Change After 8 weeks-0.22-1.62-0.21-1.50-1.78
Thickness
Baseline4.104.104.034.114.20
Mean Change After 8 weeks-0.39-2.10-0.18-1.43-2.11
Erythema
Baseline4.214.594.424.244.45
Mean Change After 8 weeks-0.33-2.10-0.37-1.12-1.65
Table 2. Summary of the First Course of Therapy with Acitretin (24 Weeks)
VariablesTrial ATrial B
Mean Total Daily Dose of Acitretin (mg)42.843.1
Mean Duration of Therapy (Weeks)21.122.6
Physician's Global EvaluationN=39N=98
Baseline4.514.43
Mean Change from Baseline-2.26 Indicates that the difference from baseline was statistically significant ( P≤0.01).-2.60
ScalingN=59N=132
Baseline3.974.07
Mean Change from Baseline-2.15-2.42
ThicknessN=59N=132
Baseline4.004.12
Mean Change from Baseline-2.44-2.66
ErythemaN=59N=132
Baseline4.354.33
Mean Change from Baseline-2.31-2.29

Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.

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