Acitretin: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Acitretin is an oral retinoid. It is a prescription medicine used for severe psoriasis and other severe skin disorders. In Pakistan it is available as capsules and ointment, made by 6 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Acitretin works

Acitretin is a retinoid, a medicine related to vitamin A. It helps return the growth and maturation of skin cells to a more normal pace, so thick plaques and scales are reduced. It also has some anti-inflammatory effects in the skin.

What is Acitretin used for?

• Severe psoriasis and other severe skin disorders

Acitretin is used to treat severe psoriasis, including widespread plaque psoriasis and pustular forms, that has not responded to other treatments. It is also used for some rare inherited disorders where the skin becomes very thick and scaly, such as ichthyosis and Darier's disease. It is prescribed and monitored by a dermatologist, and improvement usually takes several weeks to appear.

Side effects of Acitretin

Dryness is the most common effect of Acitretin, as it affects the skin and the lining of the nose, mouth and eyes. Common side effects include:

• Dry, cracked lips
• Dry skin and peeling, especially on the palms and soles
• Dry eyes and nose, sometimes with nosebleeds
• Hair thinning
• Raised cholesterol or triglycerides

Stop taking it and contact your doctor urgently for a severe headache with nausea or blurred vision, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or low mood or thoughts of self-harm.

Precautions and warnings

• It causes serious birth defects; women must not be pregnant, must use effective contraception before, during and for three years after treatment, and must not breastfeed.
• Do not drink alcohol during treatment and for two months after stopping, as alcohol can turn acitretin into a longer-lasting form.
• Do not donate blood during treatment and for three years afterwards.
• Regular blood tests are needed to check liver function and blood fats.
• Avoid vitamin A supplements, tetracycline antibiotics and methotrexate, protect your skin from the sun, and note that contact lenses may feel uncomfortable.

Frequently asked questions about Acitretin

What is the price of Acitretin in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Acitretin products currently in stock range from Rs 371 to Rs 4,596 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Acetin 10mg Capsule at Rs 371. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Acitretin are available in Pakistan?

Acitretin is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Tigasor (Maxitech Pharma), Acetin (Genome Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Neotret (Pharma Health), Asset (Crystolite Pharmaceuticals), Citarin (Dermagen) and Acisor (Shrooq).

Do I need a prescription for Acitretin?

Yes. Acitretin is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Acitretin be used during pregnancy?

It causes serious birth defects; women must not be pregnant, must use effective contraception before, during and for three years after treatment, and must not breastfeed.

Are all Acitretin brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Acitretin in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Acitretin brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 10 products containing Acitretin from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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