Acitretin medication

Hi Tina. I too couldn't handle the side effects of methotrexate so I was put on Acitetrin. I have been on it about 3 years now and only have a couple of side effects i.e. sore nostrils (sometimes) and thinning of hair but only at the start of treatment. It has grown back now. I'm only on 10mg a day so it's a very low dose. As it affects the liver you're not meant to have alcohol. That's one of the drawbacks! I only have psoriasis on the soles of my feet but it can be really painful sometimes especially if they get dry and hot.

I took acitretin for many years, probably too long t.b.h. From memory after a few months my P was improving but during that time I started to experience the nasty side effects this drug comes with. Most of the side effects were visible and uncomfortable and remained till I stopped taking it. I still suffer with a bloody crusty nose even after years off it. Sorry to be so negative, there is a positive that it isn't an immunosupresent and gave relative clearence although never completely clear. Out of all the systemic and biologic treatments I have had this was by far the worst experience. Good luck.

I was on acetretin for a couple of years before going onto methotrexate. I had no side effects at all, but it was not nearly as effective at treating the psoriasis as some other treatments I have had. Good luck!