Acitretin Side Effects: What You Need to Know Before Taking It

When you’re prescribed acitretin, a potent oral retinoid used primarily for severe psoriasis and other skin disorders. Also known as Soriatane, it works by slowing down skin cell growth—but that same power comes with serious trade-offs. Unlike topical creams or gentle acne treatments, acitretin changes how your body works at a deep level. It’s not a quick fix. It’s a tool for when nothing else works—and that means you need to know exactly what you’re signing up for.

The most common side effects are dry skin, cracked lips, and itchy eyes. But beyond that, there are risks that can’t be ignored. liver damage, a known risk with long-term retinoid use is something your doctor should monitor with blood tests. elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, common in people taking acitretin can increase heart disease risk, especially if you already have metabolic issues. And then there’s the biggest one: pregnancy, a absolute contraindication for acitretin due to severe birth defect risks. Even after stopping the drug, you must avoid pregnancy for at least three years. No exceptions. No shortcuts. This isn’t a warning you can skim past.

People often compare acitretin to isotretinoin (Accutane), another powerful retinoid. Both cause similar dryness and sensitivity, but acitretin stays in your body longer and has a stricter pregnancy window. If you’re on it, you’re likely dealing with stubborn psoriasis, not just acne. That means you’re probably already tried creams, light therapy, or biologics. You’re not looking for convenience—you’re looking for control. But control means responsibility. You need to track your blood work, avoid alcohol (it turns acitretin into a more dangerous form), and protect your skin from sunburns. This isn’t a drug you take and forget.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just a list of side effects. It’s real talk from people who’ve been through it, comparisons to other treatments like methotrexate or biologics, and clear advice on how to manage the daily grind of dry skin, joint pain, or mood changes. Some posts break down how acitretin interacts with other meds you might be taking. Others show you what to do if your lips crack open or your vision gets blurry. No sugarcoating. No marketing fluff. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what you need to ask your doctor before you start—or keep taking—this drug.