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Clinical Pearls & Key Features:

SORIATANE ® Capsules have shown efficacy as monotherapy and in combination with phototherapy
SORIATANE ® Capsules are the only systemic treatment approved for both initial and maintenance psoriasis therapy
Demonstrated long-term tolerability and efficacy at low doses
SORIATANE ® Capsules are not immunosuppressive

Commentary:

"SORIATANE ® Capsules are an effective oral retinoid or synthetic form of Vitamin A, FDA approved for the treatment of patients with severe psoriasis. They can be effectively used in patients who suffer from plaque psoriasis or from those with guttate, pustular, erythrodermic, and palmoplantar psoriasis. The exact mechanisms for the action of SORIATANE ® Capsules are not known, but retinoids affect cell regulation, including cell differentiation and proliferation. SORIATANE ® Capsules should be considered in patients who are candidates for systemic psoriatic therapy."

Michael Gold, MD
Nashville, TN

Drugs » Psoriasis: Systemic

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Soriatane^® (acitretin)

How Supplied:

SORIATANE ® (acitretin) CK CONVENIENCE KIT™ includes SORIATANE ® Capsules 10 or 25 mg and VERSAFOAM-EF® Foam, 3.3 oz (94 g)

Indications and Usage:

SORIATANE ® (acitretin) Capsules are indicated for the treatment of severe psoriasis in adults. Due to the risk of severe birth defects, in females of reproductive potential SORIATANE ® Capsules should be reserved for nonpregnant patients with severe psoriasis who are unresponsive to other therapies or whose clinical condition contraindicates the use of other treatments, and who do not intend to become pregnant for 3 years after treatment.

Prescribing Instructions:

Prescribing Information Instructions [PDF]

Side Effects and Contraindications:

Common side effects include: cheilitis, rhinitis, dry mouth, arthralgia, spinal hyperostosis, alopecia, skin peeling, dry skin, nail disorder, pruritus, erythematous rash, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, paronychia, skin atrophy, sticky skin, and alteration in lipids.
Less frequent, but potentially serious, adverse events include hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, and pseudotumor cerebri, as well as hyperostosis, alteration in lipids with possible cardiovascular effects, and ophthalmologic effects.

Please see brief summary of Prescribing Information including boxed CONTRAINDICATI ONS and WARNINGS on adjacent page.

Company:

Stiefel Laboratories, Inc.
770-945-0101
www.soriatane.com

References:

1. Ruzicka T, Sommerburg C, Braun-Falco O, et al. Efficiency of acitretin in combination with UV -B in the treatment of severe psoriasis. Arch Dermatol. 1990;126:482- 486.
2. Spuls PI, Rozenblit M, Lebwohl M. Retrospective study of the efficacy of narrowband UVB and acitretin. J Dermatolog Treat. 2003;14(suppl 2):17-20.
3. Murray HE, Anhalt AW, Lessard R, et al.A 12-month treatment of severe psoriasis with acitretin: results of a Canadian open multicenter study. J Acad Dermatol. 1991:24;598-602.
4. Lassus A , Geiger JM. Acitretin and etretinate in the treatment of palmoplantar pustulosis: a doubleblind, comparative trial. Br J Dermatol. 1988;119:755-759.
5. Lee E, Koo J. Single-center retrospective study of long-term use of low dose acitretin (Soriatane¨) for psoriasis. J Dermatolog Treat. 2004;15:8-13.
6. Data on File. Stiefel Laboratories, Inc.
7. Pearce DJ , Klinger S, Ziel KK, et al. Low-dose acitretin is associated with fewer adverse events than high-dose acitretin in the treatment of psoriasis. Arch Dermatol. 2006;142:1000-1004.
8. Lebwohl M, Menter A, Koo J, et al. Case studies in severe psoriasis: a clinical strategy. J Dermatol Treat. 2003;14(suppl 2):26-46.