GENERIC NAME: ETRETINATE - ORAL (eh-TRET-in-ate)
BRAND NAME(S): Tegison
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: Because etretinate has caused serious birth defects, do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. After stopping treatment, the amount of time to pass before you may safely become pregnant has not been determined. Consult your doctor about this. Females who are able to have children must not use this medication unless they have a negative pregnancy test 2 weeks before starting this drug; will start therapy only on the 2nd or 3rd day of next normal menstrual period; use reliable methods of birth control at least 1 month before using etretinate, while using etretinate, and for an extended period of time after stopping this medication; are counseled about the dangers of using this medication while pregnant. Etretinate use has been linked to liver problems (hepatitis) and increased fluid pressure on the brain (pseudotumor cerebri). Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms: yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach pain, unusual fatigue, headache, nausea and vomiting, or vision changes. Your doctor will decide whether to continue using etretinate.
USES: This medication is used to treat severe cases of psoriasis.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication with food to prevent stomach upset. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than directed. Your condition will not clear faster, but side effects may be increased.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dry nose, nosebleeds, chapped lips, mouth sores, increased thirst, sore tongue, bleeding gums, dry mouth, cold sores, dry or irritated eyes, dry skin, peeling or scaly skin, hair loss, easy bruising, muscle aches, nausea, stomach upset, cough or swelling of the hands or feet may occur. Inform your doctor if any of these effects continue or become bothersome. Notify your doctor if you experience: vision problems, chest pain, tightness in the chest, abnormal pulse, dizziness, vomiting, severe headache, yellowing of the eyes/skin (jaundice). Psoriasis may worsen during the first few days of therapy. Because this medication causes dry, irritated eyes, contact lens wearers may be less tolerant of their contacts during therapy. In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: liver disease, eye problems, diabetes, heart disease, any allergies (especially drug allergies). It is recommended that persons using this medication not donate blood for at least three years after stopping therapy. This will prevent the possibility of your blood being given to a pregnant woman. This drug should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Avoid pregnancy while using this drug, and for an extended period after treatment stops. Consult your doctor. Use two reliable forms of birth control together, starting one month before treatment, during and for an extended period after treatment stops. Consult your doctor. Semen may pose a risk to a pregnant woman if the male is using this drug. Consult your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Use of this medication is not recommended while breast-feeding. Consult your doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take, especially: any vitamin products or vitamin A supplements. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
NOTES: Periodic lab tests and eye exams will be done to monitor the effectiveness of this therapy.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.
QUESTION
Ringworm is caused by a fungus. See AnswerRelated Disease Conditions
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Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that may cause large plaques of red, raised skin, flakes of dry skin, and skin scales. There are several types of psoriasis, including psoriasis vulgaris, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, and pustular psoriasis. Symptoms vary depending on the type of psoriasis the patient has. Treatment of psoriasis may include creams, lotions, oral medications, injections and infusions of biologics, and light therapy. There is no cure for psoriasis.
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What Are the Symptoms of a Damaged Retina?
The retina is the innermost layer in the back of the eye and is the portion of the eye that receives light. The function of the retina is to receive light that passes through the lens and converts the light into neural signals, which are transmitted to the brain for visual recognition. The retina is crucial for vision. Damage to the retina is called retinopathy. Retinopathy has many causes and leads to visual impairment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help stop the progression of the disease as well as loss of vision, and aid in vision restoration.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Prevention & Wellness
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.