ACITRETIN- acitretin capsule
Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.
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Pregnancy: Acitretin capsules must not be used by females who are pregnant, or who intend to become pregnant during therapy or at any time for at least 3 years following discontinuation of therapy. Acitretin capsules also must not be used by females who may not use reliable contraception while undergoing treatment and for at least 3 years following discontinuation of treatment. Acitretin is a metabolite of etretinate (TEGISON), and major human fetal abnormalities have been reported with the administration of acitretin and etretinate. Potentially, any fetus exposed can be affected. Clinical evidence has shown that concurrent ingestion of acitretin and ethanol has been associated with the formation of etretinate, which has a significantly longer elimination half-life than acitretin. Because the longer elimination half-life of etretinate would increase the duration of teratogenic potential for female patients, ethanol must not be ingested by female patients of childbearing potential either during treatment with acitretin capsules or for 2 months after cessation of therapy. This allows for elimination of acitretin, thus removing the substrate for transesterification to etretinate. The mechanism of the metabolic process for conversion of acitretin to etretinate has not been fully defined. It is not known whether substances other than ethanol are associated with transesterification. Acitretin has been shown to be embryotoxic and/or teratogenic in rabbits, mice, and rats at oral doses of 0.6, 3, and 15 mg per kg, respectively. These doses are approximately 0.2, 0.3, and 3 times the maximum recommended therapeutic dose, respectively, based on a mg-per-m2 comparison. Major human fetal abnormalities associated with acitretin and/or etretinate administration have been reported including meningomyelocele; meningoencephalocele; multiple synostoses; facial dysmorphia; syndactyly; absence of terminal phalanges; malformations of hip, ankle, and forearm; low-set ears; high palate; decreased cranial volume; cardiovascular malformation; and alterations of the skull and cervical vertebrae. Acitretin capsules should be prescribed only by those who have special competence in the diagnosis and treatment of severe psoriasis, are experienced in the use of systemic retinoids, and understand the risk of teratogenicity. Because of the teratogenicity of acitretin, a program called the MyMAC program, MyMylan Acitretin Commitment, has been developed to educate women of childbearing potential and their healthcare providers about the serious risks associated with acitretin and to help prevent pregnancies from occurring with the use of this drug and for 3 years after its discontinuation. The MyMAC program requirements are described below and program materials are available at www.acitretincommitment.com or may be requested by calling 1-877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX) (see also PRECAUTIONS section). Important Information for Women of Childbearing Potential: Acitretin capsules should be considered only for women with severe psoriasis unresponsive to other therapies or whose clinical condition contraindicates the use of other treatments. Females of reproductive potential must not be given a prescription for acitretin capsules until pregnancy is excluded. Acitretin capsules are contraindicated in females of reproductive potential unless the patient meets ALL of the following conditions:
There have been 25 cases of reported conception when the male partner was taking acitretin. The pregnancy outcome is known in 13 of these 25 cases. Of these, 9 reports were retrospective and 4 were prospective (meaning the pregnancy was reported prior to knowledge of the outcome).3 |
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Timing of Paternal |
Delivery of Healthy Neonate |
Spontaneous |
Induced |
Total | ||
At time of conception |
5a |
5 |
1 |
11 | ||
Discontinued ~ 4 weeks prior |
0 |
0 |
1b |
1 | ||
Discontinued ~ 6 to 8 months prior |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 | ||
a Four of 5 cases were prospective.
b With malformation pattern not typical of retinoid embryopathy (bilateral cystic hygromas of neck, |
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For All Patients: AN ACITRETIN CAPSULES MEDICATION GUIDE MUST BE GIVEN TO THE PATIENT EACH TIME ACITRETIN CAPSULES ARE DISPENSED, AS REQUIRED BY LAW. |
Acitretin capsules, USP (acitretin), a retinoid, are available in 10-mg or 25-mg gelatin capsules for oral administration. Chemically, acitretin, USP is (all-E)-9-(4-Methoxy-2,3,6-trimethylphenyl)-3,7-dimethyl-2,4,6,8-nonatetraenoic acid. It is a metabolite of etretinate and is related to both retinoic acid and retinol (vitamin A). It is a yellow or greenish crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 326.44. The structural formula is:
Each capsule contains acitretin, edetate disodium, gelatin, maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, poloxamer 407, red iron oxide, sodium ascorbate and titanium dioxide. The 25 mg capsules also contain black iron oxide and yellow iron oxide.
The black imprinting ink for the 10 mg capsules contains black iron oxide, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, shellac and strong ammonia solution.
The white imprinting ink for the 25 mg capsules contains povidone, propylene glycol, shellac, sodium hydroxide and titanium dioxide.
The mechanism of action of acitretin capsules is unknown.
Oral absorption of acitretin is optimal when given with food. For this reason, acitretin was given with food in all of the following trials. After administration of a single 50-mg oral dose of acitretin to 18 healthy subjects, maximum plasma concentrations ranged from 196 to 728 ng per mL (mean: 416 ng per mL) and were achieved in 2 to 5 hours (mean: 2.7 hours). The oral absorption of acitretin is linear and proportional with increasing doses from 25 to 100 mg. Approximately 72% (range: 47% to 109%) of the administered dose was absorbed after a single 50-mg dose of acitretin was given to 12 healthy subjects.
(See Pharmacokinetic Drug Interactions: Ethanol.) Following oral absorption, acitretin undergoes extensive metabolism and interconversion by simple isomerization to its 13-cis form (cis-acitretin). The formation of cis-acitretin relative to parent compound is not altered by dose or fed/fast conditions of oral administration of acitretin. Both parent compound and isomer are further metabolized into chain-shortened breakdown products and conjugates, which are excreted. Following multiple-dose administration of acitretin, steady-state concentrations of acitretin and cis-acitretin in plasma are achieved within approximately 3 weeks.
The chain-shortened metabolites and conjugates of acitretin and cis-acitretin are ultimately excreted in the feces (34% to 54%) and urine (16% to 53%). The terminal elimination half-life of acitretin following multiple-dose administration is 49 hours (range: 33 to 96 hours), and that of cis-acitretin under the same conditions is 63 hours (range: 28 to 157 hours). The accumulation ratio of the parent compound is 1.2; that of cis-acitretin is 6.6.
In an 8-week trial of acitretin pharmacokinetics in subjects with psoriasis, mean steady-state trough concentrations of acitretin increased in a dose-proportional manner with dosages ranging from 10 to 50 mg daily. Acitretin plasma concentrations were nonmeasurable (< 4 ng per mL) in all subjects 3 weeks after cessation of therapy.
(See also boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions.) In studies of in vivo pharmacokinetic drug interactions, no interaction was seen between acitretin and cimetidine, digoxin, phenprocoumon, or glyburide.
Clinical evidence has shown that etretinate (a retinoid with a much longer half-life, see below) can be formed with concurrent ingestion of acitretin and ethanol. In a 2-way crossover trial, all 10 subjects formed etretinate with concurrent ingestion of a single 100-mg oral dose of acitretin during a 3-hour period of ethanol ingestion (total ethanol, approximately 1.4 g per kg body weight). A mean peak etretinate concentration of 59 ng per mL (range: 22 to 105 ng per mL) was observed, and extrapolation of AUC values indicated that the formation of etretinate in this trial was comparable to a single 5-mg oral dose of etretinate. There was no detectable formation of etretinate when a single 100-mg oral dose of acitretin was administered without concurrent ethanol ingestion, although the formation of etretinate without concurrent ethanol ingestion cannot be excluded (see boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS). Of 93 evaluable psoriatic subjects on acitretin therapy in several foreign trials (10 to 80 mg per day), 16% had measurable etretinate levels (> 5 ng per mL).
Etretinate has a much longer elimination half-life compared with that of acitretin. In one trial the apparent mean terminal half-life after 6 months of therapy was approximately 120 days (range: 84 to 168 days). In another trial of 47 subjects treated chronically with etretinate, 5 had detectable serum drug levels (in the range of 0.5 to 12 ng per mL) 2.1 to 2.9 years after therapy was discontinued. The long half-life appears to be due to storage of etretinate in adipose tissue.
It has not been established if there is a pharmacokinetic interaction between acitretin and combined oral contraceptives. However, it has been established that acitretin interferes with the contraceptive effect of microdosed progestin preparations.1 Microdosed “minipill” progestin preparations are not recommended for use with acitretin capsules. It is not known whether other progestin-only contraceptives, such as implants and injectables, are adequate methods of contraception during acitretin therapy.
In 2 double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, acitretin capsules were administered once daily to subjects with severe psoriasis (e.g., covering at least 10% to 20% of the body surface area). At 8 weeks (see Table 1) subjects treated in Trial A with 50 mg of acitretin capsules per day showed significant improvements (P ≤ 0.05) relative to baseline and to placebo in the physician’s global evaluation and in the mean ratings of severity of psoriasis (scaling, thickness, and erythema). In Trial B, differences from baseline and from placebo were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) for all variables at both the 25-mg and 50-mg doses; it should be noted for Trial B that no statistical adjustment for multiplicity was carried out.
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Efficacy Variables |
Trial A |
Trial B |
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Total Daily Dose |
Total Daily Dose |
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Placebo (N = 29) |
50 mg (N = 29) |
Placebo (N = 72) |
25 mg (N = 74) |
50 mg (N = 71) |
|
Physician’s Global Evaluation | |||||
Baseline |
4.62 |
4.55 |
4.43 |
4.37 |
4.49 |
Mean Change After 8 Weeks |
-0.29 |
-2.00* |
-0.06 |
-1.06* |
-1.57* |
Scaling | |||||
Baseline |
4.10 |
3.76 |
3.97 |
4.11 |
4.10 |
Mean Change After 8 Weeks |
-0.22 |
-1.62* |
-0.21 |
-1.50* |
-1.78* |
Thickness | |||||
Baseline |
4.10 |
4.10 |
4.03 |
4.11 |
4.20 |
Mean Change After 8 Weeks |
-0.39 |
-2.10* |
-0.18 |
-1.43* |
-2.11* |
Erythema | |||||
Baseline |
4.21 |
4.59 |
4.42 |
4.24 |
4.45 |
Mean Change After 8 Weeks |
-0.33 |
-2.10* |
-0.37 |
-1.12* |
-1.65* |
The efficacy variables consisted of: the mean severity rating of scale, lesion thickness, erythema, and the physician's global evaluation of the current status of the disease. Ratings of scaling, erythema, and lesion thickness, and the ratings of the global assessments were made using a 7-point scale (0 = none, 1 = trace, 2 = mild, 3 = mild-moderate, 4 = moderate, 5 = moderate-severe, 6 = severe).
A subset of 141 subjects from both pivotal Trials A and B continued to receive acitretin capsules in an open fashion for up to 24 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, all efficacy variables, as indicated in Table 2, were significantly improved (P ≤ 0.01) from baseline, including extent of psoriasis, mean ratings of psoriasis severity, and physician’s global evaluation.
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Variables |
Trial A |
Trial B |
Mean Total Daily Dose of Acitretin Capsules (mg) |
42.8 |
43.1 |
Mean Duration of Therapy (Weeks) |
21.1 |
22.6 |
Physician’s Global Evaluation |
N = 39 |
N = 98 |
Baseline |
4.51 |
4.43 |
Mean Change from Baseline |
-2.26* |
-2.60* |
Scaling |
N = 59 |
N = 132 |
Baseline |
3.97 |
4.07 |
Mean Change from Baseline |
-2.15* |
-2.42* |
Thickness |
N = 59 |
N = 132 |
Baseline |
4.00 |
4.12 |
Mean Change from Baseline |
-2.44* |
-2.66* |
Erythema |
N = 59 |
N = 132 |
Baseline |
4.35 |
4.33 |
Mean Change from Baseline |
-2.31* |
-2.29* |
All efficacy variables improved significantly in a subset of 55 subjects from Trial A treated for a second, 6-month maintenance course of therapy (for a total of 12 months of treatment); a small subset of subjects (n = 4) from Trial A continued to improve after a third 6-month course of therapy (for a total of 18 months of treatment).
Acitretin capsules are indicated for the treatment of severe psoriasis in adults. Because of significant adverse effects associated with its use, acitretin capsules should be prescribed only by those knowledgeable in the systemic use of retinoids. In females of reproductive potential, acitretin capsules should be reserved for non-pregnant patients who are unresponsive to other therapies or whose clinical condition contraindicates the use of other treatments (see boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS - Acitretin capsules can cause severe birth defects).
Most patients experience relapse of psoriasis after discontinuing therapy. Subsequent courses, when clinically indicated, have produced efficacy results similar to the initial course of therapy.
See boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS.
Acitretin capsules are contraindicated in patients with severely impaired liver or kidney function and in patients with chronic abnormally elevated blood lipid values (see boxed WARNINGS: Hepatotoxicity, WARNINGS: Lipids and Possible Cardiovascular Effects, and PRECAUTIONS).
An increased risk of hepatitis has been reported to result from combined use of methotrexate and etretinate. Consequently, the combination of methotrexate with acitretin capsules is also contraindicated (see PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions).
Since both acitretin capsules and tetracyclines can cause increased intracranial pressure, their combined use is contraindicated (see WARNINGS: Pseudotumor Cerebri).
Acitretin capsules are contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema, urticaria) to the preparation (acitretin or excipients) or to other retinoids.
(See also boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS.)
Hepatotoxicity: Of the 525 subjects treated in U.S. clinical trials, 2 had clinical jaundice with elevated serum bilirubin and transaminases considered related to treatment with acitretin capsules. Liver function test results in these subjects returned to normal after acitretin capsules were discontinued. Two of the 1,289 subjects treated in European clinical trials developed biopsy-confirmed toxic hepatitis. A second biopsy in one of these subjects revealed nodule formation suggestive of cirrhosis. One subject in a Canadian clinical trial of 63 subjects developed a 3-fold increase of transaminases. A liver biopsy of this subject showed mild lobular disarray, multifocal hepatocyte loss, and mild triaditis of the portal tracts compatible with acute reversible hepatic injury. The subject’s transaminase levels returned to normal 2 months after acitretin capsules were discontinued.
The potential of therapy with acitretin capsules to induce hepatotoxicity was prospectively evaluated using liver biopsies in an open-label trial of 128 subjects. Pretreatment and posttreatment biopsies were available for 87 subjects. A comparison of liver biopsy findings before and after therapy revealed 49 (58%) subjects showed no change, 21 (25%) improved, and 14 (17%) subjects had a worsening of their liver biopsy status. For 6 subjects, the classification changed from class 0 (no pathology) to class I (normal fatty infiltration; nuclear variability and portal inflammation; both mild); for 7 subjects, the change was from class I to class II (fatty infiltration, nuclear variability, portal inflammation, and focal necrosis; all moderate to severe); and for 1 subject, the change was from class II to class IIIb (fibrosis, moderate to severe). No correlation could be found between liver function test result abnormalities and the change in liver biopsy status, and no cumulative dose relationship was found.
Elevations of AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT), GGT (GGTP), or LDH have occurred in approximately 1 in 3 subjects treated with acitretin capsules. Of the 525 subjects treated in clinical trials in the U.S., treatment was discontinued in 20 (3.8%) due to elevated liver function test results. If hepatotoxicity is suspected during treatment with acitretin capsules, the drug should be discontinued and the etiology further investigated.
Ten of 652 subjects treated in U.S. clinical trials of etretinate, of which acitretin is the active metabolite, had clinical or histologic hepatitis considered to be possibly or probably related to etretinate treatment.
There have been reports of hepatitis-related deaths worldwide; a few of these subjects had received etretinate for a month or less before presenting with hepatic symptoms or signs. |
In adults receiving long-term treatment with acitretin capsules, appropriate examinations should be periodically performed in view of possible ossification abnormalities (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). Because the frequency and severity of iatrogenic bony abnormality in adults is low, periodic radiography is only warranted in the presence of symptoms or long-term use of acitretin capsules. If such disorders arise, the continuation of therapy should be discussed with the patient on the basis of a careful risk/benefit analysis. In clinical trials with acitretin capsules, subjects were prospectively evaluated for evidence of development or change in bony abnormalities of the vertebral column, knees, and ankles.
Of 380 subjects treated with acitretin capsules, 15% had preexisting abnormalities of the spine which showed new changes or progression of preexisting findings. Changes included degenerative spurs, anterior bridging of spinal vertebrae, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, ligament calcification, and narrowing and destruction of a cervical disc space. De novo changes (formation of small spurs) were seen in 3 subjects after 1½ to 2½ years.
Six of 128 subjects treated with acitretin capsules showed abnormalities in the knees and ankles before treatment that progressed during treatment. In 5, these changes involved the formation of additional spurs or enlargement of existing spurs. The sixth subject had degenerative joint disease which worsened. No subjects developed spurs de novo. Clinical complaints did not predict radiographic changes.
Blood lipid determinations should be performed before acitretin capsules are administered and again at intervals of 1 to 2 weeks until the lipid response to the drug is established, usually within 4 to 8 weeks. In subjects receiving acitretin capsules during clinical trials, 66% and 33% experienced elevation in triglycerides and cholesterol, respectively. Decreased high density lipoproteins (HDL) occurred in 40% of subjects. These effects of acitretin capsules were generally reversible upon cessation of therapy.
Subjects with an increased tendency to develop hypertriglyceridemia included those with disturbances of lipid metabolism, diabetes mellitus, obesity, increased alcohol intake, or a familial history of these conditions. Because of the risk of hypertriglyceridemia, serum lipids must be more closely monitored in high-risk patients and during long-term treatment.
Hypertriglyceridemia and lowered HDL may increase a patient’s cardiovascular risk status. Although no causal relationship has been established, there have been postmarketing reports of acute myocardial infarction or thromboembolic events in patients on therapy with acitretin capsules. In addition, elevation of serum triglycerides to greater than 800 mg per dL has been associated with fatal fulminant pancreatitis. Therefore, dietary modifications, reduction in dose of acitretin capsules, or drug therapy should be employed to control significant elevations of triglycerides. If, despite these measures, hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL levels persist, the discontinuation of acitretin capsules should be considered.
The eyes and vision of 329 subjects treated with acitretin capsules were examined by ophthalmologists. The findings included dry eyes (23%), irritation of eyes (9%), and brow and lash loss (5%). The following were reported in less than 5% of subjects: Bell’s palsy, blepharitis and/or crusting of lids, blurred vision, conjunctivitis, corneal epithelial abnormality, cortical cataract, decreased night vision, diplopia, itchy eyes or eyelids, nuclear cataract, pannus, papilledema, photophobia, posterior subcapsular cataract, recurrent sties, and subepithelial corneal lesions.
Any patient treated with acitretin capsules who is experiencing visual difficulties should discontinue the drug and undergo ophthalmologic evaluation.
Lipid elevations occur in 25% to 50% of subjects treated with acitretin capsules. Triglyceride increases sufficient to be associated with pancreatitis are much less common, although fatal fulminant pancreatitis has been reported. There have been rare reports of pancreatitis during therapy with acitretin capsules in the absence of hypertriglyceridemia.
Acitretin capsules and other retinoids administered orally have been associated with cases of pseudotumor cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension). Some of these events involved concomitant use of isotretinoin and tetracyclines. However, the event seen in a single patient receiving acitretin capsules was not associated with tetracycline use. Early signs and symptoms include papilledema, headache, nausea and vomiting, and visual disturbances. Patients with these signs and symptoms should be examined for papilledema and, if present, should discontinue acitretin capsules immediately and be referred for neurological evaluation and care. Since both acitretin capsules and tetracyclines can cause increased intracranial pressure, their combined use is contraindicated (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).
Capillary leak syndrome, a potential manifestation of retinoic acid syndrome, has been reported in patients receiving acitretin capsules. Features of this syndrome may include localized or generalized edema with secondary weight gain, fever, and hypotension. Rhabdomyolysis and myalgias have been reported in association with capillary leak syndrome, and laboratory tests may reveal neutrophilia, hypoalbuminemia, and an elevated hematocrit. Discontinue acitretin capsules if capillary leak syndrome develops during therapy.
A description of the MyMAC materials is provided below. The main goals of the materials are to explain the program requirements, to reinforce the educational messages, and to assess program effectiveness.
The MyMAC booklet includes:
MyMAC program materials are available at www.acitretincommitment.com or may be requested by calling 1-877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX).
(See Medication Guide for all patients and Patient Agreement/Informed Consent for Female Patients at end of professional labeling).
Patients should be instructed to read the Medication Guide supplied as required by law when acitretin capsules are dispensed.
Acitretin capsules can cause severe birth defects. Female patients must not be pregnant when therapy with acitretin capsules is initiated, they must not become pregnant while taking acitretin capsules and for at least 3 years after stopping acitretin capsules, so that the drug can be eliminated to below a blood concentration that would be associated with an increased incidence of birth defects. Because this threshold has not been established for acitretin in humans and because elimination rates vary among patients, the duration of posttherapy contraception to achieve adequate elimination cannot be calculated precisely (see boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS).
Females of reproductive potential should also be advised that they must not ingest beverages or products containing ethanol while taking acitretin capsules and for 2 months after acitretin capsules have been discontinued. This allows for elimination of the acitretin which can be converted to etretinate in the presence of alcohol.
Female patients should be advised that any method of birth control can fail, including tubal ligation, and that microdosed progestin “minipill” preparations are not recommended for use with acitretin capsules (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Pharmacokinetic Drug Interactions). Data from one patient who received a very low-dosed progestin contraceptive (levonorgestrel 0.03 mg) had a significant increase of the progesterone level after 3 menstrual cycles during acitretin treatment.2
Female patients should be advised to contact their physician, women’s health centers, pharmacies, or hospital emergency rooms for information about how to obtain Emergency Contraception if sexual intercourse occurs without using 2 effective forms of contraception simultaneously. A 24-hour, toll-free number (1-888-858-5236) is also available for patients to receive automated birth control and emergency contraception information.
Female patients should sign a consent form prior to beginning therapy with acitretin capsules (see boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS).
Studies on lactating rats have shown that etretinate is excreted in the milk. There is one prospective case report where acitretin is reported to be excreted in human milk. Therefore, nursing mothers should not receive acitretin capsules prior to or during nursing because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants.
Depression and/or other psychiatric symptoms such as aggressive feelings or thoughts of self-harm have been reported. These events, including self-injurious behavior, have been reported in patients taking other systemically administered retinoids, as well as in patients taking acitretin capsules. Since other factors may have contributed to these events, it is not known if they are related to acitretin capsules. Patients should be counseled to stop taking acitretin capsules and notify their prescriber immediately if they experience psychiatric symptoms.
Patients should be advised that a transient worsening of psoriasis is sometimes seen during the initial treatment period. Patients should be advised that they may have to wait 2 to 3 months before they get the full benefit of acitretin capsules, although some patients may achieve significant improvements within the first 8 weeks of treatment as demonstrated in clinical trials.
Decreased night vision has been reported during therapy with acitretin capsules. Patients should be advised of this potential problem and warned to be cautious when driving or operating any vehicle at night. Visual problems should be carefully monitored (see WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS). Patients should be advised that they may experience decreased tolerance to contact lenses during the treatment period and sometimes after treatment has stopped.
Patients should not donate blood during and for at least 3 years following therapy because acitretin capsules can cause birth defects and women of childbearing potential must not receive blood from patients being treated with acitretin capsules.
Because of the relationship of acitretin to vitamin A, patients should be advised against taking vitamin A supplements in excess of minimum recommended daily allowances to avoid possible additive toxic effects.
Patients should avoid the use of sun lamps and excessive exposure to sunlight (non-medical UV exposure) because the effects of UV light are enhanced by retinoids.
Patients should be advised that they must not give their acitretin capsules to any other person.
Acitretin capsules have not been studied in and is not indicated for treatment of acne.
Significantly lower doses of phototherapy are required when acitretin capsules are used because effects on the stratum corneum induced by acitretin capsules can increase the risk of erythema (burning) (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Clinical evidence has shown that etretinate can be formed with concurrent ingestion of acitretin and ethanol (see boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Pharmacokinetics).
In a trial of 7 healthy male volunteers, acitretin treatment potentiated the blood glucose-lowering effect of glyburide (a sulfonylurea similar to chlorpropamide) in 3 of the 7 subjects. Repeating the trial with 6 healthy male volunteers in the absence of glyburide did not detect an effect of acitretin on glucose tolerance. Careful supervision of diabetic patients under treatment with acitretin capsules is recommended (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Pharmacokinetics and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
It has not been established if there is a pharmacokinetic interaction between acitretin and combined oral contraceptives. However, it has been established that acitretin interferes with the contraceptive effect of microdosed progestin “minipill” preparations. Microdosed “minipill” progestin preparations are not recommended for use with acitretin capsules (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Pharmacokinetic Drug Interactions). It is not known whether other progestin-only contraceptives, such as implants and injectables, are adequate methods of contraception during acitretin therapy.
An increased risk of hepatitis has been reported to result from combined use of methotrexate and etretinate. Consequently, the combination of methotrexate with acitretin is also contraindicated (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).
If acitretin is given concurrently with phenytoin, the protein binding of phenytoin may be reduced.
Since both acitretin and tetracyclines can cause increased intracranial pressure, their combined use is contraindicated (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS: Pseudotumor Cerebri).
If significant abnormal laboratory results are obtained, either dosage reduction with careful monitoring or treatment discontinuation is recommended, depending on clinical judgment.
Some patients receiving retinoids have experienced problems with blood sugar control. In addition, new cases of diabetes have been diagnosed during retinoid therapy, including diabetic ketoacidosis. In diabetics, blood-sugar levels should be monitored very carefully.
In clinical trials, the incidence of hypertriglyceridemia was 66%, hypercholesterolemia was 33%, and that of decreased HDL was 40%. Pretreatment and follow-up measurements should be obtained under fasting conditions. It is recommended that these tests be performed weekly or every other week until the lipid response to acitretin capsules has stabilized (see WARNINGS).
Elevations of AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT), or LDH were experienced by approximately 1 in 3 patients treated with acitretin capsules. It is recommended that these tests be performed prior to initiation of therapy with acitretin capsules, at 1- to 2-week intervals until stable, and thereafter at intervals as clinically indicated (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and boxed WARNINGS).
A carcinogenesis study of acitretin in Wistar rats, at doses up to 2 mg per kg per day administered 7 days per week for 104 weeks, has been completed. There were no neoplastic lesions observed that were considered to have been related to treatment with acitretin. An 80-week carcinogenesis study in mice has been completed with etretinate, the ethyl ester of acitretin. Blood level data obtained during this study demonstrated that etretinate was metabolized to acitretin and that blood levels of acitretin exceeded those of etretinate at all times studied. In the etretinate study, an increased incidence of blood vessel tumors (hemangiomas and hemangiosarcomas at several different sites) was noted in male, but not female, mice at doses approximately one-half the maximum recommended human therapeutic dose based on a mg-per-m2 comparison.
Acitretin was evaluated for mutagenic potential in the Ames test, in the Chinese hamster (V79/HGPRT) assay, in unscheduled DNA synthesis assays using rat hepatocytes and human fibroblasts, and in an in vivo mouse micronucleus assay. No evidence of mutagenicity of acitretin was demonstrated in any of these assays.
In a fertility study in rats, the fertility of treated animals was not impaired at the highest dosage of acitretin tested, 3 mg per kg per day (approximately one-half the maximum recommended therapeutic dose based on a mg-per-m2 comparison). Chronic toxicity studies in dogs revealed testicular changes (reversible mild to moderate spermatogenic arrest and appearance of multinucleated giant cells) in the highest dosage group (50 then 30 mg per kg per day).
No decreases in sperm count or concentration and no changes in sperm motility or morphology were noted in 31 men (17 psoriatic subjects, 8 subjects with disorders of keratinization, and 6 healthy volunteers) given 30 to 50 mg per day of acitretin for at least 12 weeks. In these trials, no deleterious effects were seen on either testosterone production, LH, or FSH in any of the 31 men.4-6 No deleterious effects were seen on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in any of the 18 men where it was measured.4,5
(See boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS.)
In a study in which acitretin was administered to male rats only at a dosage of 5 mg per kg per day for 10 weeks (approximate duration of one spermatogenic cycle) prior to and during mating with untreated female rats, no teratogenic effects were observed in the progeny (see boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS for information about male use of acitretin capsules).
In rats dosed at 3 mg per kg per day (approximately one-half the maximum recommended therapeutic dose based on a mg-per-m2 comparison), slightly decreased pup survival and delayed incisor eruption were noted. At the next lowest dose tested, 1 mg per kg per day, no treatment-related adverse effects were observed.
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. No clinical trials have been conducted in pediatric subjects. Ossification of interosseous ligaments and tendons of the extremities, skeletal hyperostoses, decreases in bone mineral density, and premature epiphyseal closure have been reported in children taking other systemic retinoids, including etretinate, a metabolite of acitretin capsules. A causal relationship between these effects and acitretin capsules has not been established. While it is not known that these occurrences are more severe or more frequent in children, there is special concern in pediatric patients because of the implications for growth potential (see WARNINGS: Hyperostosis).
Clinical trials of acitretin capsules did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently than younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger subjects. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. A 2-fold increase in acitretin plasma concentrations was seen in healthy elderly subjects compared with young subjects, although the elimination half-life did not change (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Special Populations).
Hypervitaminosis A produces a wide spectrum of signs and symptoms primarily of the mucocutaneous, musculoskeletal, hepatic, neuropsychiatric, and central nervous systems. Many of the clinical adverse reactions reported to date with administration of acitretin capsules resemble those of the hypervitaminosis A syndrome.
In addition to the events listed in the tables for the clinical trials, the following adverse events have been identified during postapproval use of acitretin capsules. Because these events are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Cardiovascular: Acute myocardial infarction, thromboembolism (see WARNINGS), stroke.
Immune System Disorders: Hypersensitivity, including angioedema and urticaria (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).
Nervous System: Myopathy with peripheral neuropathy has been reported during therapy with acitretin capsules. Both conditions improved with discontinuation of the drug.
Psychiatric: Aggressive feelings and/or suicidal thoughts have been reported. These events, including self-injurious behavior, have been reported in patients taking other systemically administered retinoids, as well as in patients taking acitretin capsules. Since other factors may have contributed to these events, it is not known if they are related to acitretin capsules (see PRECAUTIONS).
Reproductive: Vulvo-vaginitis due to Candida albicans.
Skin and Appendages: Thinning of the skin, skin fragility, and scaling may occur all over the body, particularly on the palms and soles; nail fragility is frequently observed. Madarosis and exfoliative dermatitis/erythroderma have been reported (see WARNINGS).
Vascular Disorders: Capillary leak syndrome (see WARNINGS).
During clinical trials with acitretin capsules, 513 of 525 (98%) subjects reported a total of 3,545 adverse events. One-hundred sixteen subjects (22%) left trials prematurely, primarily because of adverse experiences involving the mucous membranes and skin. Three subjects died. Two of the deaths were not drug-related (pancreatic adenocarcinoma and lung cancer); the other subject died of an acute myocardial infarction, considered remotely related to drug therapy. In clinical trials, acitretin capsules were associated with elevations in liver function test results or triglyceride levels and hepatitis.
The tables below list by body system and frequency the adverse events reported during clinical trials of 525 subjects with psoriasis.
Body System |
> 75% |
50% to 75% |
25% to 50% |
10% to 25% |
CNS |
Rigors |
|||
Eye Disorders |
Xerophthalmia |
|||
Mucous Membranes |
Cheilitis |
Rhinitis |
Dry mouth Epistaxis |
|
Musculoskeletal |
Arthralgia Spinal hyperostosis |
|||
Skin and Appendages |
Alopecia Skin peeling |
Dry skin Nail disorder Pruritus |
Erythematous rash Hyperesthesia Paresthesia Paronychia Skin atrophy Sticky skin |
Body System |
1% to 10% |
< 1% |
||
Body as a Whole |
Anorexia Edema Fatigue Hot flashes Increased appetite |
Alcohol Dizziness Fever Influenza-like |
Malaise Moniliasis Muscle weakness Weight increase |
|
Cardiovascular |
Flushing |
Chest pain Cyanosis Increased |
Intermittent Peripheral |
|
CNS (also see Psychiatric) |
Headache Pain |
Abnormal gait Migraine Neuritis |
Pseudotumor |
|
Eye Disorders |
Abnormal/ Blepharitis Conjunctivitis/ Corneal epithelial |
Decreased night Eye abnormality Eye pain Photophobia |
Abnormal Chalazion Conjunctival Corneal ulceration Diplopia Ectropion |
Itchy eyes and lids Papilledema Recurrent sties Subepithelial |
Gastrointestinal |
Abdominal pain Diarrhea Nausea Tongue disorder |
Constipation |
Glossitis |
|
Liver and Biliary |
Hepatic function Hepatitis | |||
Mucous Membranes |
Gingival bleeding Gingivitis Increased saliva |
Stomatitis |
Altered saliva |
Hemorrhage |
Musculoskeletal |
Arthritis Arthrosis Back pain Hypertonia Myalgia |
Osteodynia |
Bone disorder | |
Psychiatric |
Depression Somnolence |
Anxiety Libido decreased Nervousness | ||
Reproductive |
Atrophic vaginitis Leukorrhea | |||
Respiratory |
Sinusitis |
Coughing Increased sputum Laryngitis | ||
Skin and Appendages |
Abnormal skin Abnormal hair Bullous eruption Cold/clammy Dermatitis Increased Infection |
Psoriasiform rash Purpura |
Acne |
Otitis externa Scleroderma |
Special Senses/ |
Earache Taste perversion Tinnitus |
Ceruminosis | ||
Urinary |
Abnormal urine |
Therapy with acitretin capsules induces changes in liver function tests in a significant number of patients. Elevations of AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT) or LDH were experienced by approximately 1 in 3 subjects treated with acitretin capsules. In most subjects, elevations were slight to moderate and returned to normal either during continuation of therapy or after cessation of treatment. In subjects receiving acitretin capsules during clinical trials, 66% and 33% experienced elevation in triglycerides and cholesterol, respectively. Decreased high density lipoproteins (HDL) occurred in 40% (see WARNINGS). Transient, usually reversible elevations of alkaline phosphatase have been observed.
Table 5 lists the laboratory abnormalities reported during clinical trials.
Body System |
50% to 75% |
25% to 50% |
10% to 25% |
1% to 10% |
Electrolytes |
Increased: |
Decreased: |
||
Increased and |
Increased and |
|||
Hematologic |
Increased: |
Decreased: |
Increased: |
|
Decreased: |
||||
Hepatic |
Increased: |
Increased: phosphatase |
Increased: |
|
Miscellaneous |
Increased: |
Increased: |
Decreased: |
Increased and |
Renal |
Increased: |
Increased: |
||
Urinary |
WBC in urine |
Acetonuria |
Glycosuria |
In the event of acute overdosage, acitretin capsules must be withdrawn at once. Symptoms of overdose are identical to acute hypervitaminosis A (e.g., headache and vertigo). The acute oral toxicity (LD50) of acitretin in both mice and rats was greater than 4,000 mg per kg.
In one reported case of overdose, a 32-year-old male with Darier’s disease took 21 x 25-mg capsules (525-mg single dose). He vomited several hours later but experienced no other ill effects.
All female patients of childbearing potential who have taken an overdose of acitretin capsules must:
1) Have a pregnancy test at the time of overdose; 2) Be counseled as per the boxed CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS sections regarding birth defects and contraceptive use for at least 3 years’ duration after the overdose.
There is intersubject variation in the pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and incidence of side effects with acitretin capsules. A number of the more common side effects are dose-related. Individualization of dosage is required to achieve sufficient therapeutic response while minimizing side effects. Therapy with acitretin capsules should be initiated at 25 to 50 mg per day, given as a single dose with the main meal. Maintenance doses of 25 to 50 mg per day may be given dependent upon an individual patient’s response to initial treatment. Relapses may be treated as outlined for initial therapy.
When acitretin capsules are used with phototherapy, the prescriber should decrease the phototherapy dose, dependent on the patient’s individual response (see PRECAUTIONS: General).
Females who have taken TEGISON (etretinate) must continue to follow the contraceptive recommendations for TEGISON. TEGISON is no longer marketed in the U.S.; for information, call Mylan at 1-877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX).
Acitretin Capsules, USP are available containing 10 mg or 25 mg of acitretin, USP.
The 10 mg capsules are hard shell gelatin capsules with a swedish orange opaque cap and swedish orange opaque body filled with yellow granular powder. The capsules are axially printed with MYLAN over AC I 02 in black ink on the cap and body. They are available as follows:
NDC 0378-7020-93
bottles of 30 capsules
The 25 mg capsules are hard shell gelatin capsules with a brown opaque cap and yellow opaque body filled with yellow granular powder. The capsules are axially printed with MYLAN over AC I 13 in white ink on the cap and body. They are available as follows:
NDC 0378-7023-93
bottles of 30 capsules
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Protect from light. Avoid exposure to high temperatures and humidity after the bottle is opened.
Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP using a child-resistant closure.
PHARMACIST: Dispense a Medication Guide with each prescription.
To be completed by the patient* and signed by her prescriber
*Must also be initialed by the parent or guardian of a minor patient (under age 18)
Read each item below and initial in the space provided to show that you understand each item. Do not sign this consent and do not take acitretin capsules if there is anything that you do not understand.
__________________________
(Patient’s name)
I have received a copy of the MyMAC brochure. My prescriber has answered all my questions about acitretin capsules. I understand that it is my responsibility to follow my doctor’s instructions, and not to get pregnant during treatment with acitretin capsules or for at least 3 years after I stop taking acitretin capsules.
I now authorize my prescriber, ________________________, to begin my treatment with acitretin capsules.
Patient signature: ________________________________________________
Date: ___________________
Parent/guardian signature (if under age 18): ____________________
Date: ___________________
Please print: Patient name and address:
________________________________
________________________________
Telephone:____________________
I have fully explained to the patient, _____________________________, the nature and purpose of the treatment described above and the risks to females of childbearing potential. I have asked the patient if she has any questions regarding her treatment with acitretin capsules and have answered those questions to the best of my ability.
Prescriber signature: _________________________________
Date: __________________
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Manufactured for:
Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Morgantown, WV 26505 U.S.A.
Manufactured by:
USV Private Limited
H-13, 16, 16A, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, E-22,
OIDC, Mahatma Gandhi Udyog Nagar,
Dabhel, Daman - 396210
XXXXXXX
Revised: 8/2023
USV:ACIT:RX
NDC 0378-7020-93
Acitretin
Capsules, USP
10 mg
PHARMACIST: Dispense the accompanying
Medication Guide to each patient.
Rx only 30 Capsules
Each capsule contains:
Acitretin, USP 10 mg
Usual Dosage: See accompanying prescribing information.
Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as
defined in the USP using a child-resistant closure.
Keep container tightly closed.
Keep this and all medication out of the reach of children.
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP
Controlled Room Temperature.]Protect from light. Avoid exposure to high temperature and humidity after the bottle is opened.
Code No.: DD/DRUGS/DD/291
Mylan.com
Manufactured for:
Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Morgantown, WV 26505 U.S.A.
RUSV7020H1
Made in India
3012xxx 08/16
NDC 0378-7023-93
Acitretin
Capsules, USP
25 mg
PHARMACIST: Dispense the
accompanying Medication
Guide to each patient.
Rx only 30 Capsules
Each capsule contains:
Acitretin, USP 25 mg
Usual Dosage: See accompanying
prescribing information.
Dispense in a tight, light-resistant
container as defined in the USP using
a child-resistant closure.
Keep container tightly closed.
Keep this and all medication out of the
reach of children.
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [SeeUSP Controlled Room Temperature.]
Protect from light. Avoid exposure tohigh temperature and humidity afterthe bottle is opened.
Code No.: DD/DRUGS/DD/291
Mylan.com
Manufactured for:
Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Morgantown, WV 26505 U.S.A.
RUSV7023H1
Made in India
3012xxx 08/16
ACITRETIN
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ACITRETIN
acitretin capsule |
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Labeler - Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. (059295980) |