Soriatane^© (Acitretin)

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MONITORING

Blood Tests

• Complete blood count with platelets, prior to therapy, monthly for the first 3 to 6 months, and then every 3 months

Liver Function

• Liver enzymes (AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin) should be checked prior to therapy, monthly for the first 3 to 6 months, and then every 3 months
• If liver function tests become abnormal, discontinuation of the drug should be considered

Lipoproteins

• Lipoproteins (triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol) should be checked prior to therapy, monthly for the first 3 to 6 months, and then every 3 months
• If increased triglycerides or decreased HDL is found, dietary fat and alcohol should be restricted

Renal Function

• Tests Check blood urea nitrogen and creatinine prior to therapy, monthly for the first 3 to 6 months, and then every 3 months
• Optional urinalysis if patients have renal diseases, proteinuria, diabetes or hypertension

Pregnancy Test

• Prior to therapy and monthly thereafter

Ophthalmologic Evaluation

• May wish to consider baseline and yearly ophthalmologic evaluation if patient has a history of cataracts or retinotherapy or if the patient reports symptoms of pseudotumour cerebri, including headaches, blurred vision or nausea and vomiting

Bone X-rays

• Consider baseline x-rays of wrists, ankles or thoracic spine (with yearly follow-up x-rays) if planning on long-term retinoid therapy

Bone Age Determination in Children

• Evaluation should be done before therapy and yearly thereafter to assess epiphysical growth plates and evaluate the possibility of skeletal hyperostosis

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