Newly diagnosed and about to start Acitretin

[Caroline]

Thanks both. My dermatologist said he's not experienced in drugs like fumaderm and is keen on methotrexate.

What a shame Fumaderm/ Skilarence are super drugs and in Germany are first line oral treatment and have a 70% chance of it working and giving long term clearance and if it affects your lymphocyte count reducing the dose soon reverses the action and clearance continues
It’s a shame as it’s a lot less harsh on your organs than methotrexate is  

Good luck with whatever you get though  

I fully agree with Jim.
Ok, MTX is longer around, but is also quite a heavy medication.
The fumarates are "only" here for the last 35 years, and are body owned substances. if your dermatologist is not experienced in it, well... I think he is quite lacking some re-education. When you have a university education and degree, you are obliged to yourself and your patient to keep on the edge of scientific progress in your field.
Rightly dosed and of course depending on the person, there is only minor lowering of the lympho's, and indeed with Skilarence very soft for your metabolism.

[Kentpatient]

I will look for another one I think if I have to stop Acitretin. I hate not being able to hear properly. Plus I don't like the blood results and there are other side effects: the skin on my face is peeling every afternoon and I think that's Acitretin .

[jiml]

It certainly sounds like it’s the acetretin and after the grief you have had with it. I don’t blame you wanting a change.
I hope the one you get works without the hassle of acetretin

[Kentpatient]

Hello. I guess I'm no longer 'newly diagnosed' ! Just to update I'm now on a reduced dose of Acitretin due to side effects. So 25mg alternate days instead of every day. Still much clearer on my body and whilst my face is better it's just not me. Still red and still inflamed . My scalp continues to be a problem. But I'm still here and today I can hear  much better although could be deaf  again by tomorrow 
I do have really bad pins and needles at night though. Wondering if that's another side effect?

[Fred]

Sorry can't help with the pins and needles.

I can change the title of your thread though if you want?

[JohnB]

Hi KP Sorry but although I do get pins and needles in my left arm / hand at night I can't put it down to the Acitretin. I had that long before I started talking it.
I am beginning to wonder if my knee problem was a side effect of the Acitretin as it is significantly reduced now after I have stopped taking it. Sadly the blotches have returned

[Kentpatient]

Thanks all. I'm trying to cut down the dose myself as I think the side effects are outweighing the benefits but will see what happens. The pins and needles are still thete bit potentially they were here before the psoriasis. I think it's a sign of inflammation anyway will speak to my dermatologist.
I'm also going to give up drinking (again) because I'm pretty sure that's not helping.