Can acitretin be given to patients with renal impairment or patients on renal replacement therapies?

Source: South West Medicines Information and Training Area: Evidence > Medicines Q & A There are very few data to support the use of acitretin in patients with renal impairment (RI) or in those undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT) and further studies are needed. The information that is available is conflicting. Acitretin should only be prescribed by, or under the supervision of a dermatological specialist. The decision to prescribe acitretin to a patient with RI or on RRT lies with the physician and should be based on an appropriate assessment of the likely risk versus benefit ratio. If acitretin is prescribed in this situation (which is outside of the product license) the manufacturer advises appropriate clinical caution and monitoring. Acitretin is the main active metabolite of etretinate, however this metabolic process is reversible and acitretin may also be metabolised to etretinate. The main metabolite of acitretin is 13-cis-acitretin which is active. It is important to consider all these compounds when contemplating the use of acitretin in patients ...
Source: NeLM - Medicines Q and A - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: news