Aredia (Etretinate) – What It Is and How It Works

If you’ve heard the name Aredia, you’re probably looking at a drug used for severe psoriasis. Its generic name is etretinate, a retinoid that belongs to the same family as vitamin A. The medicine slows down skin cell growth, which helps clear thick, scaly patches that don’t respond to regular creams.

Doctors usually reserve Aredia for cases where other treatments have failed. Because it stays in the body for a long time, it can be powerful but also requires careful monitoring. Below you’ll find the most useful details about dosing, side effects, and safety tips – all written in plain language.

Typical Dosage and How to Take It

Aredia comes in 10 mg capsules. The usual starting dose is 0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, split into one or two doses. For a 70 kg adult, that works out to about 35 mg a day – roughly three to four capsules. Doctors often begin with a lower dose and adjust based on how your skin responds and any side effects you notice.

Take the pills with food to reduce stomach upset. Because the drug is fat‑soluble, a small amount of fat in the meal helps absorption. Consistency matters: try to take your dose at the same time each day so blood levels stay steady.

Blood tests are a must. Your doctor will check liver enzymes, lipid levels, and pregnancy status before you start and then every few weeks. Aredia can raise cholesterol and triglycerides, so keeping an eye on those numbers helps catch problems early.

Common Side Effects and When to Call the Doctor

The most frequent complaints are dry skin, chapped lips, and mild muscle aches. These are usually manageable with moisturizers and staying hydrated. However, Aredia can cause more serious issues:

• Severe birth defects – never take Aredia if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. Use two reliable forms of birth control for at least three years after stopping the drug.
• Liver problems – watch for yellowing skin or dark urine. If you notice these signs, get medical help right away.
• High cholesterol – if labs show a big jump, your doctor may add a statin or lower the dose.

If you experience any rash, vision changes, or unexplained fatigue, contact your physician. Early intervention can prevent a small issue from turning into a big one.

Because etretinate sticks around in the body for months, side effects can linger even after you stop taking it. That’s another reason why doctors schedule a gradual taper rather than an abrupt stop.

Practical Tips for Safe Use

1. **Avoid pregnancy** – Use condoms plus hormonal birth control, and have a pregnancy test before each refill. 2. **Protect your skin** – Sunscreen isn’t optional. Aredia makes you more sensitive to UV light, so a broad‑spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen helps prevent burns. 3. **Stay hydrated** – Dry skin and lips get worse if you don’t drink enough water. 4. **Monitor labs** – Keep all scheduled blood work. If a test is missed, call the clinic to reschedule. 5. **Tell other doctors** – Any new medication, even over‑the‑counter supplements, could interact with Aredia. Give your complete medication list to every healthcare provider.

Those steps keep the benefits of Aredia outweighing the risks. If you’re a student researching the drug, you now have a clear snapshot of its purpose, how it’s dosed, what to watch for, and how to stay safe while using it.