Acitretin Restrictions — SCE Dermatology MCQ
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Correct answer: C — No — Acitretin metabolites persist for up to 3 years; blood donation is prohibited during and for 3 years after stopping Acitretin
Acitretin is metabolised to Etretinate (particularly in the presence of alcohol), which has a very long half-life (approximately 120 days) and is stored in fat tissue for years. The teratogenic potential persists for up to 3 years after cessation. Therefore, blood donation is prohibited during Acitretin therapy and for 3 years after stopping (due to risk of the blood being transfused to a pregnant woman). This 3-year post-treatment conception avoidance period also applies to women of childbearing potential taking Acitretin — making it effectively unsuitable for women who may become pregnant. Strict alcohol avoidance during and for 2 months after Acitretin is recommended to prevent Etretinate formation.
Reference: BAD 2016 Retinoid Guidelines; NHSBT