Alitretinoin Monitoring Information

This leaflet provides additional information about the monitoring required while you are taking alitretinoin. It should be read alongside the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) patient information leaflet.

What is Alitretinoin?

Alitretinoin is a retinoid (related to vitamin A) used to treat severe chronic hand eczema. Many patients find it effective, but it requires regular monitoring to ensure it remains safe for you.

Why monitoring is needed

Alitretinoin can affect:

• Liver function
• Levels of fats in your blood (cholesterol and triglycerides)

Regular blood tests help ensure treatment remains safe and allow early detection of any changes.

How often are tests done?

• A blood test is usually performed after the first month of treatment
• Further tests are then carried out at regular intervals (often every three months)

Your doctor may adjust how often tests are needed depending on your results and individual circumstances.

This schedule helps us monitor your response to treatment and identify any changes early.

Please ensure you keep up to date with your blood tests and arrange timely appointments with your GP or at South Walks House.

The South Walks House clinic is located next to Dorchester Library. Phlebotomy clinics operate Monday to Friday, from 8am to 4.30pm. To book an appointment at any of the clinics, please call 01305 254822 between 11am and 2pm. An answerphone service is available after 2pm.

Pregnancy prevention programme

Alitretinoin must not be taken during pregnancy, as it can cause serious harm to an unborn baby.

If you are able to become pregnant:

• You must use effective contraception as advised by your doctor
• Pregnancy testing is required before treatment and regularly during treatment before further prescriptions are issued. Please inform your doctor or nurse immediately if you think you may be pregnant.

When should I seek medical advice?

Contact your doctor if you develop:

• Severe or persistent headache
• Changes in vision
• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Mood changes or low mood.

Important points to remember

• Do not donate blood while taking this medication and for one month after stopping it
• Keep alcohol intake within recommended limits, as it can interact with the medicine and affect your liver
• Keep up to date with your blood tests and arrange appointments promptly.

Contact numbers

We hope that you have found this information useful. If you have any questions or are worried about anything, please speak to the following Dorset County Hospital staff:

Dermatology Department 01305 255118 (answer machine, monitored daily) dermatologypractitioners@dchft.nhs.uk

About this leaflet

Authors: Harriet Matthews, Nursing Associate, Dr. Ghadah Al-Sharbatee, Specialty Doctor
Written: February 2026
Approved: May 2026
Review date: May 2029
Edition: v2

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk