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Retinoids

Retinoids are a class of Vitamin-A derivatives, some of which show antipsoriatic activity in topical or oral (systemic) forms. Do not confuse these drugs with 'normal', dietary Vitamin A, which can be deadly in large doses. Retinoids are not Vitamin A, and there is little evidence that taking massive quantities of Vitamin A will have any effect on psoriasis.

The NPF and many online pharmacology resources have so much good, accessible, information on these drugs (see links below) that I will leave writing my own summary until a later date.

Unreviewed Treatments and Information:

• 1UpHealth
• The NPF on Topical Retinoids
• The NPF on Oral Retinoids
• Tazarotene (Topical)
  • Tazorac® (Called 'Zorac' outside the U.S.A.)
    • Missouri Life Sciences Directory lists Allergan
    • New Drug Approvals (July, 1997)
    • NPF's Article
    • Clinical Pharmacology Online's Monograph
    • 1998 Article about Approval in Canada
    • Covered by Newfoundland & Labrador's Drug Program when more conventional treatments fail
    • Tazarotene Is First New Generation Retinoid for Treating Plaque Psoriasis (June, 1997)
• Etretinate (Oral)
  • Tegison®
  • Epidemiologic Notes and Reports Use of Supplements Containing High-Dose Vitamin A -- New York State, 1983-1984 (mentions Etretinate)
  • Current Trends Birth Defects Caused by Isotretinoin -- New Jersey (mentions Etretinate)
• Acitretin (Oral)
  • Soriatane^TM (Neotegison in some countries)
  • New Drug Approvals (April, 1994)
  • New Drug Approvals (January, 1997)
  • Roche Psoriasis Drug to Include Depression Warning
  • Virtual Hospital
• Isotretinoin (Oral acne medication, used 'off-label' for psoriasis sometimes)
  • Accutane^TM (Sometimes called Roaccutane outside the U.S.)
    • Accutane/Roaccutane Action Group (Accutane, Depression, and Suicide)
    • Australian Roaccutane Survivors Group
• New Treatments on the Horizon for Psoriasis