Etretinate (trade name Tegison) is a medication developed by Hoffmann–La Roche that was approved by the FDA in 1986 to treat severe psoriasis. It is a second-generation retinoid. It was subsequently removed from the Canadian market in 1996 and the United States market in 1998 due to the high risk of birth defects. It remains on the market in Japan as Tigason. Pharmacology Etretinate is a highly lipophilic, aromatic retinoid. It is stored and released from adipose tissue, so its effects can continue long after dosage stops. It is detectable in the plasma for up to three years following therapy. Etretinate has a low therapeutic index and a long elimination half-life (t1/2) of 120 days, which make dosing difficult. Etretinate has been replaced by acitretin, the free acid (without the ethyl ester). While acitretin is less lipophilic and has a half-life of only 50 hours, it is partly metabolized to etretinate in the body, so that it is still a long-acting teratogen and pregnancy is prohibited for two years after therapy. Precautions Etretinate is a teratogen, and may cause birth defects long after use. Therefore, birth control is advised during therapy, and for at least three years after therapy has stopped. Etretinate should be avoided in children, as it may interfere with bone growth. If a patient has ever taken etretinate, he or she is not eligible to donate blood in the United States, the United Kingdom, or Québec, due to the risk of birth defects. In Japan, people may not donate blood for two years after ceasing to use the medication. Side effects Side effects are those typical of hypervitaminosis A, most commonly bone or joint pain, stiffness; in long-term treatment diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis muscular or abdominal cramps dry, burning, itching eyelids unusual bruising History The drug was approved by the FDA in 1986 to treat severe psoriasis. It was subsequently removed from the Canadian market in 1996 and the United States market in 1998 due to the high risk of birth defects. In Japan, the drug remains on market branded Tigason. See also Isotretinoin List of withdrawn drugs References Retinoids Withdrawn drugs Ethyl esters Phenol ethers Polyenes