Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medication. Your psoriasis may get worse when you first start taking this medication. You may have to take it for 2 to 3 months before you see the full benefit.
Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects. If you were assigned female sex at birth, you will need 2 negative pregnancy tests before starting this medication and then once every month during treatment, even if you are not sexually active. Use 2 reliable forms of contraception together for 1 month before, during, and for at least 3 years after stopping this medication. Progestin hormones may not work as well while you are taking this medication. Talk to your care team about other forms of contraception. Stop taking this medication right away if you become pregnant, miss a menstrual cycle, or stop using contraception. Talk to your care team before breast-feeding. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed.
Before you receive your prescription, review the Do Your P.A.R.T. booklet, which includes the Do Your P.A.R.T. Patient Brochure, The Contraceptive Counseling Referral Form, the Patient Agreement/Informed Consent Form, and the Medication Guide. If you did not talk to your care team about this and sign the consent form, contact your care team.
Do not donate blood during and for 3 years after stopping treatment with this medication. Donated blood may contain enough of this medication to cause birth defects in a fetus if transfused to someone who is pregnant.
This medication may cause dry eyes. If you wear contact lenses, you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating eye drops may help. See you care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths. If you are receiving light treatment (phototherapy), your care team may need to change your light dosages to avoid burns.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.
This medication can increase bad cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and decrease good cholesterol (HDL) in your blood. You may need blood tests to check your cholesterol. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of high cholesterol while taking this medication.
This medication may affect your blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, check with your care team if you notice any change in your blood sugar tests.
Avoid food, drinks, and medications that contain alcohol while taking this medication and for 2 months after treatment has stopped.