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Anyone take acitretin to help prevent further SCC skin lesions?

Posted by beneah77 @beneah77, Sep 8 7:17am

Hello
I’m 49 and have suffered with skin cancers since I was 19. More recently I had an SCC get into a lymph node.
I am so very very tired of the knife. I’ve had approximately 40 removed. They offered me Acritretin.
Does anybody take it? If so how long have been on it? Do you think it works? And worst side effects please ?
Leah

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beneah77 | @beneah77 | Sep 16 5:52am
In reply to @grammato3 "@beneah77: I see, this does give context as to why your doctor had been asking. I'm..." + (show)
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@beneah77: I see, this does give context as to why your doctor had been asking. I'm sure you can appreciate their being so thorough in performing an evaluation. To undergo multiple complex treatments on a personal level is distressing enough - on top of caring for your father from invasive SCC, a rare condition in itself.

I did a search here and the only other time I saw this particular medication being referenced was in a forum on psoriasis as a potential treatment. Hopefully someone who has had first-hand experience will come across your post and can provide their own background with it, although of course individual responses can vary.

There was a medication I'd once been prescribed that carried a similar warning and I do have to admit I became aware of those associated side effects that did impact me negatively so I immediately reported them to the prescribing provider. That's important to do prior to abruptly discontinuing on your own as some meds need to be tapered slowly.

I'm wondering if a session with the oncology psychologist might be in order now? Or a psychopharmacologist who can evaluate your medical and psychological history?

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@grammato3 hello again just wanted to give you an update. The doctor that suggested Acitretin was an appointment in the public system. Yesterday I seen my dermatologist.
He confirmed what i suspected that the effectiveness is not worth the effects of the medication. That he would only suggest if I was at that stage when they are coming much more regularly than my 3-4monthly. Is most effective on SCC and great for transplant plant immunocompromised people.

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Susan, Volunteer Mentor | @grammato3 | Sep 16 1:45pm
In reply to @beneah77 "@grammato3 hello again just wanted to give you an update. The doctor that suggested Acitretin was..." + (show)
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@grammato3 hello again just wanted to give you an update. The doctor that suggested Acitretin was an appointment in the public system. Yesterday I seen my dermatologist.
He confirmed what i suspected that the effectiveness is not worth the effects of the medication. That he would only suggest if I was at that stage when they are coming much more regularly than my 3-4monthly. Is most effective on SCC and great for transplant plant immunocompromised people.

Jump to this post

@beneah77: Thank you for letting me know that you saw your dermatologist and how you were advised, taking your complete history into account. Has this helped you feel more at ease?

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beneah77 | @beneah77 | Sep 16 5:39pm

Yes and no. I do have a trusting relationship with my MOH’s/dermatologist. I guess we get hopeful at the prospect of something helping us with a health conditions. But I feel at ease that he confirmed what I suspected. I have come across this medication in my own research and thought it could be something to use when I’m
much older. Let’s hope technology and advancements come along with a less invasive treatment. Thank you again for kindness and understanding.

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