Alitretinoin (On the skin)
a-li-TRET-i-noin
Treats skin sores caused by Kaposi sarcoma.
Drug classes
Dermatological Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Alitretinoin is used as a topical treatment for cutaneous AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma in cases when there is no need for oral or intravenous medication.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Gel/Jelly
Put a generous coating of the gel on your skin sores. Let the gel dry for 3 to 5 minutes before you put clothes on over the medicine. Do not put bandages over the medicine.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the tube at room temperature, away from heat and sunlight.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use insect repellents that contain DEET while you are using alitretinoin.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to alitretinoin, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Warnings
This medicine may harm an unborn baby. Use birth control while you are using this medicine. If you think you have become pregnant, stop using the medicine and call your doctor right away.
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to vitamin A, acitretin, isotretinoin, tretinoin, or etretinate.
Alitretinoin may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Do not expose the treated areas of your skin to sunlight, a sunlamp, or a tanning booth.
The medicine should be used only on your skin. Try not to get the gel on areas of your skin where you do not have sores.
Do not use the medicine near your eyes, mouth, nose, vagina, or rectum.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Severe rash, blisters, or peeling skin
Severe redness or swelling
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild redness, rash, itching, or flaking
Stinging or burning skin
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Panretin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.