Uses
Tretinoin is used to treat a certain type of cancer (APL-acute promyelocytic leukemia). People with APL have too many abnormal blood cells which may cause symptoms such as infections or tiredness. This medication works by stopping the growth of abnormal blood cells and may help decrease symptoms of APL. Tretinoin belongs to a class of drugs known as retinoids, which are related to vitamin A.
How To Use
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking tretinoin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. Swallow the capsules whole with water. Do not chew, dissolve, or open the capsule. If you vomit, do not take another dose to catch up. Take your next dose at the regular time.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to therapy.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of serious side effects will increase.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the capsules.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Headache, dizziness, fever, weakness, tiredness, dry mouth, dry skin, other skin changes, thinning hair, nausea, vomiting, itching, bone pain, mouth sores, increased sweating, and earache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Headache may occur several hours after taking a dose. Mild pain medications (such as acetaminophen) usually help relieve these headaches, which tend to go away as your body gets used to tretinoin. Talk with your doctor about which pain relievers are right for you.
To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- stomach/abdominal pain
- yellowing eyes/skin
- dark urine
- hearing problems (such as hearing loss)
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)
- mental/mood changes (such as depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide)
- fast/slow/irregular heartbeat
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- severe headache
- vision changes
- chest pain
- jaw/left arm pain
- trouble breathing
- weakness on one side of the body
- trouble speaking
- confusion
- pain/redness/swelling of arms/legs
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before taking tretinoin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to vitamin A-related drugs (other retinoids such as isotretinoin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as soybean, paraben preservatives), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Some people who are allergic to peanuts may also be allergic to soy. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease
- heart problems
- mental/mood problems (such as depression)
This drug may make you dizzy or cause severe headaches or vision changes. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Children may be at greater risk for increased pressure in the brain (intracranial hypertension) while using this drug. Get medical help right away if your child has symptoms such as severe headache, nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, or vision changes.
Do not donate blood while you are taking this medication and for at least 1 month after you stop taking it. This will prevent the possibility of your blood being given to a pregnant woman.
This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. (See also Warning section.)
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the capsules.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug and for 1 week after the last dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include:
- certain drugs that prevent bleeding (such as aminocaproic acid, aprotinin, tranexamic acid)
- tetracycline antibiotics (such as doxycycline, minocycline)
- vitamin A
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts, liver function, blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is more than 10 hours until the next dose. If it is less than 10 hours until the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
