GENERIC NAME: ALITRETINOIN GEL - TOPICAL (al-ih-tret-ih-NO-in)
BRAND NAME(S): Panretin
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used to treat Kaposi's sarcoma, a skin condition. This medication will not treat Kaposi's sarcoma in other parts of your body, nor is it a cure for this condition.
HOW TO USE: Apply a generous coating of medication to the affected areas, as directed. Allow the area to dry for 5 minutes before covering with clothing. Avoid contact with normal skin areas and mucous membranes (e.g., eyes, mouth, genitals). Do not use bandages or dressings on areas treated with this medication. Effects of therapy are generally seen within 4 to 8 weeks of treatment. If you are currently taking antiviral drugs, continue to take them exactly as prescribed.
SIDE EFFECTS: Mild redness, burning sensation, or itching may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly: severe redness, rash, swelling, peeling, stinging or tingling skin, blistering, cracking/oozing skin. Unlikely but report promptly: sunburn (sun sensitivity). If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies, other skin conditions, tumors (e.g., lymphoma). This medication may make you more prone to sunburn. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen, if needed. Avoid exposure of treated areas to sunlamps. Consult your pharmacist. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm the fetus if absorbed into the bloodstream during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this drug. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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