MedicineNet.com

tretinoin - oral, Vesanoid

Take the Chronic Fatigue Quiz Surprising Benefits of Sex Slideshow Foods & Drinks That Make You Gotta Go Slideshow

GENERIC NAME: TRETINOIN - ORAL (TRET-i-noyn)

BRAND NAME(S): Vesanoid

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Tretinoin may cause serious (sometimes fatal) side effects. Therefore, it must be used only under close medical supervision. Some patients may develop a life-threatening syndrome, usually during the first month of treatment with this medication. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: fever, trouble breathing, unusual tiredness, weight gain, swelling of the arms/legs/ankles/feet, dizziness, or fainting. You may be given other medications (e.g., corticosteroids such as dexamethasone) to treat these side effects. Your doctor will also monitor your white blood cell count.

This medication can cause severe birth defects if used during pregnancy. Therefore, this medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Also, it is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this drug. Pregnancy tests should be done one week before you start treatment with tretinoin. When possible, do not start tretinoin treatment until you have a negative pregnancy test result. As soon as treatment begins, you must immediately start using two effective forms of birth control together (or completely avoid sexual intercourse). However, do not use "mini-pills" (progesterone birth control pills that do not contain estrogen) because they may not work as well while you are taking tretinoin. You must also have monthly pregnancy testing and birth control counseling from your doctor while taking this medication. Continue using birth control as directed until one month after tretinoin use has been stopped.

USES: Tretinoin is used with other medications (e.g., chemotherapy) to treat a certain type of cancer of the white blood cells (APL-acute promyelocytic leukemia). APL is a disease of too many white blood cells that do not mature or function properly. This medication is used to lessen the signs and severity of this disease (induce remission). Further treatment after remission will be determined by your doctor. Tretinoin works by promoting the growth of normal, mature cells in the bone marrow and blood. This medication helps to reverse symptoms of APL such as infections, tiredness, and bleeding. Tretinoin is related to vitamin A.

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. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.