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| Pronunciation |
|
 (a
li TRET i
noyn) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Panretin® |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Antineoplastic Agent, Miscellaneous |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to other retinoids, alitretinoin, or any other
part of the medicine.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used for the treatment of skin lesions in patients
with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.
- It may take up to 3 months to see the full
benefits.
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| How does it work? |
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- Alitretinoin decreases or prevents the growth of Kaposi's
sarcoma.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- Do not take by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes
(may burn).
- Wash your hands before and after use.
- Clean affected area before use.
- Use a small amount over the area affected as a light film. Rub in
gently.
- Avoid putting on healthy skin (may burn).
- Do not put coverings (bandages, dressings, make-up) over the area
unless told to do so by healthcare provider.
- Use entire prescription as directed, even if feeling
better.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- Apply a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not apply a double dose or extra
doses.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
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- Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
- Do not use with insect repellents that contain N,
N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET).
- Do not take extra vitamin A, beta-carotene, or a multivitamin while
taking this medicine.
- Do not donate blood while using this medicine.
- You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen;
wear protective clothing and eyewear.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control
that you can trust. Use 1 month before starting this medicine, during, and for
at least 1 month after stopping this medicine.
- Do not use if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
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|
- Rash, pain, and itching where this medicine is applied.
- Flaking, peeling, cracking, and swelling of
skin.
|
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| What should I monitor? |
|
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- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Swelling, redness, and blistering of the
skin.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store at room
temperature.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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