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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.
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Tretinoin (Chemotherapy) images:
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Tretinoin (Chemotherapy)
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.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood counts, liver function, blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, pregnancy tests) should be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
How To Use
- Take this medication by mouth, usually twice a day or as directed by your doctor.
- It may be taken with food.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
- Remember to use it at the same times each day.
- The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to therapy.
- Follow your doctor's directions for how long to take this medication.Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often without your doctor's approval.
- Your condition will not improve any faster and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication.
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 persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Headache may occur several hours after taking a dose.
- Mild pain medications (e.g., 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 your doctor has prescribed this medication because 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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, hearing problems (e.g., hearing loss), change in the amount of urine, mental/mood changes, severe headache, persistent nausea/vomiting, vision changes, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat.Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, jaw/left arm pain, trouble breathing, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, confusion, pain/redness/swelling of arms/legs.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking tretinoin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to vitamin A or related drugs; or to soybeans or peanuts; or to paraben preservatives; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, high cholesterol/triglycerides (blood fats).This drug may cause dizziness, severe headaches, or vision changes; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.Children may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially if they are also taking tetracycline medication.
- Tell your doctor immediately if your child experiences severe headache, nausea/vomiting, or vision problems.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 due to the risk of birth defects and harm to an unborn baby.
- If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
- Use two effective forms of birth control together to prevent pregnancy.
- Talk to your doctor about reliable birth control options.
- (See also Warning section.)It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk.
- Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: vitamin A.If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting tretinoin.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: drugs that prevent bleeding (anti-fibrinolytic drugs such as aminocaproic acid, aprotinin, tranexamic acid), hydroxyurea, ketoconazole, "mini-pill" (progesterone birth control pills that do not contain estrogen), tetracyclines.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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