Tretinoin, Oral



Vesanoid®







Tretinoin, Oral

(TRET i noyn, oral)

U.S. Brand Names
Vesanoid®
Canadian Brand Names
Vesanoid®
Pharmacologic Category
Antineoplastic Agent, Miscellaneous
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. Your healthcare provider will talk about the risk before starting you on this medicine. Use two effective forms of birth control 1 month before starting this medicine and for 1 month after treatment ends. A pregnancy test should be done to show that you are NOT pregnant before starting this medicine and every month while you are taking it. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, call healthcare provider right away. This medicine can cause a condition called retinoic-acid-APL syndrome. Severe problems can occur in some patients who develop this condition. Call healthcare provider right away if you have fever, difficulty breathing, or weight gain.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to tretinoin, vitamin A, or any other part of this medicine.
  • 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, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia.
How does it work?
  • Tretinoin, oral injures cancer cells causing their death.
How is it best taken?
  • Food improves the absorption of similar medicines.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • You may bleed more easily. Be careful. Avoid injury. Use soft toothbrush, electric razor.
  • If you have high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Avoid other sources of vitamin A.
  • Talk with healthcare provider before using aspirin, aspirin-containing products, other pain medicines, blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E.
  • You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Flushing. Wearing layers of clothes or summer clothes and cool environment may help.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Bone pain.
  • Skin irritation.
  • Sunburn.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Severe headache.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Sudden change in vision, eye pain or irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • 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, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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