Tretinoin

What is Tretinoin?

Tretinoin can be used to trigger remission from acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). APL is one of the blood cancers. Tretinoin is only used for the purpose of remission from APL and not as a continual (maintenance) treatment.

Tretinoin is also used for different purposes not covered in this guide.

Side effects of Tretinoin

Contact a medical professional immediately in the event that you exhibit symptoms warning signs of an allergic reaction such as asthma, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.

Certain people who take tretinoin suffer from an illness that is life-threatening, known as the retinoic acid APL (RA-APL) syndrome. The condition can worsen and cause the loss of several organs in your body, including the liver, lungs, or kidneys. Inform your doctor immediately when you notice the first signs of RA-APL syndrome, such as symptoms that include fever, shortness of breath, feeling lightheaded, or weight gain. The condition is treatable; however, you might need to discontinue taking tretinoin for some time. Follow the instructions of your physician.

Tretinoin may cause serious side effects. Consult your physician immediately in the event you are suffering from any of the following:

• Feeling lightheaded, similar to feeling like you've fallen asleep;
• Mouth and throat ulcers gums that are swollen or red; throat ulcers; burning pain in the mouth; difficulty swallowing;
• Increased pressure in the skull—severe headaches, ringing in the ears, nausea, issues with vision and eye pain;
• Kidney problems: no or little urinary frequency; swelling of your ankles and feet; being fatigued or weak;
• Liver issues: stomach pains and loss of appetite bloody urine and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
• Breathing problems, pain when you breathe, a rapid heart rate, and feeling short of breath (especially in a position where you lie down);
• Indications of a blood clot: sudden weakness or numbness in an individual body part or chest pain; difficulties in speech or vision; swelling or pain within one limb;
• Indications of symptoms of fever, chills, fever, flu symptoms, bleeding, or bruising, as well as a new or more severe cough and chest pain that is stabbing, wheezing, quick and shallow breathing,
• Indications of stomach bleeding: bloody or tarry stool, and the spouting of blood or vomiting that resembles coffee grounds.

Common adverse effects of tretinoin could include:

• Headache, weakness, and tiredness;
• Chills, fever, and infections. Not feeling well.
• Bleeding;
• Swelling of your feet or hands
• Tests for abnormally high liver function;
• Flushing (sudden heat, redness, or tingly sensation);
• Dry mouth in the nose, mouth, or throat
• Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea;
• Bone pain;
• Rashes
• Mouth sores.

It's not a comprehensive listing of all possible adverse impacts, as other things might occur. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Tretinoin may cause serious birth defects, miscarriages, and early delivery. Tell your doctor whether you are expecting or planning to be pregnant. You'll need regular pregnancy tests prior to and during your treatment with tretinoin.

Certain people who take tretinoin suffer from an illness that can be life-threatening, called APL syndrome of retinoic acid. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience early signs of this disorder, such as fever, shortness of breath, feeling lightheaded, or weight gain.You should remain under the supervision of a doctor when taking tretinoin.

Before you Take this Drug

Tretinoin used in any quantity (even for a short period of time) can result in severe problems with birth, such as miscarriages and the premature birth of a baby. Tell your doctor whether you are expecting or planning to be pregnant. It is recommended to have frequent tests for pregnancy before and while taking tretinoin.Utilize two effective methods for birth control beginning one month before you start taking tretinoin. remaining for at least one month following your last dose.

You should make use of birth control unless you have had a hysterectomy and no longer have a uterus. Use birth control even if you are not pregnant or have been through menopause. Inform your doctor immediately if you don't have a period or believe you may be pregnant.Consult your physician about the best methods of birth control to choose from. Tretinoin could cause certain birth control pills to be less efficient.

Retinoids should not be used in the event that you are allergic to them or to various retinoids (such as Accutane, Retin-A, and Renova).

Inform your doctor if you ever had:

• The highest cholesterol or triglycerides
• The liver condition
• A blood clot or stroke.

Don't breastfeed when using tretinoin.

How to Take Tretinoin?

Follow the instructions on the label of your prescription and also read the medication guides or instruction sheets. Follow the medication exactly as prescribed.

You'll require frequent medical examinations.

Tretinoin can be prescribed as long as you are in remission for a period of 30 days or after a period of 90 days (whichever is first). Follow the instructions of your doctor for dosing extremely carefully.

Maintain at room temperature and away from heat, humidity, and light.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

Do not take the medicine for as long as you are able, but avoid any missed doses if it's nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.

What Happens If I Overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

The symptoms of an overdose can include dizziness, headaches, the feeling of warmth or tingling in your stomach, facial pain, and cracked or dry lips.

What Should be Avoided?

Avoid using vitamin A supplements or multivitamins containing vitamin A if you are taking tretinoin.

Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you are aware of the effects of tretinoin on your body. Your reaction could be affected.

Interaction with Other Drugs

There are times when it's not recommended to take certain medications simultaneously. Certain drugs may affect the blood levels of other medications you are taking, which could cause more side effects or make the drugs less effective.

Discuss with your doctor all other medications, particularly:

• Aminocaproic acid;
• Aprotinin;
• Tranexamic acid
• An antibiotic—doxycycline, demeclocycline, minocycline, or tetracycline.

This list isn't complete. Other medications can affect the effects of tretinoin. These include medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Some interactions with drugs are not listed here. are included here.