Type of medicine: retinoid
Generic and brand names: alitretinoin, topical; Panretin Gel
This medicine, in the form of a gel, is applied to the skin to treat lesions (skin sores) in people who have AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. It will not prevent new skin sores. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider. It is to be used on the skin only. It does not treat intestinal Kaposi's sarcoma.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant because it may harm the baby. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dosage depending on your response and the side effects you may have.
Wash your hands before and after using this medicine. Apply enough gel to cover the sores completely. Allow the gel to dry for 3 to 5 minutes before covering the sores with clothing. Keep the gel off the surrounding skin and away from your mouth, nose, and eyes. Do not put tight bandages over the sores. Avoid showering, bathing, or swimming for at least 3 hours after applying this medicine. Do not put any other medicine on the lesions without your healthcare provider's approval.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which may lead to painful sunburns. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Your sores may improve in about 2Â weeks, but you may need to use this medicine for 4Â weeks or longer. Use the medicine for as long as your healthcare provider tells you to do so.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe redness, tingling, scaling, itching, rash, burning, pain, scabbing, crusting, swelling, peeling or flaking of skin.
Other: Mild redness, irritation, or itching skin.
No significant interactions with other medicines have been reported. However, do not use any insect repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-M-toluamide) while you are using this medicine.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
