Tretinoin (Oral)
Key points
- Treats a type of leukemia called acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).
- You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to tretinoin, isotretinoin, vitamin A, etretinate, or parabens (preservatives used in some medicines).
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Tretinoin (By Mouth)
Tretinoin (TRET-i noyn)
Treats a type of leukemia called acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).
Brand Name(s):
Vesanoid
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to tretinoin, isotretinoin, vitamin A, etretinate, or parabens (preservatives used in some medicines).
How to Use This Medicine:
Liquid Filled Capsule
- Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often.
If a dose is missed:
- Use your medicine as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
- Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
- You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
- Store the capsules at room temperature in the original container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are using ketoconazole (Nizoralreg; tablets), cimetidine (Tagametreg;), erythromycin, verapamil, diltiazem, phenobarbital, pentobarbital, rifampin, cyclosporine, or steroid medicines such as betamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone, or dexamethasone.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
- Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease, high cholesterol, or high triglycerides before using this medicine.
- Your doctor will want you to have regular check-ups while you are using this medicine to make sure the medicine is working. Try to keep all appointments made for you.
- Do not breastfeed while using this medicine.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.