Tretinoin, ATRA
Brand names: Altinac™, Avita™, Avita® , Renova®, Retin-A®, Retin-A® Micro, Tretin-X™, Vesanoid®
Chemical formula:
- Drug Forms:
- Tretinoin, ATRA capsules (below)
- Tretinoin, ATRA skin cream, liquid, or gel
- Tretinoin, ATRA skin gel (Atralin™ gel)
Tretinoin, ATRA capsules
What are tretinoin capsules?
TRETINOIN (Vesanoid®) is a naturally occurring form of vitamin A. Tretinoin capsules are used to certain cancers, such as acute promyelocytic leukemia or other disorders. Generic tretinoin capsules are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• high cholesterol
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to tretinoin, vitamin A, parabens, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take tretinoin capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules whole with a drink of water. Take with meals. Take your doses at regular intervals; try to take doses at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with tretinoin?
• ketoconazole
• medicines that increase your sensitivity to sunlight such as tetracycline or sulfa drugs
• orlistat
• vitamin A supplements
• voriconazole
Tell your prescriber or other health care professional about all other medicines you are taking including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medications.
What should I watch for while taking tretinoin?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks.
Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or cough. Do not treat yourself.
Do not take any vitamin A supplements while receiving tretinoin. Tretinoin is also a form of vitamin A and too much vitamin A can cause many side effects.
If you are capable of becoming pregnant, you should have a pregnancy test within one week before you start tretinoin therapy, if possible, and monthly while you are taking tretinoin confirming you are not pregnant. Tretinoin may harm your unborn baby. You should contact your prescriber immediately if you believe or suspect you are pregnant while you are taking tretinoin and until one month after you stop taking tretinoin. You must use effective birth control continuously while taking tretinoin and until one month after you stop taking tretinoin. It is recommended that you use 2 reliable forms of birth control together.
You may get drowsy or dizzy when you first start taking tretinoin or change doses. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how tretinoin affects you.
What side effects may I notice from taking tretinoin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
• signs of bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine
• changes in blood pressure
• chest pain
• chills
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• severe headaches
• seizures
• weight gain
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• agitation or anxiety
• changes in sight
• changes in skin color
• confusion
• constipation or diarrhea
• decrease in reflexes
• depression
• difficulty sleeping
• dizziness, drowsiness
• dry skin
• earache, fullness in the ear
• flushing
• hair loss
• hallucinations (seeing things that are not really there)
• headache
• heartburn
• increased sweating
• loss of appetite
• muscle aches or pains
• nausea, vomiting
• shivering
• stomach pain
• tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands or feet
• tiredness or weakness
• uncontrollable shaking
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F) and protect from light.
Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
