Vesanoid

How does it work?

Tretinoin belongs to a group of medicines called retinoids and is a form of vitamin A. It is also sometimes called ATRA - All-Trans Retinoic Acid. Tretinoin is used in a particular form of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) called M3 (acute promyelocytic leukaemia). It can be used in previously untreated patients or patients who have relapsed or are resistant to standard chemotherapy. Tretinoin is not itself an anticancer (cytotoxic) medicine but is a biological medicine that allows anticancer medicines to work. One of the risks of the M3 type of AML is haemorrhaging and possibly death during the intial anticancer therapy. Tretinoin works by promoting the blood cells in the bone marrow to "grow up" faster. This helps prevent and reverse this risk of severe bleeding and gives the anticancer medicines a chance to work. Tretinoin is given by mouth only.

What is it used for?

A particular type of leukaemia called acute promyelocytic leukaemia

Warning!

You should have regular blood tests to monitor your liver function while taking this medicine.

People taking this medicine should have regular blood tests to check the levels of their blood components.

Effective contraception is required during treatment and for at least one month after stopping treatment.

It is recommened that individuals taking this medicine undergo regular monitoring of blood lipid levels.

Retinoic acid syndrome - contact your doctor immediately if you experience the side effects of fever together with difficulty in breathing, coughing, dizziness, chest pain and abdominal pain

There is an increased risk of getting a blood clot (thrombosis) during the first month of treatment with this medicine.

It is recommended to monitor the clotting function of the blood during treatment

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Not to be used in

Allergy to any ingredients in this medicine or other medicines of the retinoid group

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Take this medication with or after food.

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