Panretin (Topical)
Generic name:alitretinoin (topical route) [ a-li-TRET-i-noin ]
Drug class:Miscellaneous topical agents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Panretin
Available Dosage Forms:
- Gel/Jelly
Therapeutic Class: Dermatological Agent
Chemical Class: Retinoid
Uses for Panretin
Alitretinoin is used as a topical treatment for cutaneous AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma in cases when there is no need for oral or intravenous medication.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using Panretin
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Studies of this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing the use of alitretinoin in children with use in other age groups.
Geriatric
Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing the use of alitretinoin in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma—May be more likely to experience side effects of alitretinoin gel.
Proper use of Panretin
Avoid the use of occlusive dressings
