Tretinoin
Trade Name:
Vesanoid, ATRA, All-Trans-Retinoic Acid
Type of Drug:
Tretinoin belongs to a general group called vitamins. It is derived from vitamin A and used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia that has specific gene changes.
How Drug Works:
Tretinoin seems to stop the growth of leukemic cells, which are then destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by tretinoin, other effects can occur. Some effects may not occur for months or years after the drug is used.
How Drug Is Given:
Tretinoin is a capsule taken by mouth with food in equal divided doses as directed by your doctor. The dose depends on your weight and side effects of the medicine. Keep the medicine in a tightly closed container away from heat and moisture and out of the reach of children and pets.
How Should I Take This Drug?
Take this drug exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or nurse to explain them to you. This drug can be given at different strengths depending on the type of cancer being treated. Dosage may vary depending on your weight and your type of cancer.
Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor:

  • If you are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. This drug may cause birth defects if either the male or female is taking it at the time of conception or during pregnancy. Men and women who are taking this drug need to use some kind of birth control. However, do not use oral contraceptives (“the pill”) without checking with your doctor.

  • If you think you may want to have children in the future. Many chemotherapy drugs can cause sterility.

  • If you have any of the following medical problems: chickenpox or exposure to chickenpox, gout, heart disease, congestive heart failure, shingles, kidney stones, liver disease, or other forms of cancer.

  • If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.
Should I avoid any other medicines, foods, alcohol, and/or activities?
Your prescription and nonprescription medicines may interact with other drugs, causing harm. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medicine—prescription or nonprescription—without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, food, or other medicines. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and affect activities such as driving.
Precautions:
While you are being treated with tretinoin, and after you stop treatment, do not have any immunizations (vaccinations) without your doctor’s okay. Try to avoid contact with people who have recently taken the oral polio vaccine. Check with your doctor about this.
Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug.
  • Most of the following side effects probably will not occur.
  • Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you.
  • They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them.
Side Effects:
More Common Side Effects
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Dry mouth
  • Bone pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Rash
Less Common Side Effects
  • Dizziness
  • Sensation of pins and needles in hands and feet
  • Earache
  • Depression
  • Heartburn
  • Abdominal distention
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Syndrome of fever, difficulty breathing, weight gain, changes in chest x-ray, and fluid outside the lungs or heart
  • Sores in mouth or on lips
  • Itching
  • Sweating
  • Changes in vision
  • Skin changes
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Flushing
Rare Side Effects
  • Heart damage
  • Ulcer
  • Inflammation of liver
  • Decreased hearing
  • Agitation
  • Hallucination
  • Sleepiness
  • Slow speech
  • Difficulty urinating
  • High triglyceride and cholesterol blood levels
Side Effects / Symptoms of the Drug
Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you develop fever, difficulty breathing, weight gain, or irregular heartbeat.
Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems.
FDA Approval: This drug is approved for cancer treatment.