Key takeaways
Tretinoin, available as Altreno (topical) and tretinoin oral capsules, is a retinoid medication used to treat different conditions. Both forms are derived from vitamin A and are used for their ability to promote cell turnover. Altreno (tretinoin) is a topical lotion used to treat acne in people 9 years and older, while tretinoin oral capsules are used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), a type of blood cancer. Altreno is applied once daily to the skin, whereas tretinoin oral capsules are taken by mouth twice daily. Altreno is available by prescription only and is not available as a generic, while tretinoin oral capsules are available in generic form. Common side effects of Altreno include dryness, pain, and redness at the application site, while tretinoin oral capsules can cause severe headaches, dizziness, and a risk of blood clots. Additionally, tretinoin oral capsules have serious risks such as differentiation syndrome and birth defects if taken during pregnancy, requiring the use of two forms of birth control during treatment.
