Panretin
Panretin (alitretinoin) is a topical gel that is used to treat skin lesions or sores caused by AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (a type of skin cancer). It helps stop the growth of Kaposi's sarcoma cells. The medication can take several weeks before you see improvement of your skin lesions.
What is Panretin (alitretinoin)?
What is Panretin (alitretinoin) used for?
- Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) lesion
How Panretin (alitretinoin) works
Panretin (alitretinoin) is a retinoid acid derivative, meaning that it's related to vitamin A. It binds to retinoid receptors in the skin and adjusts certain genes that control lesion (wound) growth.
Drug facts
Side effects of Panretin (alitretinoin)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Dryness
- Cracking of the skin
- Mild itching
- Burning
- Skin irritation
Less Common Side Effects
- Stinging of the skin
- Flaking of skin
- Redness
- Scaling of skin
Panretin (alitretinoin) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction
- Severe (serious) redness or swelling of treated skin areas
The following Panretin (alitretinoin) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Abrasion of skin
blisters on skin
burning pain
cracking, crusting, drainage, or oozing of the skin
groove in the skin
peeling of skin
severe rash
skin redness
sloughing of skin
swelling at the site of application
Less common
Stinging or tingling of skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Increased sensitivity to the sun
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
Pros and cons of Panretin (alitretinoin)
Pros
- Can treat Kaposi's sarcoma lesions
- Mild and tolerable side effects, since it's not well absorbed into the body
- Can see a response within 2 weeks of using Panretin (alitretinoin)
- Can use even if you have liver or kidney problems
Cons
- Can be irritating to healthy skin around a Kaposi's sarcoma lesion
- Might take up to 14 weeks in some people to see a response
- Need to avoid exposing the treated area to sunlight or other ultraviolet (UV) light
- Not for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Doesn't treat hand and foot swelling usually associated with Kaposi's sarcoma
- Only available as a brand-name medication, so it can be expensive
Pharmacist tips for Panretin (alitretinoin)
- You can apply Panretin (alitretinoin) to your lesions with a clean finger. You can use a good (generous) amount of gel, but you don't need to rub it in. Allow the gel to dry for about 3 to 5 minutes before covering the area with clothing. Avoid covering the lesions treated with Panretin (alitretinoin) with any bandage or material other than loose clothing.
- Make sure to avoid applying Panretin (alitretinoin) on any healthy skin around the lesion. The medication can be irritating to healthy skin.
- After applying Panretin (alitretinoin), wipe your finger with a tissue, and wash your hands with soap and water.
- After applying Panretin (alitretinoin), don't shower, swim, or bathe for at least 3 hours. After showering or bathing, wait at least 20 minutes before applying the medication.
- Don't apply other products on your lesions if you've used Panretin (alitretinoin).
- Don't apply Panretin (alitretinoin) to the eyes, nostrils, mouth, lips, vagina, tip of the penis, rectum, or anus. If you get this medication in any of these areas, rinse with water right away.
- It may take a while, up to weeks, for you to notice any improvement after using Panretin (alitretinoin).
- Store Panretin (alitretinoin) in a safe, dry place, away from any open flames or heat at room temperature.
- If you are using insect repellent, make sure it doesn't contain DEET or other products containing DEET while using Panretin (alitretinoin). The medication can cause harmful DEET levels in your body.
Common questions about Panretin (alitretinoin)
Panretin (alitretinoin) is a topical gel that's applied on the skin. It's used to treat lesions caused by AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.
No, Panretin (alitretinoin) is not an immunosuppressant. Instead, it's a type of vitamin A that binds to skin receptors and controls the genes that are responsible for abnormal growth of Kaposi sarcoma cells.
Some people using Panretin (alitretinoin) have seen improvement in their KS lesions as soon as two weeks after starting the medication, but most people need to use it for a longer period of time. Some people saw improvement after over 14 weeks of using the gel. Be patient and don't get discouraged.
How to save using GoodRx
Risks and warnings for Panretin (alitretinoin)
Panretin (alitretinoin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
HARM TO UNBORN BABY
- Risk factors: Pregnant | Woman of childbearing age
Panretin (alitretinoin) can harm your unborn baby. Women of child-bearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant. Talk to your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while on Panretin (alitretinoin) or plan on becoming pregnant.
SENSITIVITY TO SUN
Panretin (alitretinoin) can cause your skin to be more sensitive to the sun. Avoid any sun lamps or tanning beds while using Panretin (alitretinoin). If you're planning on going outside, make sure to put on sunscreen.
INTERACTION WITH DEET (INSECT REPELLANT)
While you're using Panretin (alitretinoin), don't use any products that contain DEET (N,N-dimethyl-m-toluamide). DEET is commonly found in insect repellant. If you use products containing DEET while using Panretin (alitretinoin), it can cause you to have more DEET-related side effects, such as skin irritation, redness, rash, and swelling.
Panretin (alitretinoin) dosage
Tube of gel| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60g of 0.1% | 1 tube | $5,849.77 | $5,849.77 |
Typical dosage for Panretin (alitretinoin)
Panretin (alitretinoin) gel should be applied twice a day to skin lesions. Over time, you can start to apply it three or four times a day, depending on how you respond to it.
Interactions between Panretin (alitretinoin) and other drugs
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.
