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Panretin

alitretinoin
Used for Kaposi's Sarcoma
Used for Kaposi's Sarcoma

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Sean Moshrefi, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 14, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostPricesMedicare
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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.

Are you looking for information on tretinoin (Retin-A) for acne, tretinoin (Renova) for wrinkles, or isotretinoin (Claravis) for acne instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsPanretin
Drug ClassRetinoic acid derivative
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the 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

Other Side Effects

  • Stinging of the skin
  • Flaking of skin
  • Redness
  • Scaling of skin

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

Source: DailyMed

The following 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:

More common

Itching

rash

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.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Panretin (alitretinoin)

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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

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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

Pharmacist tips for Panretin (alitretinoin)

pharmacist

  • 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.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Panretin (alitretinoin)

                    What is Panretin (alitretinoin) used for?
                    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.
                    Is Panretin (alitretinoin) an immunosuppressant?
                    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.
                    How long does it take for Panretin (alitretinoin) to work?
                    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.
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                    What are the 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.

                    risk-warning

                    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.

                      risk-warning

                      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.

                      risk-warning

                      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.

                      dosage

                      Panretin (alitretinoin) dosage forms

                      Typical dosing 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

                      Interactions between Panretin (alitretinoin) and other drugs

                      Panretin (alitretinoin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Panretin (alitretinoin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      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.

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