Tretinoin Capsules

What is this medication?

TRETINOIN (TRET i noe in) treats some types of cancer. It works by slowing down the growth of cancer cells. It belongs to a group of medications called retinoids.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Vesanoid

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• High cholesterol
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to tretinoin, vitamin A, parabens, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Other retinoids
• Vitamin A supplements

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Aminocaproic acid
• Aprotinin
• Cimetidine
• Cyclosporine
• Diltiazem
• Erythromycin
• Medications for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole
• Medications that increase your sensitivity to sunlight, such as tetracyclines or sulfa medications
• Methotrexate
• Orlistat
• Phenobarbital
• Rifampin
• Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
• Tranexamic acid
• Verapamil

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks.

This medication may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your care team tells you to stop.

Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This medication decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

This medication may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your care team if you notice any unusual bleeding.

Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medication.

Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your care team. These medications may hide a fever.

Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects. Discuss contraceptive options with your care team. Do not breastfeed while taking this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
• Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
• Fever, cough, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, shortness of breath, bone pain, sudden weight gain, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet, which may be signs of differentiation syndrome
• High white blood cell level—fever, fatigue, trouble breathing, night sweats, change in vision, weight loss
• Increased pressure around the brain—severe headache, change in vision, blurry vision, nausea, vomiting
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Bone pain
• Dryness or irritation of the eyes, lips, mouth, or nose
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.