Tretinoin or all-trans retinoic acid is an anticancer medication which was approved for its medical use in 1962.

Tretinoin is a prescription medicine indicated to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia in patients who did not respond adequately to previous therapies. Its off-label indications include treatment of psoriasis, malignant skin conditions, cutaneous warts and early stretch marks.

Tretinoin is available in form of Capsules in the dose 10mg. The usual recommended dosing is 45mg/m2/day in two divided doses. Swallow Tretinoin Capsule whole with a glass of water.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Tretinoin Capsule are hair loss, headache, fever, skin dryness, bone pain, nausea, vomiting, sweating, pruritus, bone inflammation and visual disturbances. If you experience any allergic reactions or any other symptoms like shortness of breath, chills, or swelling, report to your doctor immediately.

Tretinoin not recommended for patients who are allergic to Tretinoin, or its ingredients. It is essential to let your physician know if you are diagnosed with problems in your kidneys or liver. Your physician will regularly monitor your blood cell count, blood pressure, cholesterol, liver and kidney parameters. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any skin reactions, breathing trouble, unusual headaches, fever, extreme tiredness or weakness.

Female patients and female partners of male patients should avoid getting pregnant during this treatment. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to have a baby. Discuss effective contraceptive methods with your healthcare practitioner and continue using birth control methods for a month after the final dose of Tretinoin. Do not breastfeed during Tretinoin treatment.

Avoid driving and operating machines while on treatment with Tretinoin Capsule. Use an effective moisturizer to prevent skin dryness.

1. Par Pharmaceuticals, [Revised on Dec 2020] [Accessed on 13th Oct 2022], https://www.parpharm.com/pdfs/catalog/generic/Tretinoin_PI_20200506.pdf
2. KD Tripathi, Anticancer Drugs, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 915-936.
3. Yoham AL, Casadesus D. Tretinoin. [Updated 2022 Mar 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet], [Accessed on 13th Oct 2022], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557478/

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.