Panretin

Panretin is used to topically treat cutaneous AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma in cases where there is no need for oral or intravenous medication.

This medication is only available with your doctor’s prescription. This medication is available in the gel/jelly form.

Before using Panretin, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together.

For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:

Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to doxorubicin or to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.

Pediatric: No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric: No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in elderly patients. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Drug Interactions: Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur.

In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions. When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Other Interactions: Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in case of negative interactions.

Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medications may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems: Pre-existing medical problems may affect the use of this medication.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma - May be more likely to experience side effects of alitretinoin gel.

To use Panretin properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Avoid occlusive dressings.

Dosing: Different patients will be given a different dose of this medication based on the strength of the medication.

The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take this medication depends on the reason you are taking this medication.

The following information only includes the average dose of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it without first speaking to your doctor.

• Adults - Apply a generous amount to the affected area of the skin twice a day, or as directed by your doctor, and allow to dry for 3-5 minutes before covering with clothing.
• Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose.

Storage: Store this medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep it away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze. Keep our of the reach of children.

Do not keep expired medication or medication you no longer need. Ask your doctor how to dispose of any medication you do not use.

Before using Panretin, there are some precautions you must take. It is very important that your doctor checks in with you often while you are receiving this medication to make sure that it is working properly.

This medication may increase the sensitivity of affected areas to sunlight or sunlamps. Exposure to the sun, even through a window or on a cloudy day, may cause serious burns.

Avoid application of this medication to normal skin surrounding the lesions or to mucous membranes.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Panretin. Some side effects that may occur do not normally need medical attention. These may leave as your body becomes accustomed to treatment.

Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Ask your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.