What Is Alitretinoin Topical?
Alitretinoin topical (for the skin) is used to treat skin lesions caused by AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.
Alitretinoin topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to alitretinoin, isotretinoin, or tretinoin (Retin-A).
Before you use alitretinoin topical, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies. Also make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use alitretinoin topical if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether alitretinoin topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Do not use this medication on anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.
Alitretinoin Topical Side Effects
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe redness or swelling of treated skin areas;
- peeling or scaly skin;
- scabbing or crusting; or
- blistering or oozing of treated skin.
- numbness or tingling;
- dryness or cracking of the skin; or
- mild itching, burning, or other skin irritation.
Alitretinoin Topical Interactions
Do not use insect repellents or other products that contain DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) while using alitretinoin topical.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds while using this medicine. Alitretinoin can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing when you are outdoors.
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied alitretinoin. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Alitretinoin Topical Dosage
Wash your hands before and after using this medicine, unless you are treating skin areas on your hands.
Apply this medication only to affected skin lesions. Try not to get any medicine on the healthy skin around the lesions.
Allow the gel to dry for 3 to 5 minutes before covering treated skin with clothing. Do not bathe, shower, or swim for at least 3 hours after applying the medicine.
Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage or similar covering unless your doctor tells you to.
It may take up to 14 weeks or longer before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine away from open flame or high heat.
An overdose of alitretinoin topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
