Brand Name: Panretin®
Active Ingredient: alitretinoin
Strength(s): 0.1%
Dosage Form(s): Topical gel
Company Name: Ligand Pharmaceuticals
Availability: Prescription only
Date Approved by FDA: February 2, 1999

What is Panretin used for?

Panretin gel is used to treat skin lesions in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Panretin gel is applied directly to the skin lesions, and not used when treatment with internal anti-KS treatment is required. Applying Panretin gel does not prevent new KS lesions from appearing on your skin.

Who should not use Panretin gel? You should not use Panretin gel if you have ever had an allergic reaction to medicines containing retinoids.

Read the patient information that comes with Panretin before you start taking it and every time you renew your prescription in case the information has been updated.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use Panretin gel. If you become pregnant while taking Panretin gel, contact your health care provider immediately. Panretin gel can cause harm to an unborn child. Women of child-bearing age should avoid becoming pregnant while using Panretin gel.

Do not to apply Panretin gel on or near openings of the body (e.g., the eyes, nostrils, mouth, or lips).

The class of drugs to which Panretin gel belongs (retinoids) increase in the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and sunlamps. Expose skin areas being treated with Panretin gel to sunlight and sunlamps as little as possible.

When you are being treated with Panretin gel, do not use products that contain DEET, a common ingredient of insect repellents because Panretin gel increases the toxicity of DEET.

What are some possible side effects of Panretin gel? (This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Panretin gel. Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)   Side effects with the use of Panretin gel occur mainly at the site where it is applied. If side effects occur, they are usually mild to moderate, although severe adverse reactions occur in 10% of patients using Panretin gel. Side effects may be lowered with a decrease in the frequency of application; if you experience side effects, contact your health care provider.

Some other possible side effects can include:

• Rash (e.g., scaling, irritation, redness)
• Pain (e.g., burning)
• Itching
• Flaking, peeling of the skin
• Cracking, scabbing, crusting, drainage or oozing
• Stinging, tingling
• Swelling, inflammation

Posted 4/6/99
Revised: 3/15/01