All-trans retinoic acid: how to take it safely
Tretinoin, Vesanoid
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats acute promyelocytic leukaemia (a type of blood cancer), usually with other medicines.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow capsules whole with water, with food.
- You will have frequent blood tests.
When to take it
Take it twice a day, with meals, for the time your specialist says.
Take it with
With a fatty meal.
What to avoid
- Pregnancy. It causes severe birth defects. Use strict contraception during treatment and for a month after.
- Vitamin A supplements.
- Strong sunlight.
- Live vaccines unless your cancer team says so.
- Contact with people who have infections such as chickenpox or flu.
- Alcohol, unless your team says it is safe.
Possible side effects
Dry skin and lips, headache, bone pain, nausea, raised blood fats.
Get help if
Fever, breathlessness, weight gain, swelling, low blood pressure or chest pain (differentiation syndrome): get urgent help. Severe headache or vision changes: see a doctor.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.