What is alitretinoin topical?
Alitretinoin is a topical retinoid. Alitretinoin affects the growth and development of skin cells.
Alitretinoin topical is used to treat skin lesions caused by AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.
Alitretinoin topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about alitretinoin topical?
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Alitretinoin topical may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
Do not use products that contain DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), a common component of insect repellent products, while using alitretinoin topical. There is an increased risk of harmful effects from DEET when it is used with alitretinoin topical.
Do not cover the treated lesions with any type of occlusive dressing (a dressing that does not allow air to circulate to the area).
Who should not use alitretinoin topical?
Before using alitretinoin topical, tell your doctor if you have cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. You may not be able to use alitretinoin topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment.
Alitretinoin topical is the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that alitretinoin topical may be harmful to an unborn baby. Alitretinoin topical has caused birth defects in animal studies. Do not use alitretinoin topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether alitretinoin topical passes into breast milk. Do not use alitretinoin topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.