Vesanoid (Tretinoin)

Do not use if you are pregnant. You may need to have a pregnancy test every month during treatment.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to tretinoin or to other retinoids (such as Accutane, Retin-A, Renova).

This medicine can cause birth defects, miscarriage, premature birth, or death of a baby. Do not use VESANOID if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you miss a period or become pregnant during treatment. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment, and every month while taking VESANOID.

VESANOID can make certain birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about the best method of birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking VESANOID. You must use effective birth control while you are taking VESANOID unless you have had a hysterectomy and no longer have a uterus. Use birth control even if you have been infertile (unable to have children) in the past, or if you have gone through menopause.

To make sure VESANOID is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• high cholesterol;
• liver disease; or
• a history of blood clot or stroke.

It is not known whether VESANOID passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• mouth and throat ulcers, red or swollen gums, burning mouth pain, trouble swallowing;
• increased pressure inside the skull--severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes;
• kidney problems--little or no urinating, weight gain, swelling in your feet or ankles;
• liver problems--upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• lung problems--pain when you breathe, rapid heart rate, feeling short of breath (especially when lying down);
• signs of a blood clot--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), problems with speech or balance, chest pain, coughing up blood, pain or warmth in one or both legs;
• signs of infection--fever, chills, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding, new or worsening cough, stabbing chest pain, wheezing, rapid and shallow breathing; or
• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Common side effects may include:

• fever, weakness, tiredness;
• nausea, vomiting;
• bone pain;
• rash, itching, dry skin, increased sweating;
• hair loss or skin changes;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• headache; or
• vision changes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. 

Do not use vitamin A supplements or multivitamins that contain vitamin A while you are taking VESANOID.

This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

This medicine can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit). Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with VESANOID, especially:

• an antibiotic--doxycycline, demeclocycline, minocycline, tetracycline.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with VESANOID, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Your doctor will perform a blood test to make sure you have the type of leukemia this medicine is used to treat.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

You may need to continue taking VESANOID for up to 90 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Store VESANOID at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line.

Overdose symptoms may include headache, dizziness, weakness, flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling) in your face, stomach pain, and dry or cracked lips.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.