When your doctor prescribes a special gel for a skin condition, it's normal to have a lot of questions about it. Especially if the name of the medicine is a bit complicated, you may be a little scared about how to use it, what precautions to take, and so on. Today we're going to talk about one such medicine, alitretinoin gel. This is a medicine that is usually given to treat skin lesions called Kaposi sarcoma, which is usually associated with AIDS. Let's talk about everything simply and clearly.
What exactly is alitretinoin?
Simply put, alitretinoin is a drug in a class of drugs called retinoids, which are related to vitamin A. It comes in the form of a gel. You may find it under the brand name Panretin. Its main function, as I mentioned earlier, is to help heal skin lesions called Kaposi sarcoma, which some people with AIDS develop.
Doctors may sometimes prescribe this for other conditions as well. So if you have any questions about this medicine, never guess . Ask your doctor directly.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing this medicine to you, it is very important for your doctor to know some information about you. This will ensure your safety. Be sure to tell them these facts.
- Allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to this alitretinoin medication, vitamin A, other retinoids, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives .
- Pregnancy: This is very important if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or have even the slightest suspicion that you are pregnant . We will talk about this in more detail, but it is essential to tell your doctor first.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, you should definitely mention that as well.
How exactly do you use this gel?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly. It is for external use only . Do not take it by mouth for any reason. Follow the steps below.
| Steps | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Skin preparation | Before applying the medication, keep the affected skin area clean and dry. If you bathe or shower, wait at least 20 minutes before applying the medication. |
| 2. Applying medicine | Apply a generous layer of gel to cover the lesions well. But, do not rub vigorously . |
| 3. Turning to dry | Before putting on a garment, let the gel dry for 3 to 5 minutes. |
| 4. Protecting healthy skin | Avoid applying this gel to the healthy skin around the wound as much as possible. Doing so can help reduce redness and inflammation. |
| 5. Not covered | Do not cover the areas where the gel was applied with any bandage or plaster, other than loose clothing. |
| 6. Hand washing | First wipe the fingers that have been applied with the medicine with a tissue, then wash them thoroughly with soap. |
| 7. Rinse again | Do not bathe, shower, or swim for at least 3 hours after applying the medication. |
Important: This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with others for any reason. Also, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, take it only at that time. Never take a double dose.
What if the dose of the medicine increases?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
There are several things you should pay attention to while using this medicine.
- Be careful with the sun: This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun than before. Therefore, avoid going out in the sun as much as possible. If you must go out, be sure to use a good sunscreen , wear clothing that covers your body, and avoid using sun lamps and tanning beds.
- Interactions: Insect repellents containing DEET (N,N diethyl-m-toluamide) may interact with this medication. Therefore, ask your doctor before using such products while using this gel. Also, do not apply any other skin medication to the same area as this gel without asking your doctor.
- Dry skin: Sometimes your skin may feel very dry and itchy. If that happens, you can ask your doctor about using something like mineral oil. However, do not apply mineral oil for 2 hours before or 2 hours after applying this gel.
- Strict pregnancy warning:
- Keep away from children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius).
- Discard after expiration.
- Important: This medicine is flammable . Therefore, keep it away from fire, excessive heat, and smoking areas.
- Alitretinoin is a medicine that is only for topical application to the skin. Never take it by mouth.
- Follow the correct steps for using the medicine exactly. Apply only to the affected area, do not rub, and let it dry.
- Most importantly: Avoid becoming pregnant while using this medication. It can cause serious damage to the fetus.
- Protect your skin when going out in the sun. Sunscreen and covering clothing are a must.
- If you experience a severe allergy or severe skin reaction, notify your doctor immediately.
- If you have any questions or doubts about this medicine, discuss it with your doctor.
This is the most important thing . Do not become pregnant for any reason while using this medicine. This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby and birth defects. If you are planning to become pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Also, do not breastfeed while using this medicine.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common. It's important to be aware of these.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Severe skin reactions | Severe pain, redness, blistering, numbness, or inflammation where the medicine was applied. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Common skin problems | Dry skin. |
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