Tretinoin Oral Capsule (TRETINOIN - ORAL)

For treating cancer.

Generic Name: Tretinoin

Instructions

Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.

Take the medicine with food.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take an extra dose. Take your next dose at the usual time.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is less than 10 hours to the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses of this medicine at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Keep using this medicine for the full number of days that it is prescribed. Do not stop the medicine even if you start to feel better.

Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Avoid touching any powder from an open or broken capsule. If the powder touches the skin, nose, or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.

If powder spills from the capsules, wipe it up with a wet paper towel and throw it away immediately in a closed plastic bag. Avoid breathing in the powder.

Always wash your hands after handling this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Speak with your doctor before taking any medicine with aspirin.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Call the doctor if there are any signs of confusion or unusual changes in behavior.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 1 week after stopping treatment.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

Women of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine.

Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 1 month after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Men with a female partner who is of childbearing age must use a condom and a second form of birth control during sexual activity while taking this medicine and for 1 week after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Women who are pregnant or in their childbearing years should not touch or handle this medicine. This medicine can be absorbed through the woman's skin and harm the unborn baby.

Do not donate blood for at least 4 weeks after the last dose of this medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • bone pain
  • constipation or diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • dry mouth
  • discomfort or pain in the ear
  • lack of energy and tiredness
  • feeling of heat or flushing
  • fever
  • hair loss
  • numbness or tingling in hands and feet
  • itching
  • pain in the joints
  • mouth sores or irritation
  • nausea and vomiting
  • dry skin
  • sweating
  • weight loss

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • bleeding or bruising
  • chest or jaw pain
  • changes in memory, mood, or thinking
  • depression or feeling sad
  • swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or throat
  • swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
  • fainting
  • fever or chills
  • hearing loss
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • shortness of breath
  • stomach pain
  • bloody or dark, tarry stools
  • symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
  • suicidal thoughts
  • increased urinary frequency
  • urinating less often
  • blood in urine
  • blurring or changes of vision
  • severe or persistent vomiting
  • sudden or unexplained weight gain

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

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