VESANOID (TRETINOIN)

About Vesanoid and its Uses

Feelings of extreme fatigue, prone to bruising and bleeding from your gums or other mucus membranes, weight loss , and fever or infection are signs that you must visit your doctor and undergo some blood tests. Any indication that something is wrong with your white blood cell count can prompt further tests and a possible diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Vesanoid is taken along other chemotherapy drugs to help reduce the signs and severity of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) in order to induce remission. Early detection and treatment of this blood cancer is vital for increasing your chance of remission. APL is not discriminatory as it is equally common with men and women, and all ages, although it occurs less commonly in children under 10 years old.

The Objective of Tretinoin is to Help Induce Remission

When taken as directed with other chemo drugs, the active ingredient in Vesanoid called Tretinoin will work by encouraging the growth of normal, mature cells in your blood and bone marrow with the eventual spontaneous death (apoptosis) of the malignant cells. Regular check-ups and blood tests will be required so your doctor can monitor your condition and possibly make changes in your medications or their dosage.

Conditions Treated by Vesanoid

Acute promyelocytic leukemia treatment goal is to treat all leukemia cells in your blood and bone marrow. Tretinoin is derived from vitamin A. Your doctor may recommend taking Vesanoid and an anthracycline chemo drug which will help generate free oxygen radicals that damage the DNA strands of the malignant cells so replication is stopped. You usually hear that free radicals in your body is a bad thing, but in the case of APL can be very useful.

Before Vesanoid is Prescribed for You

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding before you take Vesanoid as it is considered to be harmful to your unborn or nursing baby. Both men and women should use at least 2 effective methods of contraception during therapy with Vesanoid and other chemo drugs to avoid any risks to an unborn or nursing baby. A pregnancy test should be taken at least 1 week prior to starting your chemo therapy drugs, including Vesanoid.

Explain other medical conditions or allergies you have to your doctor and list any OTC and Rx drugs you currently use or take, including alternative and complimentary meds so your doctor can determine if Vesanoid is safe for you.

Vesanoid Precautions and Recommendations

Until you know how Vesanoid will affect you, refrain from driving, operating machinery, or attempting any task that may be unsafe if you are dizzy or sleepy. Keep all medications out of children’s reach and away from pets. Avoid areas with large crowds as you may be at a higher risk for infections. Try to be as active as you can and wear sun protection when outdoors. Swallow Vesanoid whole, do not crush, chew, dissolve, or open capsules.

Possible Side Effects of Vesanoid

• Headache
• Weakness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Dry mouth, nose, or throat

Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience breathing problems, fever, swelling of your extremities, or fainting.