What is Panretin used for?
Panretin gel is used to treat skin
lesions in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Panretin gel is applied
directly to the skin lesions, and not used when treatment with internal anti-KS treatment
is required. Applying Panretin gel does not prevent new KS lesions from appearing on your
skin.
Who should not use Panretin gel?
You should not
use Panretin gel if you have ever had an allergic reaction to medicines containing
retinoids.
General Precautions with Panretin gel:
Read the patient information that comes with Panretin before you start taking it
and every time you renew your prescription in case the information has been updated.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use Panretin gel. If you become
pregnant while taking Panretin gel, contact your health care provider immediately.
Panretin gel can cause harm to an unborn child. Women of child-bearing age should avoid
becoming pregnant while using Panretin gel.
Do not to apply Panretin gel on or near openings of the body (e.g., the eyes,
nostrils, mouth, or lips).
The class of drugs to which Panretin gel belongs (retinoids) increase in the
skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and sunlamps. Expose skin areas being treated with
Panretin gel to sunlight and sunlamps as little as possible.
When you are being treated with Panretin gel, do not use products that contain
DEET, a common ingredient of insect repellents because Panretin gel increases the toxicity
of DEET.
What are some possible side effects of Panretin gel?
(This is NOT
a complete list of side effects reported with Panretin gel. Your health care provider can
discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)
Side
effects with the use of Panretin gel occur mainly at the site where it is applied. If side
effects occur, they are usually mild to moderate, although severe adverse reactions occur
in 10% of patients using Panretin gel. Side effects may be lowered with a decrease in the
frequency of application; if you experience side effects, contact your health care
provider.
Some other possible side effects can include:
- Rash (e.g. scaling, irritation, redness)
- Pain (e.g. burning)
- Itching
- Flaking, peeling of the skin
- Cracking, scabbing, crusting, drainage or oozing
- Stinging, tingling
- Swelling, inflammation
For more detailed information about Panretin gel, ask your health care provider.
Link to
Panretin Gel's Label and patient informaiton 
Posted: 4/6/99
Revised: 3/15/01 |
