Panretin – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Tuesday, September 11, 2018 by Michelle Simmons

Panretin (generic name: alitretinoin) is an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug used to treat skin wounds in people with Kaposi’s sarcoma. It works by stopping the growth of Kaposi’s sarcoma cells. This drug comes in the form of a gel, and is typically applied directly to the lesions twice a day. Avoid being exposed to sunlight for a long period and wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen when using the drug, as it makes your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Panretin controls the Kaposi’s sarcoma lesions but does not cure them. Moreover, it will take a minimum of two weeks of Panretin use before its benefit can be seen. For some patients, it may take eight to 14 weeks for the results to be evident.

Before using Panretin, tell the doctor:

if you have an allergy to alitretinoin, etretinate, isotretinoin, tazarotene, tretinoin, or any other drugs.
if you are taking other medications, such as vitamins or herbal products. Do not use insect repellants that contain diethyltoluamide (DEET) while using Panretin.
if you have or had T-cell lymphoma, a type of skin cancer.
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Known side effects of Panretin

The possible side effects of Panretin include the following:

An allergic reaction with symptoms of hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Severe redness or swelling of treated skin areas
Peeling or scaly skin
Scabbing or crusting of the skin
Blistering or oozing of the treated skin

Get immediate medical help if you experience any of the side effects mentioned above.

Panretin also commonly causes the following side effects:

Dryness or cracking of the skin
Mild itching, burning, or other skin irritation
Numbness or tingling

Body systems that may be harmed by Panretin

The main body system harmed by Panretin is the integumentary system.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent Panretin’s side effects

The following foods may prevent the skin problems caused by Panretin:

Avocados
Broccoli
Dark chocolate
Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and herring
Green tea
Red or yellow bell peppers
Red wine
Soy
Sunflower seeds
Sweet potatoes
Tomatoes
Walnuts

Treatments, management plans for the Panretin’s side effects

Dryness of the skin, a common side effect of Panretin, can be treated naturally with the help of coconut oil, petroleum jelly, oatmeal baths, and antioxidant- and omega-3-rich foods.

Where to learn more

Summary

Panretin (generic name: alitretinoin) is an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug used to treat skin wounds in people with Kaposi’s sarcoma.

Panretin causes an allergic reaction, severe swelling of treated skin areas, peeling or scaly skin, scabbing or crusting of the skin, or blistering or oozing of the treated skin.

Panretin can also make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Sources include:

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