Information about Vesanoid (Tretinoin)
Vesanoid (Tretinoin) is a retinoid medication used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It is also commonly used in the treatment of severe acne vulgaris. Tretinoin works by promoting the growth of healthy skin cells and decreasing the buildup of abnormal cells, which helps in treating both cancer and acne.
Product Highlights
- Vesanoid is used as part of the treatment regimen for APL, particularly in combination with chemotherapy, to help restore normal blood cell production.
- When applied topically, tretinoin is used to treat moderate to severe acne by reducing clogged pores and promoting the shedding of skin cells.
- In some cases, tretinoin is also prescribed off-label for its skin rejuvenation effects, helping with fine lines and skin texture due to its ability to promote collagen production.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Tretinoin helps induce remission in APL by promoting the differentiation of leukemia cells into normal blood cells.
- Topical tretinoin helps to unclog pores, prevent new acne lesions, and decrease inflammation, improving skin appearance.
- Tretinoin can stimulate collagen production, which helps improve the texture and appearance of the skin, reducing wrinkles and fine lines over time.
- By promoting the turnover of skin cells, tretinoin helps remove dead skin cells, preventing clogged pores and enhancing the overall skin texture.
Direction of Use
- The typical dose is 45 mg/m²/day, taken in divided doses. The treatment is usually continued for a specific period based on the treatment protocol, under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
- Apply a thin layer of the cream or gel to the affected area once a day in the evening, typically after washing your face and allowing your skin to dry. Do not apply to sensitive areas, including the eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes.
- For acne, it may take several weeks of consistent use to see noticeable improvements. For APL, treatment duration varies depending on the specific treatment plan.
Safety Concerns
- Common side effects of topical tretinoin include redness, peeling, dryness, and irritation at the application site. It’s essential to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase as tolerated.
- Tretinoin increases sensitivity to sunlight. It’s important to wear sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure while using the medication.
- Tretinoin is classified as a Category D drug for pregnancy, meaning it can cause birth defects. It should be avoided during pregnancy, and proper contraception should be used during treatment.
- Oral tretinoin can cause changes in blood counts, and close monitoring of liver function and blood cells is necessary during treatment.
- Overuse or high doses of tretinoin, particularly in the oral form, can lead to symptoms of retinoid toxicity, such as headache, dizziness, and nausea.
Avoid Vesanoid (Tretinoin) If
- Tretinoin should not be used during pregnancy as it can cause severe birth defects.
- If you have a known allergy to tretinoin or any other retinoids, you should avoid using Vesanoid.
- Use with caution in patients with liver problems, as tretinoin is processed in the liver, and liver function should be monitored.
- Tretinoin should be avoided while breastfeeding, as it is not known whether the medication passes into breast milk.
- If you experience severe skin irritation or reactions with topical tretinoin, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider.