What is Panretin prescribed for?

Panretin gel is prescribed for the treatment of 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 to take when on Panretin gel:

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use Panretin gel. If you become pregnant while taking Panretin gel, contact your doctor 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 side effects can you expect when taking Panretin gel? (This is only a partial list of side effects reported with Panretin gel. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a complete list of possible side effects and drug interactions..)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 doctor.

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 doctor.