Vesanoid (
tretinoin) is intended for the treatment of patients with
Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL), a cancer of the blood-forming tissue in the bone marrow. Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A and is a member of the class of drugs known as retinoids.
Acute promyelocytic leukemia is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal promyelocytes (immature blood cells) in the bone marrow and blood, leading to decreased production of normal white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
The overgrowth of promyelocytes leads to a shortage of normal white and red blood cells and platelets in the body, which causes many of the signs and symptoms of APL such as repeated infections, bleeding and severe fatigue. The symptoms develop as a result of rapid multiplication of blood cells that fail to mature fully. These immature cells are unable to perform their functions efficiently. As a result, the immune system’s defense mechanisms aimed at protecting the body against infectious pathogens are hampered, resulting in repeated infections, fatigue, and tiredness.
In addition, acute promyelocytic leukemia also affects the proliferation of other blood cells, such as red blood cells and platelets. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body, and platelets play a role in blood clotting, preventing excessive bleeding.
The inefficient proliferation of red blood sets and platelets affects these vital functions of the body. This results in oxygen deprivation at the cellular level, resulting in symptoms such as excessive fatigue and tiredness. The deficiency of platelets can increase the risk of bleeding.
Vesanoid is believed to help treat this condition by inhibiting the abnormal multiplication and growth of blood cells, thereby providing relief from the symptoms of APL.
Dosage
The dosage and regimen is set by the prescribing doctor, and depends on the patient’s age and the severity of the condition.
The typical recommended dosage for adults is eight Vesanoid capsules daily, divided into two equal doses swallowed with a full glass of water with or shortly after a meal. The usual duration of treatment with Vesanoid is up to 90 days.
Storage
Store below 30ËšC in a tightly closed bottle and protect from light. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the package. Do not throw any unused medicine out or flush it into a drain or toilet. Rather return it to a pharmacy for proper disposal. Follow our
tips to prevent medication mishaps.
This text is for informational purposes only. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.Â
Read the information leaflet that comes with the medication.
Most people who use Vesanoid do not experience any negative side effects. Doctors prescribe Vesanoid because they assess that the benefits that such treatment yields outweigh any likely unwanted effects.
Get immediate medical help if you experience any of the following side effects:
- Fever, especially with breathing difficulties, coughing, feeling dizzy, chest pain and
abdominal pain
- A severe headache with nausea or vomiting, difficulty in breathing, fever, feeling dizzy, or
chest or back pain
- Severe stomach pain which spreads to the back (possible sign of inflammation of the
pancreas)
- Fever with dark lumpy markings on the skin, generally on the face and neck
- A painful swelling of the legs, sudden chest pain or difficulty breathing (possible sign of a
blood clot)
- A pain in the chest that spreads to arm or neck (possible sign of a heart attack)
- Double vision and feeling dizzy, especially with nausea or vomiting, ringing in the ears
and headache
- An unexplained headache or migraine, which can include disturbed vision (possible sign
of a stroke).
Some of the other side effects that have been reported include:
- Hair loss
- An irregular heartbeat
- Changes to eyesight or hearing
- Bone or joint pain, chest pain or abdominal pain
- Skin rash, itching, redness, peeling or inflammation
- Dry skin, mouth or nose; swollen, dry or cracked lips
- Breathing difficulties such as asthma, which may get lead to respiratory failure
- Conjunctivitis or dry eyes, which may be a problem for people who wear contact lenses
- Difficulty sleeping
- Increased sweating
- Headaches or feeling dizzy
- Feeling tired, cold or generally unwell
- Feeling confused, worried or depressed
- Pins and needles or numbness of the hands or feet
- Loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, stomach upset, stomach ache,
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Inflammation of the lips
- Diarrhea or constipation
Not all side effects are listed here. If these or other unlisted symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist.
White blood cells play a key role in supporting the immune system’s functions, including protecting the body against infections. The improper development of white blood cells due to Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia lowers the immune system’s ability to function efficiently, which causes patients to develop a tendency for repeated infections.
Similarly, the abnormalities associated with the multiplication and maturation of red blood cells affect oxygen transport to the vital organs, resulting in oxygen deprivation at the cellular level. This leads to the development of symptoms such as excessive fatigue and tiredness. The abnormalities affecting the maturation of platelets affect blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding.