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Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body. The abnormal cells are termed cancer cells, malignant cells, or tumor cells. Many cancers and the abnormal cells that compose the cancer tissue are further identified by the name of the tissue that the abnormal cells originated from (for example, breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer). Cancer is not confined to humans; animals and other living organisms can get cancer. Below is a schematic that shows normal cell division and how when a cell is damaged or altered without repair to its system, the cell usually dies. Also shown is what can occur when such damaged or unrepaired cells do not die and become cancer cells and proliferate with uncontrolled growth; a mass of cancer cells develop. Frequently, cancer cells can break away from this original mass of cells, travel through the blood and lymph systems, and lodge in other organs where they can again repeat the ...
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Panretin®
(alitretinoin) Gel 0.1%
(For topical use only)
Panretin® gel 0.1% contains alitretinoin and is intended for topical application only. The chemical name is 9-cis-retinoic acid and the structural formula is as follows:
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Chemically, alitretinoin is related to vitamin A. It is a yellow powder with a molecular weight of 300.44 and a molecular formula of C20H28O2. It is slightly soluble in ethanol (7.01 mg/g at 25oC) and insoluble in water. Panretin (alitretinoin) ® gel is a clear, yellow gel containing 0.1% (w/w) alitretinoin in a base of dehydrated alcohol USP, polyethylene glycol 400 NF, hydroxypropyl cellulose NF, and butylated hydroxytoluene NF.
Serious side effects are not likely to occur. Stop using alitretinoin topical and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives).
If you experience any of the following less serious side effects at the application site(s), continue to use alitretinoin topical and notify your doctor
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Panretin »
Before using alitretinoin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other retinoids (e.g., tretinoin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a certain type of cancer (skin T-cell lymphoma).
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this...
Last reviewed on RxList: 11/17/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
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