Why is this medicine prescribed?

Alitretinoin is used to treat skin lesions associated with Kaposi's sarcoma (a type of cancer that causes skin lesions). Alitretinoin is in a class of medications called retinoids. It works by stopping the growth of cancer cells.

Are there other uses for this medicine?

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Alitretinoin comes in gel to apply to the skin. Apply 2 to 4 times a day.

Use alitretinoin exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor

To use the gel, apply a small amount to cover the affected areas of skin. Allow the gel to dry for 3-5 minutes before covering with clothing. Wash your hands with soap and water after applying alitretinoin gel. Do not apply to unaffected areas of skin.

Do not apply dressings, bandages, cosmetics, lotions, or other skin medications to the area being treated unless your doctor tells you.

Do not scratch treated areas of skin.

Your doctor may tell you to apply alitretinoin gel more or less frequently or to temporarily stop using it depending on your response to the medication. Tell your doctor or nurse how you feel during your treatment.

This medication is only for use on the skin. Keep alitretinoin gel away from your eyes, nose, mouth, lips, penis, or vaginal or rectal area.

Alitretinoin gel may catch fire. Stay away from open fire, flames, and do not smoke while you are applying alitretinoin gel, and for a short time afterward.

Alitretinoin controls Kaposi's sarcoma lesions but does not cure them. Tell your doctor if your skin condition gets worse or does not improve. Do not stop using alitretinoin without talking to your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using alitretinoin,

• tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while using alitretinoin gel.

• the following nonprescription products may interact with alitretinoin: insect repellents containing DEET. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are using these products before you start using alitretinoin gel. Do not start any of these products while using alitretinoin gel without discussing with your healthcare provider.

• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or plan to father a child. You may need to take a pregnancy test before you start treatment. You should not become pregnant or father a child while using alitretinoin. If you or your partner can become pregnant, use birth control during your treatment and for 1 week after your last dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant while using alitretinoin gel, call your doctor immediately. Alitretinoin may harm the fetus.

• tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should not breastfeed while you are using alitretinoin gel and for 1 week after your last dose.

• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Alitretinoin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget to take a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time to apply the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular application schedule.

What side effects can this medicine cause?

Alitretinoin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• warmth or slight stinging of the skin
• lightening or darkening of the skin
• red, scaling skin
• rash
• swelling, blistering, or crusting of the skin
• pain at the application site
• itching

Alitretinoin may cause other side effects. Call your doctorif you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

Brand name(s)

• Panretin^®

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2026. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: January 15, 2026.