What is Panretin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 31, 2020

Panretin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Panretin

Generic Names:

  • Panretin

Uses:

  • Treats skin sores caused by Kaposi sarcoma.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Dermatological Agent

Forms:

  • Gel/Jelly

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin

What is Panretin used for?

Panretin is a form of vitamin A used in the treatment of skin legions on patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. Panretin works by affecting the growth and development of skin cells.

What form(s) does Panretin come in

  • Gel/Jelly

What are common Panretin doses?

  • Tube 60GM of 0.1%

Common Panretin prescriptions

  • Panretin
    60gm of 0.1% tube of gel

How to take Panretin

  • Put a generous coating of the gel on your skin sores. Let the gel dry for 3 to 5 minutes before you put clothes on over the medicine. Do not put bandages over the medicine.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the tube at room temperature, away from heat and sunlight.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Put a generous coating of the gel on your skin sores. Let the gel dry for 3 to 5 minutes before you put clothes on over the medicine. Do not put bandages over the medicine.

  • Store the tube at room temperature, away from heat and sunlight.

What to do if you miss a dose of Panretin

Panretin contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to alitretinoin, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Panretin warnings

  • The medicine should be used only on your skin. Try not to get the gel on areas of your skin where you do not have sores.

  • This medicine may harm an unborn baby. Use birth control while you are using this medicine. If you think you have become pregnant, stop using the medicine and call your doctor right away.

  • Tell your doctor if you are allergic to vitamin A, acitretin, isotretinoin, tretinoin, or etretinate.

  • Alitretinoin may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Do not expose the treated areas of your skin to sunlight, a sunlamp, or a tanning booth.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Do not use the medicine near your eyes, mouth, nose, vagina, or rectum.

Panretin interactions

  • Do not use the medicine near your eyes, mouth, nose, vagina, or rectum.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Do not use insect repellents that contain DEET while you are using alitretinoin.

  • Tell your doctor if you are allergic to vitamin A, acitretin, isotretinoin, tretinoin, or etretinate.

  • The medicine should be used only on your skin. Try not to get the gel on areas of your skin where you do not have sores.

  • Alitretinoin may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Do not expose the treated areas of your skin to sunlight, a sunlamp, or a tanning booth.

Panretin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Severe rash, blisters, or peeling skin

  • Severe redness or swelling

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Stinging or burning skin

  • Mild redness, rash, itching, or flaking