Alitretinoin (brand name Toctino) is a prescription medication used to treat severe chronic hand eczema that has not responded to other treatments. It is a retinoid, a form of vitamin A that helps to reduce inflammation, reduce itching, and improve the appearance of the skin. Alitretinoin is usually taken as one capsule per day for up to six months. Common side effects include itching, dryness, and redness of the skin. It is important to note that alitretinoin is not recommended for pregnant women, as it may cause birth defects.
Alitretinoin, also known as 9-cis-retinoic acid, is a form of vitamin A. It is available in both topical and oral forms and is used to treat a variety of skin conditions.
- Topical alitretinoin is a gel applied directly to the skin to treat Kaposi's sarcoma, a type of cancer that causes tumors to grow on the skin, lymph nodes, and other organs. It is typically used in patients with AIDS or HIV who have not responded to other treatments.
- Oral alitretinoin is a capsule taken by mouth to treat severe chronic hand eczema, a skin condition that causes dry, cracked, and itchy skin on the hands. It is typically used in patients who have not responded to other treatments, such as corticosteroids.
Alitretinoin is a retinoid, which is a type of medication that works by affecting the growth of skin cells. It is not fully understood how alitretinoin works to treat Kaposi's sarcoma, but it is thought to slow the growth of cancer cells. In the case of chronic hand eczema, alitretinoin is thought to reduce inflammation and improve the function of the skin barrier.
Alitretinoin can cause serious side effects, including birth defects, so it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medication before you start treatment. It is also important to avoid becoming pregnant while taking alitretinoin and for at least one month after stopping treatment.
Here are some additional things to know about alitretinoin:
- It is available in the United States under the brand names Panretin (gel) and Toctino (capsules).
- It is typically taken once or twice a day.
- It can interact with other medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.