Overview
11 DESCRIPTION Tretinoin is a retinoid. The chemical name is all-trans retinoic acid. The molecular formula is C 20 H 28 O 2 and the molecular weight is 300.44 g/mol. The structural formula is: It is a yellow to light orange, crystalline powder with melting point at about 182°C (with decomposition).
Mechanism of Action
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Tretinoin induces cytodifferentiation and decreased proliferation of APL cells in culture and in vivo . In APL patients, tretinoin treatment produces an initial maturation of the primitive promyelocytes derived from the leukemic clone, followed by a repopulation of the bone marrow and peripheral blood by normal, polyclonal hematopoietic cells in patients achieving complete remission (CR). The exact mechanism of action of tretinoin in APL is unknown. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics The exposure-response relationship and time course of pharmacodynamic response for the safety and effectiveness of tretinoin capsules have not been characterized. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Following the administration of tretinoin capsules 22.
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Tretinoin capsules are indicated for the induction of remission in adults and pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) characterized by the presence of the t(15;17) translocation or PML/RARα gene expression, and who are refractory to or who have relapsed from anthracycline chemotherapy or for whom anthracycline-based chemotherapy is contraindicated. Tretinoin capsules are a retinoid indicated for induction of remission in adults and pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL),...
Common Doses
- 22.5 mg
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • The recommended dosage of tretinoin capsules is 22.5 mg/m 2 orally twice daily until complete remission. ( 2.2 ) • Discontinue 30 days after achievement of complete remission or after 90 days of treatment, whichever occurs first. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Important Safety Information Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating tretinoin capsules. Females of reproductive potential must have a negative pregnancy test before initiating tretinoin capsules [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)] . 2.
Black Box Warning
WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY and DIFFERENTIATION SYNDROME • Tretinoin capsules can cause embryo-fetal loss and malformations when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Females of reproductive potential must have a negative pregnancy test before initiating tretinoin capsules. Advise females of reproductive potential to use two effective methods of contraception during treatment with tretinoin capsules and for 1 month after the last dose.
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Tretinoin capsules are contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to tretinoin capsules, any of its components, or other retinoids. Reactions have included rash, pruritus, face edema, and dyspnea [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. Hypersensitivity to tretinoin capsules, any of its components, or other retinoids
Side Effects
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: • Differentiation Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Leukocytosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Intracranial hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] • Lipid abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] • Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] • Thromboembolic events [see Warnings and Precautions (5 .
Interactions
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Strong CYP3A Inhibitors and Inducers: Avoid coadministration with strong CYP3A inhibitors and inducers. ( 7.1 ) • Concomitant Use of Products Known to Cause Intracranial Hypertension : Avoid concomitant use with other products that can cause intracranial hypertension. ( 7.2 ) • Vitamin A : Avoid concomitant use with vitamin A. ( 7.3 ) • Anti-fibrinolytic Agents : Avoid concomitant use with anti-fibrinolytic agents. ( 7.4 ) 7.