Alisar: A Brand of Tretinoin Cream 0.025%

What it is

Alisar is a brand of tretinoin, a type of retinoid. Retinoids are compounds related to vitamin A. Tretinoin works by affecting the growth of certain cells.

What it's used for

Tretinoin is indicated for inducing remission (reducing signs of disease) in adults and children aged 1 year and older who have a specific type of leukemia called acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). This applies when the leukemia has a certain genetic change (t(15;17) translocation or PML/RARα gene) and when the patient did not respond to or cannot receive anthracycline chemotherapy.

How it's taken

The typical dosage of tretinoin is 22.5 mg per square meter of body surface area, taken by mouth twice daily. This is continued until the disease goes into remission, for a maximum of 90 days. Treatment is usually stopped 30 days after achieving remission. Always follow the exact instructions from your doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects

The most common side effects reported include headache, fever, and dryness of the skin and mucous membranes (such as the mouth and nose). More serious side effects can occur and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Important cautions

Do not use tretinoin if you are allergic to it, any of its ingredients, or other retinoids. Serious warnings include the risk of differentiation syndrome (a body-wide reaction), high white blood cell count, increased pressure inside the skull, abnormal blood fats, liver damage, and blood clots. Women who can become pregnant must have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment and use effective contraception.

Frequently asked questions