ATRA is given alongside chemotherapy to people with a type of acute myeloid leukaemia called acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL). It works by making the leukaemia cells mature.
ATRA is also known as tretinoin (Vesanoid®). It is based on the natural substance vitamin A and is not a chemotherapy drug. However, it does have some side effects, which can include:
- headaches
- dry skin and mouth
- feeling sick (nausea)
- bone pain
- dry eyes.
ATRA in pregnancy
It is important not to become pregnant while taking ATRA. ATRA shouldn’t be given to women who are under 12 weeks pregnant as this can cause damage to the baby.
After 12 weeks it can be given safely. Usually it’s given without chemotherapy as this is safer for the baby and still effective.