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ATRA is given alongside chemotherapy| to people with a type of AML called acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL). It works by making the leukaemia cells mature.
ATRA works by making the leukaemia cells mature. It 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:
It’s important not to become pregnant while taking ATRA. It shouldn’t be given to women who are under 12 weeks pregnant as this can cause damage to the developing baby.
After 12 weeks it can be given safely. It’s usually given without chemotherapy as this is safer for the baby and still effective.
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