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Tretinoin
topical
Brand
Name: Retin-A
Most
Common Medical Uses
Retin-A
is most commonly used to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles,
skin discolorations and roughness of the skin. It is sometimes used
to treat acne. It may also be used to treat other conditions as
determined by your doctor.
How
to Take This Medication
Retin-A
is usually prescribed for the facial area for use at bedtime. Follow
doctor’s directions for use. Wash hands before and after using
Retin-A. Apply a small amount to clean, dry skin, avoiding contact
with the eyes, nostrils, mouth, open sores or irritated skin. Treatment
may be necessary for weeks or months before improvement is seen.
In the treatment of acne, you may experience a temporary worsening
of acne at the start of therapy. Continue your treatment as prescribed
by your doctor.
Possible
Side Effects
Possible
side effects of Retin-A include mild redness or stinging, itching,
burning, skin scaling, peeling and dry skin for the first several
weeks of use. If any of these conditions continue or worsen during
use, discontinue use and notify your doctor. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or concerns you.
Precautions
Talk
to your doctor about any allergies or pre-existing skin disorders
you have before using this medicine. Retin-A increases skin’s
sensitivity to the sun. Therefore, limit sun exposure and wear sunscreen
and/or protective clothing when outdoors. Avoid direct exposure
to sunlight or artificial UV rays. Do not use Retin-A on skin that
is sunburned, wind burned, dry, chapped, or irritated. Avoid using
Retin-A during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant
or thinking about becoming pregnant.
Drug
Interactions
Talk
to your doctor before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines, including herbal products, especially if you are using
isotretinoin, amiodarone, tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics,
sulfa-drugs or phenothiazines, as these drugs increase skin sensitivity
to the sun. To avoid severe skin irritation, do not use products
containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid
unless directed by your doctor. Drugs other than those listed here
may also interact with Retin-A.
Missed
Dose
If
you miss a treatment of this medicine, apply it as soon as you remember.
Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Storage
Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container,
away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep away from open flames.
Store this and all medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
Retin-A is not a cosmetic and is intended to be used in conjunction
with a comprehensive skin care and sun avoidance program. Do not
share Retin-A with others for whom it was not prescribed, since
they may have a problem that is not effectively treated by this
drug.
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