Tretinoin-topical

See also Precautions section.Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: hair perming solutions, alcohol/lime/menthol-containing products (such as astringents, toners, shaving lotions), medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers, products containing sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid, products containing alpha hydroxy acid, products containing glycolic acid, soaps and cosmetics with a strong drying effect, other drugs that may increase your sensitivity to sunlight (e.g., fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin, tetracyclines, thiazide water pills such as hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs such as sulfamethoxazole, phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine).Benzoyl peroxide can be very irritating and may decrease the effectiveness of tretinoin if the two products are applied at the same time. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of prescription and non-prescription benzoyl peroxide products (e.g., Pro-Activ, Clearasil).

Acne: ≥2 weeks, may take ≥7 weeks; Facial wrinkles: Up to 6 months

Acne vulgaris: Atralin, Avita, Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Stieva-A [Canadian product], Tretin-X, Vitamin-A Acid [Canadian product]: Treatment of acne vulgaris.

Palliation of fine wrinkles: Renova: Adjunctive treatment for mitigation (palliation) of fine wrinkles in patients who use comprehensive skin care and sun avoidance programs.

Palliation of fine wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, and facial skin roughness: Refissa: Adjunctive treatment for mitigation (palliation) of fine wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, and tactile roughness of facial skin in patients who do not achieve such palliation using comprehensive skin care and sun avoidance programs alone.

Hypersensitivity to tretinoin or any component of the formulation. Note: There are no contraindications listed in Atralin or Retin-A Micro US labeling.

Documentation of allergenic cross-reactivity for retinoids is limited. However, because of similarities in chemical structure and/or pharmacologic actions, the possibility of cross-sensitivity cannot be ruled out with certainty.

Prior to application, wash hands; gently wash face with a mild soap; pat dry and wait 20 to 30 minutes. Apply thin layer to affected area in the evening or before bedtime, avoiding eyes, ears, nostrils, and mouth. If stinging or irritation develop, temporarily discontinue or decrease frequency of application. Wash hands immediately after applying. Avoid use of products to the affected area that contain high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, or spices. Do not apply to sunburned skin. If combination topical therapy is required, consider separating applications (eg, one drug in the morning and the other in the evening or before bedtime).

Retin-A Micro: Avoid contact with lime peel and application area.

Atralin gel, Avita gel: Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions are permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Protect from freezing.

Avita cream: Store below 30°C (86°F). Avoid freezing.

Refissa: Store at 20˚C to 25˚C (68˚F to 77˚F). Do not freeze.

Renova: Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions are permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F).

Retin-A cream, Tretin-X cream: Store below 27°C (80°F).

Retin-A gel: Store below 30°C (86°F).

Retin-A Micro gel: Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions are permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Store pump upright.

Stieva-A [Canadian product]: Store at 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Do not freeze.

Vitamin A Acid [Canadian product]: Store at 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F).

1% to 10%:

Dermatologic: Burning sensation of the skin (gel: 8%), skin irritation (gel: 4% to 6%; severe: 1% to ≤3%), erythema (5%), dermatitis (gel: 4%)

Local: Skin edema

Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A that helps the skin renew itself.

Tretinoin topical (for the skin) is used to treat acne, to smooth rough facial skin, and to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles and mottled skin discoloration.

Tretinoin topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not take by mouth. Tretinoin topical is for use only on the skin. Do not use this medicine on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Using more medicine or applying it more often than prescribed will not make it work any faster, and may increase side effects.

Wash your hands before and after applying tretinoin topical. Before applying, clean and dry the skin area to be treated.

Applying tretinoin topical to wet skin may cause skin irritation. If you use Renova, wait at least 20 minutes after washing your face before applying a thin layer of the medication.

Do not wash the treated area for at least 1 hour after applying tretinoin topical. Avoid the use of other skin products on the treated area for at least 1 hour following application of tretinoin topical.

Applying an excessive amount of tretinoin gel may result in "pilling" of the medication. If this occurs, use a thinner layer of gel with the next application.

Tretinoin topical should be used as part of a complete skin care program that includes avoiding sunlight and using an effective sunscreen and protective clothing.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time, even if you think it is not working.

It may take up to several weeks before you notice improvement in your skin. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve. If you are using tretinoin topical to treat acne, your condition may get slightly worse for a short time when you first start using the medication.

Call your doctor if skin irritation becomes severe or if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Tretinoin topical gel is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

This medication is used to treat acne. It may decrease the number and severity of acne pimples and promote quick healing of pimples that do develop. Tretinoin belongs to a class of medications called retinoids. It works by affecting the growth of skin cells.

How to use Tretinoin 0.025 % Topical Cream

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if one is available from your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Wash your hands before applying this medication. Gently clean the affected skin with a mild or soapless cleanser and pat dry. Use your fingertips to apply a small amount of medication (about the size of a pea) in a thin layer, usually once daily at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. A gauze pad or cotton swab can be used to apply the liquid. For some preparations, you should wait 20-30 minutes after cleaning your face before applying this medication. Consult the label directions, the Patient Information Leaflet, or your pharmacist if you have any questions.

Use this medication on the skin only. Do not apply to the inner lip area or inside the nose/mouth. Do not apply to cut, scraped, sunburned, or eczema-affected skin.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this medication gets into your eyes, flush with large amounts of water. Call your doctor if eye irritation develops. Wash your hands after using the medication to avoid accidentally getting it in your eyes.

During the first few weeks of using tretinoin, your acne might appear worse because the medication is working on pimples forming inside the skin. It may take up to 8-12 weeks to notice results from this medication.

Use it regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not use a larger amount or use it more frequently than recommended. Your skin will not improve any faster, and it will increase the risk of developing redness, peeling and pain.

Since this drug is absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication.

This medication is available in different strengths and forms (e.g., gel, cream, solution). The best type of medication for you to use will depend on the condition of your skin and your response to therapy. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.