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Generic Name: tretinoin topical (TREH tih noyn)
Brand Names:
Altinac, Avita, Renova, Retin A Micro Gel,
Retin-A |
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What is the most important information I should know about tretinoin
topical? |
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Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (e.g., sunlamps). Tretinoin
topical may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight and sunburn may
result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing when
exposure to the sun or UV rays is unavoidable. |
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Do not use tretinoin topical on skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry,
chapped, or irritated. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of
eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed
before using tretinoin topical. |
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Your skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind.
Protect your skin with clothing and use a moisturizing cream or lotion as
needed. |
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Do not apply tretinoin topical to eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth, angles of
your nose, mucous membranes, open sores, or irritated skin. If you get
medication in any of these areas, rinse it off with
water. |
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Avoid as much as possible products that can increase skin irritation such as
other skin medicines (unless prescribed by your doctor); medicated or abrasive
(rough) soaps or skin cleansers; permanent wave solutions; chemical hair
removers or waxes; electrolysis; products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or
lime; cleansers, shampoos, or cosmetics with a strong drying effect; or other
products that may irritate your skin. |
What is tretinoin topical? |
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Tretinoin is a topical form of vitamin A. It helps the skin to renew itself
more quickly and therefore reduces pimple and blackhead formation, and may
improve the appearance and texture of skin. |
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The Retin-A and Avita brands of tretinoin topical are used to treat acne. The Renova brand of tretinoin topical is used
to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles and mottled skin discoloration, and to
make rough facial skin feel smoother. |
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Tretinoin topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in
this medication guide. |
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using tretinoin
topical? |
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Do not use tretinoin topical on skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry,
chapped, or irritated. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of
eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using tretinoin
topical. |
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Tretinoin topical is the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not
known whether tretinoin topical will harm an unborn baby. The oral form of this
medication is known to cause birth defects. Therefore, it is recommended that the
use of tretinoin topical be avoided during pregnancy. Do not use tretinoin
topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or thinking
about becoming pregnant. |
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Tretinoin topical passes into breast milk. Do not use tretinoin topical
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby. |
How should I use tretinoin topical? |
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Use tretinoin topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not
understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain
them to you. |
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Wash your hands before and after applying this
medication. |
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Tretinoin topical is usually applied once daily at bedtime. Follow your
doctor's instructions. |
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Clean and pat dry the area of skin where you will apply tretinoin topical.
Applying tretinoin topical to wet skin may cause skin irritation. If you are
using Renova, wait approximately 20 to 30 minutes after washing your face before
applying the medication. Apply a light covering of the cream, gel, or solution
to the area. |
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Do not wash the treated area for at least 1 hours after applying tretinoin
topical. Avoid the use of any topical products on the treated area for at least
1 hour following application of this medication. |
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Do not apply tretinoin topical to eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth, angles of
your nose, mucous membranes, open sores, or irritated skin. If you get
medication in any of these areas, rinse it off with
water. |
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Application of an excessive amount of the tretinoin gel may result in
"pilling" of the medication. This does not reduce the effectiveness of the
medication, but if pilling occurs, you should use less medication with the next
application. |
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Tretinoin topical should be used as part of a comprehensive skin care and
sunlight avoidance program that includes the use of effective sunscreens
(minimum SPF of 15) and protective clothing. |
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Do not stop using tretinoin topical if you do not see improvement in your
condition immediately. Treatment with tretinoin topical may be necessary for
weeks or months before improvement is seen. If you are using tretinoin topical
to treat acne, a temporary worsening of acne may occur at the start of therapy.
Using more tretinoin topical or applying it more frequently than prescribed will
not make it work any faster, and it may increase side effects. Check with your
doctor if skin irritation becomes severe or if the acne does not improve within
8 to 12 weeks. |
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The Renova brand of tretinoin topical will not eliminate wrinkles, repair
sun damaged skin, reverse photoaging, or restore more youthful or younger
skin. |
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Store tretinoin topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat. The
gel formulations of Retin-A are flammable, keep them away from open
flame. |
What happens if I miss a dose? |
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Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not apply a double dose of
tretinoin topical. |
What happens if I overdose? |
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An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an
overdose, or if tretinoin topical has been ingested, call an emergency room or
poison control left near you. |
What should I avoid while using tretinoin
topical? |
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Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (e.g., sunlamps). Tretinoin
topical may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight and sunburn may
result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing when
exposure to the sun or UV rays is unavoidable. |
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• |
Do not use tretinoin topical on skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry,
chapped, or irritated. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of
eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using tretinoin
topical. |
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• |
Your skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind.
Protect your skin with clothing and use a moisturizing cream or lotion as
needed. |
|
• |
Avoid as much as possible products that can increase skin irritation such as
other skin medicines (unless prescribed by your doctor); medicated or abrasive
(rough) soaps or skin cleansers; permanent wave solutions; chemical hair
removers or waxes; electrolysis; products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or
lime; cleansers, shampoos, or cosmetics with a strong drying effect; or other
products that may irritate your skin. |
What are the possible side effects of tretinoin
topical? |
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Serious side effects are not likely to occur. Stop using tretinoin topical
and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction
(shortness of breath; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or
tongue; or hives). |
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You may experience some burning, warmth, stinging, tingling, itching,
redness, swelling, dryness, peeling, or irritation while you are using tretinoin
topical. If these side effects are excessive, talk to your doctor. You may need
a lower dose or less frequent applications of tretinoin
topical. |
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If you notice a change in your skin color, contact your
doctor. |
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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome. |
What other drugs will affect tretinoin
topical? |
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Do not use tretinoin topical without first talking to your doctor if you are
taking any of the following medicines: |
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a thiazide diuretic such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Esidrix,
Microzide, Oretic), chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Hygroton,
Thalitone), indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn), and
others; |
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a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Panmycin, Robitet,
others), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Vectrin), doxycycline (Doryx, Monodox,
Vibramycin, Vibra-Tabs), demeclocycline (Declomycin), and
others; |
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a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), sparfloxacin
(Zagam), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), and
others; |
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a sulfonamide antibiotic such as sulfamethoxazole (Gantanol), sulfisoxazole
(Gantrisin), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra, Cotrim), and
others; or |
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a phenothiazine such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), prochlorperazine
(Compazine), fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin), promethazine (Phenergan,
Promethegan), perphenazine (Trilafon), and others. |
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The medications listed above may increase the sensitivity of your skin to UV
rays from sunlight or artificial light (e.g., sunlamps). Generally, tretinoin
topical should not be used with any of the medicines listed
above. |
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Do not use products containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or
salicylic acid during treatment with tretinoin topical unless otherwise directed
by your doctor. The combination could lead to severe skin
irritation. |
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Avoid as much as possible products that can increase skin irritation such as
other skin medicines (unless prescribed by your doctor); medicated or abrasive
(rough) soaps or skin cleansers; permanent wave solutions; chemical hair
removers or waxes; electrolysis; products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or
lime; cleansers, shampoos, or cosmetics with a strong drying effect; or other
products that may irritate your skin. |
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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with tretinoin topical.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or
over-the-counter medicines. |
Where can I get more information? |
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Your pharmacist has additional information about tretinoin topical written
for health professionals that you may
read. | |
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