Tretinoin, ATRA skin cream, liquid, or gel
What is tretinoin cream, liquid, or gel?
TRETINOIN (Altinac™, Avita™, Renova®, Retin-A®, Retin-A® Micro™) is a naturally occurring form of vitamin A. It is applied to the skin to treat mild to moderate acne or to treat the effects of aging on the face, such as fine lines, wrinkles, or “age spots”. Generic tretinoin cream, liquid, and gel are available.
What should my health care professional know before I use tretinoin?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
eczema
excessive sensitivity to the sun
sunburn
an unusual or allergic reaction to tretinoin, vitamin A, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Tretinoin creams, liquids or gels are usually applied to the skin once a day before you go to bed, do not take these products by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label; do not use more often than your prescriber has recommended. Applying too much topical tretinoin may irritate or increase the irritation of your skin, and will not give faster or better results.
For all products: First gently wash your face with a mild, non-medicated soap before applying. Pat the skin dry. Avoid applying tretinoin products to your eyes, ears, nostrils, angles of the nose, and mouth. It is recommended that you use a facial moisturizer that will not irritate your acne and contains a sunscreen (at least SPF 15) every morning after you wash your face and apply the topical tretinoin. Discuss the proper use of moisturizers and cosmetics with your health care prescriber.
Altinac™, Avita™, Retin-A® cream or gel: Wait 20 - 30 minutes for your skin to dry before applying in order to minimize the possibility of skin irritation. Squeeze about 1/2 inch or less on your finger. This amount should be enough to cover your entire face; however, after you have used the medicine for awhile you may find you need a little less or more. Cover the affected area lightly with the cream by first dabbing it on your forehead, chin, and both cheeks, then spreading over the entire affected area. Smooth gently into the skin. The medicine should become invisible almost immediately. If it is still visible or if dry flaking occurs from the gel within a minute or so, you are using too much.
Retin-A® liquid: Wait 20 - 30 minutes for your skin to dry before applying in order to minimize the possibility of skin irritation. The liquid may be applied to the skin where the acne lesions appear, spreading the medicine over the entire affected area using your fingertip, a guaze pad, or cotton swab. To avoid dripping the liquid onto areas that do not need treatment, do not soak the cotton or gauze.
Retin-A MICRO®: Squeeze a small amount (about the size of a pea) on your fingertip. Dab the medicine on your forehead, chin, and both cheeks. Smooth gently into your skin.You may use cosmetics after applying the medicine.
Renova® cream: Wait 20 - 30 minutes for your skin to dry before applying in order to minimize the possibility of skin irritation. Squeeze about a small pearl-shaped amount (1/4 inch or less) onto your finger. It should be enough to cover the affected area lightly.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, skip that dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not use extra doses, or use for a longer period of time than directed by your prescriber or health care professional. Use of too much tretinoin can cause skin irritation.
What drug(s) may interact with tretinoin?
medicines or other preparations that may dry your skin such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
medicines that increase your sensitivity to sunlight such as tetracycline or sulfa drugs
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other skin preparations, (prescription and nonprescription) you are using. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from using tretinoin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
darkening or lightening of the treated areas
severe burning, itching, crusting, or swelling of the treated areas
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
increased sensitivity to the sun
itching
mild stinging
red, inflamed, and irritated skin, the skin may peel after a few days
What should I watch for while taking tretinoin?
Your acne may get worse during the first treatment period and should then start to improve. It may take 2 to 12 weeks before you see the full beneficial effect.
When used to reduce fine facial lines, you may not notice any improvements right away; it may take up to 4 months to see any effects. Tretinoin does not remove wrinkles or repair sun-damaged skin. Tretinoin may not work for everyone who uses it; it may work better for some than others.
Do not wash your face more than 2 or 3 times a day, unless told to by your prescriber or health care professional. Do not use the following products on the same areas that you are treating with tretinoin, unless otherwise directed by your prescriber or health care professional: other topical agents with a strong skin drying effect such as products with a high alcohol content, astringents, spices, the peel of lime or other citrus, medicated soaps or shampoos, permanent wave solutions, electrolysis, hair removers or waxes, or any other preparations or processes that might dry or irritate your skin. Consult your prescriber or healthcare professional before using these products.
Tretinoin can increase sensitivity of the skin to sun or UV light. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.
Tretinoin products can catch fire. Keep away from lighted matches, cigarettes and other naked flames.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store the liquid and gel at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F), and the cream below 27 degrees F (80 degrees F); do not freeze. Keep away from heat and flame. Protect from light.
[ Last Revised: 8/7/2002 5:48:00 PM ]
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