Retin-A instructions

Brand Name: Retin-A

Generic Name: Tretinoin topical

The following product information is not a substitute for physician's or manufacturer's instructions.

Retin-A Medical Uses:
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. The Retin-A 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.

How to Take Retin-A:
It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause irritation of the skin. Do not apply this medicine to windburned or sunburned skin or on open wounds. Do not use this medicine in or around the eyes or lips, or inside of the nose. If the medicine accidentally gets on these areas, wash with water at once. Before applying Retin-A, wash the skin with a mild soap or cleanser and warm water by using the tips of your fingers. Then gently pat dry. Do not scrub your face with a sponge or washcloth. Wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying this medicine to make sure the skin is completely dry. Applying tretinoin to wet skin can irritate the skin. Apply just enough medicine to very lightly cover the affected areas, and rub in gently but well. After applying the medicine, wash your hands to remove any medicine that might remain on them. 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.

Retin-A Precautions:
During the first 3 weeks you are using Retin-A, your skin may become irritated. Also, your acne may seem to get worse before it gets better. It may take longer than 12 weeks before you notice full improvement of your acne, even if you use the medicine every day. Check with your health care professional at any time skin irritation becomes severe or if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks. You should avoid washing the skin treated with Retin-A for at least 1 hour after applying it. Avoid using any topical medicine on the same area within 1 hour before or after using Retin-A. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it is especially important to avoid using the following skin products on the same area as Retin-A: any other topical acne product or skin product containing a peeling agent (such as benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or sulfur); hair products that are irritating, such as permanents or hair removal products; skin products that cause sensitivity to the sun, such as those containing spices or limes; skin products containing a large amount of alcohol, such as astringents, shaving creams, or after-shave lotions; skin products that are too drying or abrasive, such as some cosmetics, soaps, or skin cleansers. Using these products along with Retin-A may cause mild to severe irritation of the skin. Although skin irritation can occur, some doctors sometimes allow benzoyl peroxide to be used with Retin-A to treat acne. During the first 6 months of use, avoid overexposing the treated areas to sunlight, wind, or cold weather. The skin will be more prone to sunburn, dryness, or irritation, especially during the first 2 or 3 weeks. Do not use a sunlamp. To help tretinoin work properly, regularly use sunscreen or sunblocking lotions with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Also, wear protective clothing and hats, and apply creams, lotions, or moisturizers often. Check with your doctor at any time your skin becomes too dry and irritated. Regular use of oil-based creams or lotions helps to reduce skin irritation or dryness caused by the use of Retin-A. It is not known whether Retin-A 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 Retin-A be avoided during pregnancy. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant, thinking about becoming pregnant or if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Retin-A Possible Side Effects:
Serious side effects are not likely to occur. Stop using Retin-A and check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience an allergic reaction. 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 Retin-A. If you notice a change in your skin color, contact your doctor. Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Drug Interactions:
Do not use Retin-A without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: a thiazide diuretic such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Esidrix, Microzide, Oretic), chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn); tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Panmycin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Vectrin), doxycycline (Doryx, Monodox), demeclocycline (Declomycin); fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin); sulfonamide antibiotic such as sulfamethoxazole (Gantanol), sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra, Cotrim); phenothiazine such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), prochlorperazine (Compazine), fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin), promethazine (Phenergan, Promethegan). The medications listed above may increase the sensitivity of your skin to UV rays from sunlight or artificial light (e.g., sunlamps). Retin-A should not be used with any of the medicines listed above. 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. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Retin-A. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Missed 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 Retin-A can cause skin irritation.

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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