RETIN-A DRUG INFO

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TRETINOIN - TOPICAL (tret-ih-NO-in)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Retin-A

USES: This medication is used in the treatment of acne. It reduces the formation of pimples and promotes quick healing of pimples that do develop.

HOW TO USE: Patient instructions are available with the product. Read them carefully before using. Apply a thin layer to affected area at bedtime. Use a gauze pad or cotton swab to apply the liquid. Wash hands immediately after use. Using this medication more frequently or in excessive amounts does not improve the results, but may increase side effects. Avoid applying near the eyes, mouth, or open cuts since this medication can irritate sensitive skin. Even though acne may appear to worsen when Tretinoin is first used, continue therapy. It may take three to six weeks before the full benefits of this medication are seen.

SIDE EFFECTS: Immediately after applying Retin-A, the skin may feel warm or mild stinging or redness may occur. Some peeling of the skin may occur. These effects should subside as your skin adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. This medicine may also increase sun sensitivity. Notify your doctor if you experience: blistering, crusting, redness, severe burning or swelling of the skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: This medication can increase sensitivity to sunlight, wind and cold. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and use an effective sunscreen. Use mild soap when washing your face. Do not wash face excessively. Abrasive soaps, cleansers, medicated creams or lotions can increase skin irritation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about their use. Use other acne preparations with caution while using this medication. Retin-A should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

 
THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT RETIN-A:

• Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Retin-a topical can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
• Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use tretinoin topical on windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using tretinoin topical.
• Use this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you think it is not working. It may take several weeks or months of tretinoin topical use before you notice improvement in your skin. 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.