TRETINOIN CREAM (tret-ih-NO-in)

Tretinoin skin preparations are a family of drugs all similar to Vitamin A. In general, tretinoin gels are stronger than tretinoin creams because the medicine penetrates better when in a gel form. Tretinoin is used to treat acne and aged, sun damaged skin. Tretinoin works best when used in combination with alpha hydroxyacid preparations. If used over a period of years, tretinoin will continue to reverse aging of the skin and can continue improving the skin’s appearance even ten years after starting treatment.

A study in the Archives of Dermatology, May 1996, shows that 0.1% tretinoin significantly improves the appearance of early stretch marks. Tretinoin works best on stretch marks that are new or enlarging.

Use of Retin-A
This medication is used to improve the appearance of the skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, reducing roughness and improving coloration. This can also be used to treat acne.

How to Use Retin-A

• You should wash your face twice a day with a mild non-soap cleanser such as Cetaphil lotion available at your local pharmacy. Pat skin dry with a towel. Let your face dry for 10-15 minutes before applying tretinoin. Apply one pea size drop to the face each night before bed; do not get the medication into your eyes. One pea size drop should be enough to cover the entire face.
• Apply a moisturizer containing a sunscreen of 15 or higher to the skin each morning or an alpha hydroxyacid preparation. This will help counteract the dryness and scaling. Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest.
• If the skin becomes too red and dry, decrease the application of Retin-A to every other night or even every third night.
• If you plan to have hair removed by waxing, especially of the upper lip, stop the tretinoin 3-4 weeks prior to the treatment. Otherwise, you may be left with a sore area which could heal with a brown spot.

Retin-A Interaction with the Skin
Tell your doctor of any nonprescription or prescription medication you may take including isotretinoin, amiodarone, tetracyclines or quinolone antibiotics, sulfa-drugs or phenothiazines as they increase skin sensitivity to the sun. Also minoxidil and any skin medication, soaps, cleansers, cosmetics, astringents or any facial products that may be drying or irritating (e.g., alcohol-containing facial products). Benzoyl peroxide should not be applied at the same time as this medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Side effect of Retin-A

Tretinoin makes the skin more sensitive to sun light (easier to get a sun burn).

Tretinoin causes dryness, redness, tenderness, and swelling of the skin. These side effects lessen with time.

Precautions for taking Retin-A
Tretinoin is very safe when used as directed. Several studies show tretinoin is safe to use during pregnancy, however you should only use tretinoin during pregnancy if this is OK with your obstetrician.

Do not smoke while applying tretinoin, the gel form is flammable.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms of overdose may include excessive redness, peeling, and discomfort.

Missed Dose of Retin-A
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage condition of Retin-A
Store at room temperature away from sunlight.

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.

Note
Cosmetics may be used, but clean skin thoroughly before applying the medication