Retin-A cream 0.05%

Retin-A: Information on Use, Precautions, and Effects

Common Use

Tretinoin is the acid form of vitamin A commonly applied to treat acne vulgaris and keratosis pilaris. It is also applied in other cases.

Dosage and Direction

Apply the gel to a clean, dry face. Spread it evenly over the treated areas of skin. Avoid applying the gel on irritated skin. It may take 6-9 weeks to see the effect. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Precautions

When applying the gel to your face, avoid the areas around your eyes, lips, or other sensitive areas. Inform your doctor if you have eczema or excessive sensitivity to the sun. Older individuals may be more sensitive to the side effects of the medicine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Contraindications

Retin-A should not be used by patients who have demonstrated a reaction of hypersensitivity to it.

Possible Side Effects

The most common side effects are redness, scaling, itching, and burning. A very serious allergic reaction is rare. Many people using this medicine do not experience serious side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. If you notice effects not listed here, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions

Before using Accutane, inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking. Retin-A should not be used with:

• Benzoyl peroxide
• Salicylic acid
• Tetracycline
• Sulfa drugs

Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Missed Dose

If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take your dose twice.

Overdose

If you think you have used too much of this medicine, seek emergency medical attention right away. Symptoms of overdose usually include chest pain, nausea, irregular heartbeat, and feeling light-headed or fainting.

Storage

Store your medicines at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store your drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs out of reach of children and pets.

Properties

The Retin-A cream is a medication based on tretinoin, which is used to improve the appearance and texture of the skin. Its active ingredient, tretinoin, is a derivative of vitamin A and is used to treat acne when applied topically. It acts on the epidermis and dermis of the skin as a mild chemical peel, accelerating the regeneration of skin cells, reducing wrinkles, dark and uneven skin, and damage caused by sun exposure.

Possible Adverse Reactions

Some side effects of Retin-A can be serious and should be reported to a doctor immediately. These include allergic reactions such as:

• Difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, tongue, lips, face, or hives
• Burning, tingling, itching, redness, dryness, or irritation of the skin (report if severe and prolonged)
• Discoloration of the skin

Other side effects include:

• Increased skin sensitivity to wind, cold, and sunlight (if persistent, report to a doctor)

Precautions

It is strongly recommended to start treatment on a small area of skin and continue if no irritation appears. Avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation, especially at the beginning of treatment with Retin-A; if this is not possible, always apply sunscreen. During the first weeks of treatment, you may experience skin issues as small cysts on the skin are removed faster than normal. This is a normal skin reaction and is considered a side effect. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, your doctor must approve treatment with Retin-A.