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- $Unique_ID{BRK03360}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{tretinoin}
- $Subject{Retin-A Ortho tretinoin Acne preparation retinoicvitamin acid vitamin
- A topically skin acne vulgaris turnover death replacement skin cells}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.
-
-
- tretinoin
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)
-
- Retin-A (Ortho)
-
- TYPE OF DRUG
-
- Acne preparation
-
- INGREDIENT
-
- tretinoin (retinoic acid; vitamin A acid)
-
- DOSAGE FORMS
-
- Cream (0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%)
- Gel (0.025% and 0.01%, with 90% alcohol)
- Liquid (0.05%, with 55% alcohol)
-
- STORAGE
-
- Tretinoin cream, gel, and liquid should be stored at room temperature in
- tightly closed, light-resistant containers. This medication should never be
- frozen.
-
- USES
-
- Tretinoin is used topically (on the skin) to treat acne vulgaris. It
- appears to work by increasing the turnover (death and replacement) of skin
- cells.
-
- TREATMENT
-
- This product is packaged with instructions for the patient. Read them
- carefully before applying tretinoin.
- Wash your skin with a mild or hypoallergenic soap and warm water. Pat
- dry with a clean towel. Then wait about 30 minutes before applying tretinoin
- cream, gel, or liquid. The medication should be applied once a day just
- before going to bed. Apply it only to the skin where the acne lesions appear,
- unless you are directed to do otherwise by your doctor. Be sure to cover the
- entire affected area LIGHTLY. You may use a fingertip, gauze pad, or cotton
- swab to apply the liquid. To avoid applying too much medication, be careful
- not to oversaturate the gauze pad or cotton swab. To avoid contamination, use
- a gauze pad or cotton swab only once and then throw it away.
- During the early weeks of treatment with this drug, there may be an
- apparent increase in skin lesions. This is usually not a reason to
- discontinue its use. However, your doctor may want to change the
- concentration of the drug. Benefits may be noted within two to three weeks,
- although more than six weeks may be required before definite benefits are
- observed.
- If you miss a dose of this medication, apply the missed dose as soon as
- possible, and then return to your regular dosing schedule. However, if you do
- not remember until the following day, do not apply the missed dose at all;
- just return to your regular dosing schedule.
-
- SIDE EFFECTS
-
- Minor.
-
- Immediately after applying tretinoin to your skin, you may experience a
- sensation of warmth or a mild stinging sensation, or your skin may become
- reddened. After a few days of treatment with this medication, some peeling of
- the skin is to be expected. You may also find that you have a heightened
- sensitivity to sunlight, wind, or cold.
- If this drug does increase your sensitivity to sunlight, you should try
- to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Also, you should wear
- protective clothing, and use an effective sunscreen.
-
- Major.
-
- Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
- particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
- blistering, crusting, severe redness, severe burning, swelling, or marked
- darkening or lightening of the skin.
-
- INTERACTIONS
-
- Tretinoin interacts with several other products:
- 1. Abrasive or medicated soaps or cleaners.
- 2. Other acne preparations (particularly peeling agents containing
- sulfur, resorcinol, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid).
- 3. Cosmetics that have a strong drying effect.
- 4. Locally applied products containing high amounts of alcohol, spices,
- or lime.
- These products should be used with caution during treatment with
- tretinoin, since they can increase the irritation caused by this medication.
-
- WARNINGS
-
- * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
- any drugs, especially to tretinoin or vitamin A.
- * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
- you have eczema.
- * This medication should not be used if you are sunburned; it may
- increase the irritation.
- * Keep tretinoin away from the eyes, the mouth, the creases on either
- side of the nose, open cuts, and mucous membranes; it can severely irritate
- these sensitive areas.
- * Avoid washing your face too often while using tretinoin. Be sure to
- use a mild or hypoallergenic soap.
- * Normal use of nonmedicated cosmetics is permissible, but the skin
- should be cleaned thoroughly before tretinoin is applied.
- * This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only.
- Do not give this medication to other people or use it for any other purpose
- than that prescribed by your doctor.
- * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. The safe use of this
- medication in human pregnancy or during breast-feeding has not been
- established.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-