|
| Pronunciation |
|
 (TRET
i noyn, TOP i
kal) |
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|
| Brand Names |
|
| Altinac™; Avita®;
RENOVA®; Retin-A™; Retin-A®
Micro |
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| Foreign Brand
Names |
|
| Retisol-A® (Canada); Stieva-A®
(Canada); Stieva-A Forte® (Canada); Stieva-A® (Mexico);
Stieva-A® 0.025%
(Mexico) |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Retinoic Acid Derivative |
|
|
| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
- If you have an allergy to tretinoin or any other part of the medicine.
- If you are sunburned.
|
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used for the treatment of acne, sun damaged skin,
some skin cancers, and other skin conditions. It can also decrease wrinkles and
liver spots. It is used as an addition to other good skin care practices and sun
avoidance.
- It may take up to 6 weeks to see full
benefits.
|
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Tretinoin, topical increase cell turnover on the skin treated and
allows the top layer of skin to come off. It may take up to 7 weeks to see the
full effects.
|
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
- For external use only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
- Apply at bedtime.
- Wash your hands before and after use.
- Clean affected area and wait 20-30 minutes before use.
- Use in a small amount over the area affected as a light film. Rub in
gently.
- Do not put coverings (bandages, dressings) over the area unless told
to do so by healthcare provider.
|
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
- Apply a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not apply a double dose or extra
doses.
|
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- Check medicines with healthcare provider. You may have increased
sensitivity to the sun when used with certain medicines.
- You can burn. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen; wear protective
clothing and eyewear.
- Do not use skin products with alcohol and other irritants. These may
cause more burning and dryness.
- Skin may look worse before it looks better.
- Use of certain soaps, sulfur, resorcinol, benzoyl peroxide, or
salicylic acid containing skin preparation can increase irritation.
- Avoid other sources of vitamin A (multivitamins, vitamin A
supplements).
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
|
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Warmth and stinging immediately after applying. This will go away in
minutes.
- Redness, peeling, and irritation where this medicine is
applied.
|
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
- Monitor for redness and peeling.
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
|
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Severe redness, peeling, or irritation of
skin.
|
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- Store at room
temperature.
|
|
|
| General statements |
|
|
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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