MEQUINOL;TRETINOIN (MEC kwin all; TRET i noe in) is a combination of an agent used to lighten the skin and a naturally occurring form of vitamin A. It is used on the skin to treat brown 'age' or 'liver' spots. This medicine should only be used under supervision of your doctor or a health care provider as part of a sun avoidance program.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
This medicine is for external use only. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash and dry the skin well before applying.Using the applicator provided with the medicine, apply just enough medicine to cover the affected area. Avoid contact with the surrounding, normally colored skin. You should not shower or bathe the treatment areas for at least six hours after application. Wait 30 minutes after applying this medicine before using cosmetics on the treated area. Use your medicine at regular intervals. Do not use it more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, skip that dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not use double or extra doses.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Improvement in the color of the treated age spots occurs gradually. It may take up to six months of treatment before the full effects of this medicine are seen. After stopping treatment, the age spots may darken again over time.
Excessive or prolonged application of this medicine may cause the treated age spots or surrounding skin to become temporarily lighter than your normal skin. Discontinue application of this medicine to any such affected areas.
Do not use this medicine around your eyes, lips, creases of the nose or any other sensitive areas of skin. If it gets in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and contact your doctor or health care professional.
If sensitivity or increased irritation occurs or the age spots become darker with treatment, stop using this medicine and contact your doctor of health care professional.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Ask your doctor or health care professional for effective birth control measures if you are a female and able to have children.
Do not use the following products on the same areas that you are treating with this medicine, unless directed by your doctor or health care professional: other topical agents with a strong skin drying effect such as products with a high alcohol content, astringents, spices, the peel of lime or other citrus, medicated soaps or shampoos, permanent wave solutions, electrolysis, hair removers or waxes, or any other preparations or processes that might dry or irritate your skin. Ask your doctor or health care professional before using these products.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
excessive or persistent burning, stinging or itching of the treated areas
lightening of the skin surrounding the treated areas (halo hypopigmentation)
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
dry skin
increased sensitivity to the sun
lightening of the treated areas
mild itching or stinging of the treated areas
red, inflamed, and irritated skin, the skin may peel after a few days
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. The bottle should be protected from light by storing in the carton after opening. This medicine is flammable. Avoid exposure to heat, fire, flame, and smoking. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
