What is the most important information I should know about tretinoin topical?
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds).
Tretinoin topical can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and
sunburn may result. Use a
sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it
does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use tretinoin topical on sunburned,
windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using this medication in
wounds
or on areas of
eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using tretinoin topical.
Use this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you
think it is not working. It may take weeks or months of use before you notice improvement in
your skin. If you are using tretinoin topical to treat
acne, your condition may get slightly worse
for a short time when you first start using the medication. Call your doctor if
skin irritation
becomes severe or if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks.
What is tretinoin topical?
Tretinoin is a topical (applied to the skin) form of vitamin A that helps the skin renew
itself.
The Retin-A and Avita brands of tretinoin are used to treat acne. The Renova brand of
tretinoin is used to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles and mottled skin discoloration, and to
make rough facial skin feel smoother.
Tretinoin topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using tretinoin topical?
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Tretinoin topical passes into breast milk. Do not use tretinoin topical without telling your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use tretinoin topical?
Use tretinoin topical exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Using more
medicine or applying it more often than prescribed will not make it work any faster, and may
increase side effects. Do not use this medication for longer than your doctor has prescribed.
Wash your hands before and after applying tretinoin topical. Before applying, clean and
dry the skin area to be treated.
Applying tretinoin topical to wet skin may cause skin irritation. If you use Renova, wait at
least 20 minutes after washing your face before applying a thin layer of the medication.
Do not wash the treated area for at least 1 hour after applying tretinoin topical. Avoid the
use of other skin products on the treated area for at least 1 hour following application of tretinoin
topical.
Applying an excessive amount of tretinoin gel may result in "pilling" of the medication. If
this occurs, use a thinner layer of gel with the next application.
Tretinoin topical should be used as part of a complete skin care program that includes
avoiding sunlight and using an effective sunscreen and protective clothing.
Use this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you
think it is not working. It may take weeks or months of use before you notice improvement in
your skin. If you are using tretinoin topical to treat acne, your condition may get slightly worse
for a short time when you first start using the medication. Call your doctor if skin irritation
becomes severe or if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks.
Store tretinoin topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat. The gel
formulations of Retin-A are flammable, keep them away from open flame.
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