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Retin-A |
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What is Retin-A and why is it prescribed? Retin-A, contains the skin medication tretinoin. Retin-A is used in the treatment of acne. Retin-A is available in liquid, cream, or gel form, and in a stronger gel called Retin-A Micro. While using Retin-A, keep exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps, to a minimum. If you have a sunburn, do not use the medication until you have fully recovered. Use of sunscreen products (at least SPF 15) and protective clothing over treated areas is recommended when exposure to the sun cannot be avoided. Weather extremes, such as wind and cold, may be irritating and should also be avoided while using Retin-A. How should you take Retin-A? Follow your doctors directions for taking Retin-A. Retin-A should be applied once a day, in the evening, to the skin where acne appears, using enough to lightly cover the affected area. The liquid form may be applied using a fingertip, gauze pad, or cotton swab. If you use gauze or cotton, avoid oversaturation, which might cause the liquid to run into areas where treatment is not intended. You may use cosmetics while being treated with Retin-A; however, you should thoroughly cleanse the areas to be treated before applying the medication. If your skin becomes too dry, you may want to use petroleum jelly or another emollient during the day. If there is no immediate improvement, or new blemishes appear, don't get discouraged; it takes weeks for the medicine to take effect. Continue applying the prescribed amount. Do not stop treatment when improvement finally occurs. You must continue therapy to maintain the beneficial effect. If you miss a dose resume your regular schedule the next day. Store Retin-A at ordinary room temperature. Are there any Retin-A side effects? Retin-A side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. If you have sensitive skin, the use of Retin-A may cause your skin to become excessively red, puffy, blistered, or crusted. If this happens, notify your doctor, who may recommend that you discontinue the medication until your skin returns to normal, or adjust the medication to a level that you can tolerate. An unusual darkening of the skin or lack of color of the skin may occur temporarily with repeated application of Retin-A. Retin-A side effects are generally not severe and may include burning, dry skin, itching, peeling, redness, and stinging. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Retin-A? If Retin-A is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Retin-A with Preparations containing benzoyl peroxide (such as Benzac AC Wash 5, Benzshave, Desquam-E, PanOxyl), Preparations containing sulfur (ointments and other preparations used to treat skin disorders and infections), Resorcinol (a drug, used in ointments to treat acne, that causes skin to peel), or Salicylic acid (a drug that kills bacteria and fungi and causes skin to peel). "Resting" your skin is recommended between use of the above preparations and treatment with Retin-A. Caution should be exercised when using Retin-A in combination with other topical medications, medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers, soaps and cosmetics that have a strong drying effect, products with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, spices, or lime (especially the peel), permanent wave solutions, electrolysis, hair depilatories or waxes, or other preparations that may dry or irritate the skin. Are there any special warnings about Retin-A? Be sure to keep Retin-A away from the eyes, mouth, angles of the nose, and mucous membranes. Retin-A may cause a brief feeling of warmth or slight stinging when applied. If it causes an abnormal irritation, redness, blistering, or peeling of the skin, notify your doctor. He may suggest that you use the medication less frequently, discontinue use temporarily, or discontinue use altogether. If a severe sensitivity reaction or chemical irritation occurs, you will probably need to stop using Retin-A. If you have eczema (skin inflammation consisting of itching and small blisters that ooze and crust over) or other chronic skin conditions, use Retin-A with extreme caution, as they may cause severe irritation. During the early weeks of acne therapy, a worsening of the condition may occur due to the action of Retin-A on deep, previously unseen areas of inflammation. This is not a reason to discontinue therapy, but do notify your doctor if it occurs. Retin-A gel is flammable and should be kept away from heat and flame. |
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