Retin A Cream Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Acne

Acne is caused by dead skin cells and oil blocking the pores of the skin. This can produce a number of blemishes on the skin including blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, cysts, and nodules. Acne is most typical in teenagers but can persist in adults, too. Treatments for acne are available and are recommended to prevent permanent scarring of the skin.

Marketed Internationally as Retin-A Cream

In some countries, Retin A Cream is sold under the brand name Retin-A Cream.

Retin A Cream Active Ingredient

Generic Retin A Cream Alternative: Retin-A Cream

Retin A cream contains the active ingredient tretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A which belongs to a class of medications called retinoids. This product helps to unclog pores and promote the growth of new skin cells.

General Drug Information

What is Retin A Cream and What Is It Used For?

Retin A cream is prescribed to patients with acne. It reduces the number of pimples and helps existing acne heal faster.

Usage and Application

Before starting this medication, patients should read the patient information leaflet.

This medication is available in a variety of strengths and forms via gels and creams. What is likely to work best for a patient is determined by the condition of their skin and response to previous therapies.

To apply, patients should wash hands and gently clean the affected skin with a mild, soapless cleanser. After patting their skin dry, users should apply a small, pea-sized amount of medication in a thin layer, using their fingertips. Patients may be asked to wait for up to half an hour after cleaning their face, depending on the form of treatment.

Most patients are directed to apply the cream once daily, usually at bedtime.

This medication should only be applied to the skin. Avoid the lip area. Do not apply to the inner lip, or inside the nose or mouth. Do not apply to scraped, cut, sunburned, or eczema-affected skin.

Avoid the eye area. Wash hands thoroughly after use to avoid accidentally getting it inside the eyes. Should some medication get inside the eyes, flush with large amounts of water. Contact a doctor should eye irritation develop.

A patient’s acne may appear worse during the first few weeks of treatment, as the medication works on pimples forming within the epidermis. It may take 6 to 12 weeks to see improvement.

Patients should use Retin A cream regularly to experience its full benefit. In order to remember, it is best if the medication is applied at the same time each day. Patients should not apply more frequently than directed or use larger amounts than prescribed. Doing so will not help skin heal faster, and may increase the risk of side effects like redness, peeling, and pain.

The active ingredient in this medication is absorbed through the skin and can harm an unborn baby. Pregnant women – or those who may become pregnant – should not handle this medication.

Patients should inform their doctor in the event their condition worsens.

Considerations Before Taking Retin A Cream

Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to this medication or to other retinoids.

It is vital to discuss the patient’s medical history, especially eczema.

Retin A may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Limit sun exposure, and wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Weather extremes such as wind or cold may also irritate skin.

It is important to contact the treating physician in the event of sunburn or skin blisters or redness. After a sunburn, patients should wait for the skin to recover fully before resuming treatment with Retin A cream.

Patients should avoid electrolysis, waxing, and chemical depilatories for hair removal on all skin areas where Retin A cream is being applied.

Patients should use caution if they have recently used skin products containing sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid. It is important to wait until these products’ effects have decreased before starting Retin A treatment.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should not handle Retin A cream. The active ingredient in this medication may harm an unborn baby.

Nursing mothers should contact their doctor before breastfeeding.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who forget to use Retin A cream should take it as soon as they remember. If patients remember the following day, they should wait until it is time for the scheduled dose.

Other Medications and Retin A Cream

Drug interactions may change the way Retin A cream works, increasing the risk of side effects. This document does not contain the full list of possible drug interactions.

Before beginning treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.

Retin A cream may interact negatively with hair perming solutions and cosmetic products that contain alcohol, lime, or menthol (such as astringents, toners, and shaving lotions). Using this medication together with medicated/abrasive soaps, cleansers, or cosmetics which tend to dry the skin will likely have a similar effect.

Products containing alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, sulfur, and resorcinol may also interact negatively with Retin A cream.

Patients should not use this medication together with any other drugs which increase sensitivity to sunlight. Examples include fluoroquinolones such as Cipro, diuretic medications (like hydrochlorothiazide), and tetracycline antibiotics. Antibacterial drugs such as Bactrim, and phenothiazine drugs (like the mood disorder medication Thorazine), also increase sensitivity to sunlight.

Products which contain benzoyl peroxide can be very irritating and may decrease the effectiveness of Retin A cream if the two products are applied at the same time. Patients should consult their doctor about the safe use of prescription benzoyl peroxide medications and non-prescription products (like Pro-Activ and Clearasil).

Adverse Reactions

Most patients are able to use Retin A cream safely and without serious negative side effects.

It is possible to experience a brief sensation of warmth or stinging immediately after applying the medication.

In the first two to four weeks of treatment, some patients may find that their acne worsens. Skin redness, drying, itching, scaling, and a mild burning sensation are also possible. Patients should contact their doctor should these effects persist or worsen. The doctor may choose to adjust the dose of the medication or direct the patient to use it less often.

Applying a moisturizer daily will help to manage skin dryness.

Negative side effects may include blistering, crusting, burning, or swelling of the skin. Patients should seek immediate medical help in the event of such symptoms, as well as skin discoloration, conjunctivitis, or swelling of the eyelids.

Serious allergic reactions to Retin A cream are rare, yet patients should be aware of symptoms that include rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.

How to Store Retin A Cream

Retin A cream should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Gel preparations are flammable and should not be exposed to heat or fire sources. Do not freeze. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.