This medication
is used in the treatment of acne.
It reduces the formation of pimples
and promotes quick healing of
pimples that do develop, especially
in the case of blackheads, pimples
and papules.
Rentin-A is also used
to treat aged, sun-damaged skin. If used over
a period of years, it will continue to reverse
aging of the skin and can continue improving
the skin's appearance even ten years after
starting treatment.
A study in the Archives of Dermatology shows
that 0.1% Retin-A significantly improves the
appearance of early stretch marks. It works
best on stretch marks that are new or enlarging.
Retin-A Directions?
Apply a thin layer
to affected area once a day at bedtime. Use
a gauze pad or cotton swab to apply the liquid.
Wash your hands immediately after use. Using
this medication more frequently or in excessive
amounts does not improve the results, but
may increase side effects. Avoid applying
near the eyes, mouth, or open cuts since this
medication can irritate sensitive skin. Acne
may appear to worsen when the medication is
first used; continue therapy. It may take
three to six weeks before the full benefits
of this medication are seen.
Use mild soap when washing your face. Do not
wash face excessively. Abrasive soaps, cleansers,
medicated creams or lotions can increase skin
irritation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist
about their use. Use other acne preparations
with caution while using this medication.
In the event of exceptional exposure (such
as a day at the lake), avoid (if possible)
applying the cream the day prior to the day
of exposure to the sun as well as the day
after exposure.
Keep it away from the eyes, mouth and nose.
Should contact occur, rinse the affected area
carefully with plenty of water.
Retin-A Side Effects?
Due to the possibility
of irritation, it is advisable to begin treatment
on a small area of skin. Exposure to the sun
or to ultraviolet rays causes additional irritation.
During treatment, such exposure should be
avoided as much as possible or a sun block
should be used.
During the first weeks of treatment there
may be an apparent worsening of the problem.
Such a reaction is perfectly normal because
small cysts deep within the skin are being
eliminated at an accelerated rate.
This medication can increase sensitivity wind
and cold. Avoid prolonged exposure to the
sun and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing
and use an effective sunscreen. If any ingredient
should cause hypersensitivity, discontinue
use.
Retin-A Warnings?
Retin-A is very safe
when used as directed. Several studies show
Retin-A is safe to use during pregnancy, however
you should only use Retin-A during pregnancy
if this is OK with your obstetrician. Do not
smoke while applying Retin-A, the gel form
is flammable.
Retin-A Drug Interactions?
This product should
be used with caution due to the possible interaction
of Retin-A with related external medication,
abrasive soaps, drying cosmetics and products
with high alcohol content. Care should also
be taken regarding the application of preparations
containing sulphur, resorcinol or salicylic
acid.
Retin-A Missed Dose?
If you miss a dose,
use it as soon as remembered; do not use if
it is almost time for the next dose, skip
the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch
up.
Retin-A Storage?
Store at room temperature
away from sunlight. Keep this and all medications
out of the reach of children.
Anything Else I Should
Know About Retin-A?
If you have been previously
treated with keratolytic preparations or exfoliants,
you should wait until any skin rash clears
up before beginning even low strength treatment.
Studies of the effect of this product on pregnant
women are incomplete. For this reason, it
should only be applied when absolutely necessary
and always under a doctor's supervision.
The effectiveness of Retin-A is almost always
accompanied by skin irritation. In the treatment
of acne, this phenomenon is directly related
to the effectiveness of the product and disappears
once applications are more spaced out.
Cosmetics may be used, but clean skin thoroughly
before applying the medication.
NOTE: The above
information is intended to supplement, not
substitute for, the expertise and judgment
of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe,
appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before taking
the product.
