 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retin ARetin-AWhat is the most important information I should know about Retin-A? • Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (e.g., sunlamps). Retin-A may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun or UV rays is unavoidable. • Do not use Retin-A on skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using Retin-A. • Your skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind. Protect your skin with clothing and use a moisturizing cream or lotion as needed. • Do not apply Retin-A to eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth, angles of your nose, mucous membranes, open sores, or irritated skin. If you get medication in any of these areas, rinse it off with water. • Avoid as much as possible products that can increase skin irritation such as other skin medicines (unless prescribed by your doctor); medicated or abrasive (rough) soaps or skin cleansers; permanent wave solutions; chemical hair removers or waxes; electrolysis; products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime; cleansers, shampoos, or cosmetics with a strong drying effect; or other products that may irritate your skin. What is Retin-A? • Tretinoin is a ical form of vitamin A. It helps the skin to renew itself more quickly and therefore reduces pimple and blackhead formation, and may improve the appearance and texture of skin. • The Retin-A and Avita brands of Retin-A are used to treat acne. The Renova brand of Retin-A is used to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles and mottled skin discoloration, and to make rough facial skin feel smoother. • Retin-A may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Retin-A? • Do not use Retin-A on skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using Retin-A. • Retin-A is the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Retin-A will harm an unborn baby. The oral form of this medication is known to cause birth defects. Therefore, it is recommended that the use of Retin-A be avoided during pregnancy. Do not use Retin-A without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant. • Retin-A passes into breast milk. Do not use Retin-A without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. How should I use Retin-A? • Use Retin-A exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. • Wash your hands before and after applying this medication. • Retin-A is usually applied once daily at bedtime. Follow your doctor''s instructions. • Clean and pat dry the area of skin where you will apply Retin-A. Applying Retin-A to wet skin may cause skin irritation. If you are using Renova, wait approximately 20 to 30 minutes after washing your face before applying the medication. Apply a light covering of the cream, gel, or solution to the area. • Do not wash the treated area for at least 1 hours after applying Retin-A. Avoid the use of any ical products on the treated area for at least 1 hour following application of this medication. • Do not apply Retin-A to eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth, angles of your nose, mucous membranes, open sores, or irritated skin. If you get medication in any of these areas, rinse it off with water. • Application of an excessive amount of the tretinoin gel may result in "pilling" of the medication. This does not reduce the effectiveness of the medication, but if pilling occurs, you should use less medication with the next application. • Retin-A should be used as part of a comprehensive skin care and sunlight avoidance program that includes the use of effective sunscreens (minimum SPF of 15) and protective clothing. • Do not s using Retin-A if you do not see improvement in your condition immediately. Treatment with Retin-A may be necessary for weeks or months before improvement is seen. If you are using Retin-A to treat acne, a temporary worsening of acne may occur at the start of therapy. Using more Retin-A or applying it more frequently than prescribed will not make it work any faster, and it may increase side effects. Check with your doctor if skin irritation becomes severe or if the acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks. • The Renova brand of Retin-A will not eliminate wrinkles, repair sun damaged skin, reverse photoaging, or restore more youthful or younger skin. • Store Retin-A at room temperature away from moisture and heat. The gel formulations of Retin-A are flammable, keep them away from open flame. What happens if I miss a dose? • Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not apply a double dose of Retin-A. What happens if I overdose? • An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, or if Retin-A has been ingested, call an emergency room or poison control left near you. What should I avoid while using Retin-A? • Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (e.g., sunlamps). Retin-A may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun or UV rays is unavoidable. • Do not use Retin-A on skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using Retin-A. • Your skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind. Protect your skin with clothing and use a moisturizing cream or lotion as needed. • Avoid as much as possible products that can increase skin irritation such as other skin medicines (unless prescribed by your doctor); medicated or abrasive (rough) soaps or skin cleansers; permanent wave solutions; chemical hair removers or waxes; electrolysis; products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime; cleansers, shampoos, or cosmetics with a strong drying effect; or other products that may irritate your skin. What are the possible side effects of Retin-A? • Serious side effects are not likely to occur. S using Retin-A and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives). • You may experience some burning, warmth, stinging, tingling, itching, redness, swelling, dryness, peeling, or irritation while you are using Retin-A. If these side effects are excessive, talk to your doctor. You may need a lower dose or less frequent applications of Retin-A. • If you notice a change in your skin color, contact your doctor. • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. What other drugs will affect Retin-A? • Do not use Retin-A without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: • a thiazide diuretic such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Esidrix, Microzide, Oretic), chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn), and others; • a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Panmycin, Robitet, others), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Vectrin), doxycycline (Doryx, Monodox, Vibramycin, Vibra-Tabs), demeclocycline (Declomycin), and others; • a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), and others; • a sulfonamide antibiotic such as sulfamethoxazole (Gantanol), sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra, Cotrim), and others; or • a phenothiazine such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), prochlorperazine (Compazine), fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin), promethazine (Phenergan, Promethegan), perphenazine (Trilafon), and others. • The medications listed above may increase the sensitivity of your skin to UV rays from sunlight or artificial light (e.g., sunlamps). Generally, Retin-A should not be used with any of the medicines listed above. • Do not use products containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid during treatment with Retin-A unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The combination could lead to severe skin irritation. • Avoid as much as possible products that can increase skin irritation such as other skin medicines (unless prescribed by your doctor); medicated or abrasive (rough) soaps or skin cleansers; permanent wave solutions; chemical hair removers or waxes; electrolysis; products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime; cleansers, shampoos, or cosmetics with a strong drying effect; or other products that may irritate your skin. • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Retin-A. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Where can I get more information? • Your pharmacist has additional information about Retin-A written for health professionals that you may read. |
| |||