What is Retin A Gel?

This medication is used to treat acne. It may decrease the number and severity of acne pimples and promote quick healing of pimples that do develop. Tretinoin is also used to reduce fine wrinkles (Refissa and Renova) and to improve spotty discoloration (Renova) and rough feeling skin (Renova) when used along with other skin care and sunlight avoidance programs. Tretinoin is in a class of medications called retinoids. It works by promoting peeling of affected skin areas and unclogging pores. Tretinoin belongs to a class of medications called retinoids. Tretinoin controls acne but does not cure it. Your acne probably will get worse (red, scaling skin and an increase in acne sores) during the first 7 to10 days that you use this medication. Nevertheless, continue to use it; the acne sores should disappear. Usually 2 to 3 weeks (and sometimes more than 6 weeks) of regular use of tretinoin is required before improvement is seen.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Wash your hands and affected skin area thoroughly with mild, bland soap (not medicated or abrasive soap or soap that dries the skin) and water. To be sure that your skin is thoroughly dry, wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying tretinoin.
• Use clean fingertips to apply the medication.
• Use enough medication to cover the affected area with a thin layer.
• Apply the medication to the affected skin area only. Do not let tretinoin get into your eyes, ears, mouth, corners along your nose, or vaginal area. Do not apply on areas of sunburn.
• Do not use more than what your doctor told you to use. Do not use more often or longer than what you were told. Doing any of these things may raise the chance of very bad side effects.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• If you are breast feeding.
• Your medical history, especially of: eczema.

Also be aware that:

• Tretinoin controls acne but does not cure it. Your acne probably will get worse (red, scaling skin and an increase in acne sores) during the first 7 to10 days that you use this medication. Nevertheless, continue to use it; the acne sores should disappear. Usually 2 to 3 weeks (and sometimes more than 6 weeks) of regular use of tretinoin is required before improvement is seen.
• You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.
• Some weather conditions may irritate the skin
• Use of other skin products while using Retin-A (tretinoin gel) may cause more irritation.
• You may use make-up unless your doctor has told you not to. If you will be using make-up, clean the area to be treated before putting this drug on
• You may use make-up unless your doctor has told you not to. If you will be using make-up, clean the area to be treated before putting this drug on
• Avoid electrolysis, waxing and chemical depilatories for hair removal on the treated areas while using this product.
• This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• A brief sensation of warmth or stinging may occur immediately after applying the medication.
• Skin redness, dryness, itching, scaling, mild burning, or worsening of acne may occur during the first 2-4 weeks of using the medication

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Blistering, crusting, severe burning/swelling of the skin, eye redness and watering (conjunctivitis), eyelid swelling or skin discoloration.
• Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as rashes, itching, swelling especially of the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness or trouble breathing.

Q: What should I do if I forget a dose?

A:Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra cream, lotion, or gel to make up for a missed dose.

Q: Can I wear makeup while using Retin A Gel?

A: You may use make-up unless your doctor has told you not to. If you will be using make-up, clean the area to be treated before putting this drug on.