Other brand name(s): Retin–A Micro, Atralin, Avita, Altreno, Renova, Stieva-A

Retin-A (tretinoin) is a form of vitamin A that helps the skin renew itself.

Retin-A (tretinoin) topical (for the skin) is used to treat acne, to smooth rough facial skin, and to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles and mottled skin discoloration.

Retin-A (tretinoin) may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the available dosage forms and strengths?

Cream

• 025% (Retin-A, Avita)

• 05% (Retin-A)

• 1% (Retin-A)

Gel

• 01% (Retin-A)

• 025% (Retin-A, Avita)

• 05% (Atralin)

Gel Microsphere

• 04% (Retin-A Micro)

• 1% (Retin-A Micro)

Liquid

• 05% (Retin-A)

How should you use Retin-A (tretinoin)? 

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.

Using more medicine or applying it more often than prescribed will not make it work any faster, and may increase side effects. Do not use more often than your doctor or health care professional has recommended. 

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use on sunburned skin, or skin affected by eczema.

Read and carefully follow any instructions for use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Usual dosing is as follows:

• Retin-A Micro (tretinoin gel) microsphere, 0.1% and 0.04%, should be applied once a day, in the evening, to the skin where acne lesions appear, using enough to cover the entire affected area lightly.

• Retin-A Gel or Cream should be applied once a day, before retiring, to the skin where acne lesions appear, using enough to cover the entire affected area lightly.

• Retin-A liquid should be applied once a day, before retiring, to the skin where acne lesions appear, using enough to cover the entire affected area lightly. The liquid may be applied using a fingertip, gauze pad, or cotton swab. If gauze or cotton is used, care should be taken not to oversaturate it to the extent that the liquid would run into areas where treatment was not intended.

Wash your hands before and after applying topical Retin-A (tretinoin). Before applying, clean and dry the skin area to be treated. Applying topical Retin-A (tretinoin) to wet skin may cause skin irritation.

Do not wash the treated area or apply other skin products for at least 1 hour after applying topical Retin-A (tretinoin).

Topical Retin-A (tretinoin) should be used as part of a complete skin care program that includes avoiding sunlight and using an effective sunscreen and protective clothing.

It may take up to several weeks before your skin improves. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve. If you are using topical Retin-A (tretinoin) to treat acne, your condition may get slightly worse for a short time.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if you think it is not working.

If you miss a dose, use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

Store at room temperature; away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.

Who should not take Retin-A (tretinoin)?

You should not use Retin-A (tretinoin) if you:

• are allergic to it;

Some brands of Retin-A (tretinoin) are not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years of age.

What to avoid while taking Retin-A (tretinoin)?

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Topical tretinoin can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) when you are outdoors, even on a cloudy day.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, vagina, or in the creases of your nose.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with topical tretinoin unless your doctor tells you to.

If using the Retin-A (tretinoin) topical gel please be aware of the following:

• Retin- A (tretinoin) topical gel is flammable;

• do not use near high heat or open flame;

• do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Retin-A (tretinoin)? 

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• eczema;

• an allergy to fish (the gel may contain ingredients derived from fish)

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.

What are the possible side effects of Retin-A (tretinoin)? 

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning, stinging, or irritation of treated skin;

• severe skin dryness; or

• severe redness, swelling, blistering, peeling, or crusting.

Your skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind while using this medicine.

Common side effects may include:

• skin pain, redness, burning, itching, or irritation;

• unusual dryness of the skin;

• mild warmth or stinging where the medicine was applied; or

• changes in color of treated skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What other drugs interact with Retin-A (tretinoin)? 

Do not use skin products which contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid unless otherwise directed by your doctor. These products can cause severe skin irritation if used with topical Retin-A (tretinoin).

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. 

Tell your healthcare provider about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, recreational and herbal products.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Where can I get more information about Retin-A (tretinoin)?

If you have any questions about buying discount Retin-A (tretinoin) or any other prescription products online, you can contact us.