Tretinoin, Topical (Acne)

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: acne treatment

Generic and brand names: tretinoin, topical, acne; Atralin Gel; Avita; Renova; Retin-A Micro; Retin-A Topical

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used on the skin to treat acne and other skin problems.

What should my healthcare provider know before I use this medicine?

Before using this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have:

• an allergy to any medicine
• eczema

If you have Atralin Gel, tell your provider if you are allergic to fish. This medicine contains fish proteins.

Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine is for external use only. Use it only as directed by your healthcare provider, or according to the manufacturer's directions. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Do not use it more often than directed. Do not put this medicine on skin that is sunburned, bruised, or has open cuts.

Before you apply the medicine, wash your skin with mild soap and warm water. Rinse and pat dry with a soft towel.

Put a thin layer of medicine on the area where you need it. Using too much medicine or using it too often can increase the risk of side effects from absorption into your body. Do not rub it in. Do not bandage or cover the area unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Wash your hands after applying this medicine.

Do not use cosmetics or other medicines on your skin within 1 hour of applying this medicine.

Keep this medicine away from your eyes and mouth. If it gets in your eyes, flush them with water right away.

Do not apply or store this medicine near heat or an open flame.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss an application, use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

Avoid long exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Protect skin with clothing or sunscreen when outdoors.

Talk to your healthcare provider about using cosmetics or other products on your skin while using this medicine.

If you have a dark complexion, report any changes of skin color to your healthcare provider right away.

While using this medicine, talk with your healthcare provider before using:

• medicated shampoos
• lime juice or lime peel
• permanent wave solutions
• electrolysis
• hair depilatories and waxes

If the medicine causes severe irritation, contact your healthcare provider. It may take several weeks after you start using this medicine to see complete results. Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice if you are concerned or if your condition does not improve or gets worse..

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider): Severe irritation or rash that starts after you use the medicine.

Other: Dry skin, peeling skin, stinging, burning, itching, redness.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you use this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

Products known to cause sensitivity to the sun such as:

• acitretin (Soriatane)
• antibiotics such as tetracycline (Sumycin), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Doryx), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin), oxytetracycline (Terramycin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), and norfloxacin (Noroxin)
• chemotherapy medicines and radiation
• diuretics (water pills) such as chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide), methyclothiazide (Enduron), and polythiazide (Renese).
• phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), perphenazine, prochlorperazine (Compazine), thioridazine, and trifluoperazine (Stelazine)
• sulfonamides such as sulfadiazine, sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin), and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
• products that may irritate the skin such as peeling or abrasive products, waxing or hair removal products, strong or abrasive soaps, products containing alcohol, astringents, products having a strong drying effect, medicated cosmetics, and other acne medicines
• vitamin A supplements

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.