Retin-A Tretinoin
Information
Drug Uses
Retin-A is often used to improve the appearance
and texture of the skin. It produces a mild,
superficial peel of the epidermis. Retin-A has
effects on the both the superficial (epidermis)
and the deep (dermis) parts of the skin. The
major benefit is to decrease the effects of
sunlight caused aging by increasing the speed
with which the surface cells are replaced.
How Taken
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.
Warnings/Precautions
This medication can increase sensitivity to
sunlight, wind and cold. Avoid prolonged
exposure to the sun and sunlamps. Wear
protective clothing and use an effective
sunscreen. This medication should be used during
pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not
known if Retin-A appears in breast milk. Consult
your doctor before breast-feeding.
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.
Possible 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.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from sunlight.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach
of children.
Overdose
Applying Retin-A excessively will not produce
faster or better results, and marked redness,
peeling, or discomfort could occur. Over dosage
with other retinoid has been associated with
transient headache, facial flushing, celosias,
abdominal pain, dizziness and ataxia.
More Information
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.
Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information
purposes only, it is not intended that this
information covers all uses, directions, drug
interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of
your medication. This is only general
information, and should not be relied on for any
purpose. It should not be construed as
containing specific instructions for any
particular patient. We disclaim all
responsibility for the accuracy and reliability
of this information, and/or any consequences
arising from the use of this information,
including damage or adverse consequences to
persons or property, however such damages or
consequences arise. No warranty, either
expressed or implied, is made in regards to this
information.
Copyright © 2008. All Rights
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