Drug Name
Retin-A Gel 0.1% (Tretinoin)
For more severe acne cases, explore Accutane as an alternative oral treatment.
Drug Uses
Retin-A Gel is used for treating acne. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
How to use
Use Retin-A Gel as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Retin-A Gel is for external use only.
Apply a thin film of medicine to the affected area. Rub in gently.
Remove all cosmetics with a mild soap before applying Retin-A Gel. Gently dry the area. Wait 20 to 30 minutes to make sure that your skin is completely dry.
Wash your hands immediately after using Retin-A Gel.
If you miss a dose of Retin-A Gel, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Retin-A Gel is a vitamin A derivative. How it exerts its beneficial effects against acne is not fully known. Tretinoin appears to increase skin-cell turnover and to reduce the tendency for skin cells to stick together. This reduces the formation of acne and allows quicker healing of acne that does develop.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Retin-A Gel, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Storage
Store Retin-A Gel at room temperature, between 59 and 80 degrees F (15 and 26 degrees C). Store in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat and light. Keep Retin-A Gel out of the reach of children and away from pets.
SAFETY INFORMATION
Warnings/Precautions
Do NOT use Retin-A Gel if you are allergic to any ingredient in Retin-A Gel.
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Retin-A Gel:
Some medical conditions may interact with Retin-A Gel. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have eczema, an abnormally high white blood cell count, or a sunburn
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Retin-A Gel. Because little, if any, of Retin-A Gel is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.
Ask your health care provider if Retin-A Gel may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS
Possible Side Effects
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Redness, peeling at application site; sensitivity to sunlight; skin irritation; warmth or stinging at application site.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe redness, peeling, swelling, blistering, or crusting of the skin.
More Information
If you have any questions about Retin-A Gel, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Retin-A Gel is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.