IMPORTANT NOTE:
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed
to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
TRETINOIN CREAM (tret-ih-NO-in)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Renova
USES: This medication is
used to improve the appearance of the skin by reducing fine
lines and wrinkles, reducing roughness and improving coloration.
This can also be used to treat acne.
HOW TO USE: This medication
is for use on the face as directed, usually once a day at
bedtime. Clean and dry your face. Apply a pea-size amount
of cream using just enough to cover your entire face lightly.
Be careful to avoid your eyes, nostrils and mouth. Wash your
hands after use. Do not use this more often than prescribed
or in large amounts. It will not give you faster or better
results but will increase the risk of side effects. Do not
use on sunburn or eczema or other serious skin conditions.
Effects of this medication will be gradual with most improvement
seen in the first 6 months of continued therapy. If used for
acne the condition may worsen at first, then improve.
SIDE EFFECTS: You may experience mild redness or stinging,
itching, burning, skin scaling, peeling and dry skin the first
several weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. If any
of these effects continue or become severe, discontinue use
and notify your doctor. Report any of the following serious
effects: blisters/crusting or swelling of skin, darkening
or lightening of skin color. If you notice other effects not
listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this medication tell your
doctor if you have any pre-existing skin disorders or if you
have any allergies. This medication increases your sensitivity
to the sun. Limit sun exposure and avoid sun lamps. Use a
sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. This
medication should be used only when clearly needed during
pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult
with your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your
doctor of any nonprescription or prescription medication you
may take including isotretinoin, amiodarone, tetracyclines
or quinolone antibiotics, sulfa-drugs or phenothiazines as
they increase skin sensitivity to the sun. Also minoxidil
and any skin medication, soaps, cleansers, cosmetics, astringents
or any facial products that may be drying or irritating (e.g.,
alcohol-containing facial products). Benzoyl peroxide should
not be applied at the same time as this medication. Do not
start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.
Symptoms of overdose may include excessive redness, peeling,
and discomfort.
NOTES: This medication is
not a cosmetic. It is to be used in conjunction with a comprehensive
skin care and sun avoidance program.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss
a dose, apply it as soon as remembered; do not use it if it
is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed
dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up"
the amount used to catch up.
STORAGE: Store this medication
at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 25
degrees C). Do not freeze. Keep this and all medications out
of the reach of children.
