Tretinoin, by Janssen Cilag.

What is Retin A?

Retin-A is brand name of the generic drug Tretinoin.

Retin-A is used in the treatment of acne. It is prescribed to treat acne vulgaris on facial skin.

Retin A is made from vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that is absorbed through the intestines and stored in the liver. Vitamin A is important to maintaining healthy skin, mucous membranes, the intestinal lining, organs, immune system and the suppression of tumor growth.

How does Retin A work?

After the repeated application of Retin-A, the outermost skin layer (stratum corneum) thins. At the same time, the cells in the epidermis level are stimulated to produce a thickened epidermis layer. Through this stimulation, collagen production and cellular growth in the dermis layer also increase. Typically, benefits are fully evident after seven weeks of proper application. Treatment must be maintained in order to continue to reap the benefits of Retin-A. The doctor may recommend other therapies such as a specific daily skincare regimen to further improve and maintain the results.

In the skin, it affects the depletion and dispersion of melanin as well as thickening and strengthening the tissues. Retin A increases blood vessel development and cell nutrition, decreases clogged pores and makes cells divide faster.

Applications of Retin-A

Retin-A is typically prescribed for the following reasons:

• Acne: Retin-A brings acne plugs (blockages) to the surface causing blackheads to be dislocated. The blackheads are then discarded from the skin during cleansing. Retin-A can help control acne breakouts as well.
• Hyperpigmentation: The ingredients in Retin-A can help sun-damaged skin, including age discoloration spots and light freckling.
• Poor Skin Texture: The increased exfoliation process from Retin-A removes dead cells and stimulates new skin cells to improve the texture of the skin.
• Preparation for Other Procedures: Retin-A is commonly used to prepare the skin for procedures such as laser skin resurfacing and facial surgeries. The medication may be continued after a procedure to assist in recovery as well

How to Use Retin-A

Retin-A is typically prescribed for use once daily, in the evening, after washing with a mild alcohol-free facial cleanser. You should pat your face dry before smoothing the Retin-A cream or gel onto your skin. Your doctor will demonstrate how to apply Retin-A. Your doctor will also recommend a daily skincare regimen to reduce the risk of complications and enhance results. For example, to guard against increased photosensitivity, you'll be advised to use sunscreen every morning and throughout the day

Apply at bedtime. Before you use this medicine, wash with a mild soap and dry the area gently. Wait 20 or 30 minutes before applying. Apply a thin film to the affected and surrounding area. Rub it in gently and wash your hands immediately afterward. Be sure to keep it away from your eyes, mouth, nose, and mucous membranes.

What are Retin A side effects?

An unusual darkening of the skin or lack of color of the skin may occur temporarily with repeated application of Avita or Retin-A.

The side effects of Retin-A are generally not severe and may include burning, dry skin, itching, peeling, redness, and stinging.

If you have eczema (skin inflammation consisting of itching and small blisters that ooze and crust over) or other chronic skin conditions, use with extreme caution, as they may cause severe irritation.

If you have sensitive skin, the use of Retin-A may cause your skin to become excessively red, puffy, blistered, or crusted. If this happens, notify your doctor, who may recommend that you discontinue the medication until your skin returns to normal, or adjust the medication to a level that you can tolerate.

What are the symptoms of overdose?

If it causes an abnormal irritation, redness, blistering, or peeling of the skin, notify your doctor. He may suggest that you use the medication less frequently, discontinue use temporarily, or discontinue use altogether. If a severe sensitivity reaction or chemical irritation occurs, you will probably need to stop using the drug and notify your doctor.

If you miss a dose of Retin A

If you miss a dose... Resume your regular schedule the next night.

Conditions you should tell your Doctor about before taking Retin A:

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, do not use Retin A. It is not known whether the drug appears in breast milk. Use with caution when breast feeding.

During the early weeks of acne therapy, a worsening of the condition may occur due to the action of Retin-A on deep, previously unseen areas of inflammation. This is not a reason to discontinue therapy, but do notify your doctor if it occurs.

Tell Your Doctor if you're taking any of the following medicines:

Do not use Retin-A if you are taking other drugs that increase sensitivity to sunlight. These include:

• Certain antibiotics, including Cipro, Noroxin, and tetracycline
• Major tranquilizers such as Thorazine and Mellaril
• Sulfa drugs such as Bactrim and Septra
• Thiazide drugs (water pills) such as Diuril and HydroDIURIL

If these medications are used with certain other drugs, the effects could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Retin-A with the following:

• Preparations containing benzoyl peroxide, such as Benzac AC Wash 5, Benzshave Desquam-E, PanOxyl
• Preparations containing sulfur (ointments and other preparations used to treat skin disorders and infections)
• Resorcinol (a drug, used in ointments to treat acne, that causes skin to peel)
• Salicylic acid (a drug that kills bacteria and fungi and causes skin to peel)

Caution should be exercised when using Retin-A in combination with other topical medications:

• Medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers
• Soaps and cosmetics that have a strong drying effect
• Products with high concentrations of alcohol
• Astringents
• Spices or lime (especially the peel)
• Permanent wave solutions
• Electrolysis
• Hair depilatories or waxes
• Other preparations that may dry or irritate the skin.

Storing Retin A

Store at ordinary room temperature, away from the reach of children. Do not freeze.

General Notes

"Resting" your skin is recommended between use of the above preparations and treatment with Retin-A.

You should begin to notice results after 2 to 3 weeks of treatment. More than 6 or 7 weeks of treatment may be needed before consistent beneficial effects appear.

Applying Retin-A excessively will not produce faster or better results, and marked redness, peeling, or discomfort could occur.

Once acne has responded satisfactorily, it may be possible to maintain the improvement with less frequent applications or other dosage forms. Any change in formulation, drug concentration, or dose frequency should be closely monitored by your doctor. This is to determine your tolerance and response.

While using Retin-A, keep exposure to sunlight, including sun lamps, to a minimum. If you have a sunburn, do not use the medication until you have fully recovered. Use of sunscreen products (at least SPF 15) and protective clothing over treated areas is recommended when exposure to the sun cannot be avoided. Weather extremes, such as wind and cold, may be irritating and should also be avoided while using these products.

Retin-A should be applied once a day, at bedtime, to the skin where acne appears, using enough to lightly cover the affected area. The liquid form may be applied using a fingertip, gauze pad, or cotton swab. If you use gauze or cotton, avoid over saturation, which might cause the liquid to run into areas where treatment is not intended.

You may use cosmetics while being treated, however, you should thoroughly cleanse the areas to be treated before applying the medication.

If your skin becomes too dry, you may want to use petroleum jelly or another emollient during the day.

If there is no immediate improvement, or new blemishes appear, don't get discouraged. It takes weeks for the medicine to take effect. Continue applying the prescribed amount. (Do not increase the dosage; it may irritate your skin.)

Do not stop treatment when improvement finally occurs. You must continue therapy to maintain the beneficial effect.

Retin A is an important part of the treatment of annoying skin color disorders in breast cancer patients. It offers improved skin pigmentation when used in a very specific physician supervised program with hydroquinone and glycolics.

Retin A is used to rebuild sun-damaged skin (damage from years of tanning), reduce or eliminate liver spots, wrinkles, brown or gray growths and even precancerous lesions.