Drug Name

Tretinoin Cream

Drug Uses

Tretinoin Cream is used for reducing the appearance of fine wrinkles, certain dark and light spots, or roughness of facial skin. Tretinoin Cream is used with a total skin care and sunlight avoidance program. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Tretinoin Cream as directed by your doctor.

• Tretinoin Cream is for external use only.
• Remove all cosmetics with a mild soap before applying Tretinoin Cream. Gently dry the area. Wait 20 to 30 minutes to make sure that skin is completely dry.
• Squeeze a small amount (quarter inch or less) of the medicine onto the fingertip. This should be enough to cover the entire affected area. Wash your hands immediately after using Tretinoin Cream.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Tretinoin Cream.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Tretinoin Cream is a vitamin A derivative. How it works is not known. It is thought to work by removing layers of the outer cells, which smoothes the skin's surface and reduces the appearance of spots.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Tretinoin Cream, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store Tretinoin Cream at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Tretinoin Cream out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Tretinoin Cream if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Tretinoin Cream;
• you have vision problems or retinal changes;
• you are taking arsenic, astemizole, terfenadine, cimetidine, cisapride, quinacrine, or dofetilide.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important:

• Avoid getting Tretinoin Cream in your eyes, on the inside or angles of your nose, or in your mouth. If you get Tretinoin Cream in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Tretinoin Cream may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Tretinoin Cream. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Talk with your doctor before you use any other medicines or products on your skin. While you are using Tretinoin Cream, you may use cosmetics.
• Do not apply Tretinoin Cream to skin that is sunburned. Wait until the burn is fully healed before using Tretinoin Cream.
• Do not use Tretinoin Cream on skin with eczema, or for any condition other than that for which it was prescribed.
• Weather extremes, such as windy or cold weather, may irritate your skin more while you are using Tretinoin Cream.
• Tretinoin Cream may cause harm if it is swallowed. If you may have taken it by mouth, contact your poison control center or emergency room right away.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not use Tretinoin Cream if you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Tretinoin Cream is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Tretinoin Cream, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• burning; dry skin; itching; peeling; redness; stinging or warmth at application site; unusual sensitivity to wind and cold.

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); blistering, crusting, swelling, or excessive redness of the skin; changes in skin color.

More Information

Tretinoin Cream 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.