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.

Other info about Retin-a at Wikipedia.org and other resources:

Study Shows Once-Daily Morning Retinoid Acne Regimen Simplifies Treatment Without Sacrificing Results
From the minute they wake until the minute they sleep, today's teenagers have busy, demanding schedules. Life may be hectic, but an acne care routine doesn't have to get in the way, according to a new study published in the July 2010 issue of Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. Researchers found that acne sufferers looking to simplify their treatment regimen without sacrificing results have further proof they can use a safe, easy and effective once-daily treatment of Retin-A Micro® Pump in the morning along with benzoyl peroxide... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

RETIN-A (Tretinoin) Cream RETIN-A (Tretinoin) Gel [Physicians Total Care, Inc.]
Updated Date: Apr 28, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

RETIN-A MICRO (Tretinoin) Gel RETIN-A MICRO (Tretinoin) Gel [Physicians Total Care, Inc.]
Updated Date: Apr 28, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Albert M. Kligman dies at 93; dermatologist developed acne, wrinkle treatments and experimented on prisoners
The University of Pennsylvania researcher developed the acne drug Retin-A and the antiwrinkle treatment Renova. His testing of drugs on inmates at Holmesburg Prison was later criticized. Dr. Albert M. Kligman, a dermatologist who developed the acne drug Retin-A and the antiwrinkle cream Renova but who may be remembered primarily for a series of experiments on prisoners that led to major reforms in the U.S. medical testing establishment, died Feb. 9 at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. He was 93. (Source: Los Angeles Times - Science)

Retin-A Researcher Albert Kligman Dies
From Associated Press (February 21, 2010) PHILADELPHIA -- Dermatologist Albert M. Kligman, whose research led to discoveries including the acne and wrinkle drug Retin-A but whose pioneering work was overshadowed by his experiments... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)