Other names used:
- Altinac
- Avita
- Renova
- Micro Gel
- Tretin-X
What is it used for?
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.
Contraindications and cautions:
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Retin-A can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun. Avoid getting Retin-A in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use Retin-A on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using Retin-A. Use this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you think it is not working. It may take weeks or months of use before you notice improvement in your skin. If you are using Retin-A to treat acne, your condition may get slightly worse for a short time when you first start using the medication. Call your doctor if skin irritation becomes severe or if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks.
Side effects:
The reaction to Retin-A depends upon many factors, including skin type and concentration strength. During the first two weeks, your skin may break out until it is renewed weeks later. Additional reactions can be similar to a light sunburn or facial peeling. More serious, but infrequent, complications may include redness, excessive dryness, and swollen or blistered skin. In these cases, the doctor must be advised immediately. Your doctor will prescribe ointments, creams, or oral steroids to manage the side effect, as well as daily skincare instructions to help the healing process. In some cases, the doctor may change medications. The treated skin is highly susceptible to injury after treatment. It is important to communicate any adverse conditions or reactions to the doctor.
Interactions: Do not use skin products that contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid unless otherwise directed by your doctor. These products can cause severe skin irritation if used with Retin-A.
The following drugs can interact with Retin-A, which can make your skin more sensitive to natural and artifical sunlight. Before using Retin-A, tell your doctor if you are using any of these:
• a diuretic (water pill);
• tetracycline (Sumycin, Panmycin, Robitet), minocycline (Minocin), doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin), demeclocycline (Declomycin), and others;
• an antibiotic such as lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), and others;
• a sulfa drug such as Bactrim, Septra, Cotrim, and others; or
• chlorpromazine (Thorazine), prochlorperazine (Compazine), fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin), promethazine (Phenergan, Promethegan), perphenazine (Trilafon), and others.
