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Precautions Before Using This Medicine
ChildrenˇXStudies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of this medicine in children with use in other age groups. Children are unl
kely to have skin problems due to the sun. In older children treated for acne, Retin-A is not expected to cause different side effects or problems than it does in other age groups.
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What is this medicine
Retin-A is used to treat acne. It works partly by keeping skin pores clear.
One of the Retin-A creams is used to treat fine wrinkles, dark spots, or rough skin on the face caused by damaging
rays of the sun. It works by lightening the skin, replacing older skin with newer skin, and by slowing down the way the body removes skin cells that may have been harmed by the sun. Retin-A works bes
t when used within a skin care program that includes protecting the treated skin from the sun. However, it does not completely or permanently erase these skin problems or greatly improve more obvious
changes in the skin, such as deep wrinkles caused by sun or the natural aging process.
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Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
Tell your health care professional if you are using any other topical prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine that is to be applied to the same area of the skin. When you are
using topical Retin-A, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
- Acitretin (e.g., Soriatane)
- Etretinate (e.g., Tegi
son)
- Retin-A, oral ˇXMay increase chance of getting severe dryness or redness of skin
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What is this Drug
Retin-A comes in topical liquid, cream, and gel. Retin-A usually is used daily at bedtime or once every 2 or 3 days. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or
pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use Retin-A exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
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What special precautions should I follow?
Using these products along with Retin-A may cause mild to severe irritation of the skin. Although skin irritation can occur, some doctors sometimes allow benzoyl peroxide to be used with Retin-A to tr
eat acne. Usually Retin-A is applied at night so that it does not cause a problem with any other topical products that you might use during the day. Check with your doctor before using topical medicin
es with Retin-A.
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What side effects may occur?
Although side effects from Retin-A are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- warmth or slight stinging of the skin
- ligh
tening or darkening of the skin
- red, scaling skin
- increase in acne sores
- swelling, blistering, or crusting of the skin
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