Indications 

Retin-A is a topical medication that is clinically indicated for the management of acne vulgaris.  

This therapeutic agent exhibits notable effectiveness in mitigating the severity and incidence of acne lesions while facilitating prompt recovery of pimples.  

By acting as a retinoid cream, tretinoin disrupts the cohesiveness of follicular epithelial cells, thus curtailing the development of microcomedones.  

This medication stimulates mitotic activity and increases the turnover of follicular epithelial cells, resulting in the extrusion of comedones. 

Uses and Dosage 

Read the Patient Information Leaflet, provided by your pharmacist, before administering this medication. For further queries, kindly seek the opinion of your healthcare provider or pharmacist. 

Before applying this medication, thoroughly wash your hands. Cleanse the affected skin gently with a mild or soapless cleanser and pat dry. A small quantity of medication, about the size of a pea, should be applied to the skin in a thin layer, utilizing your fingertips. Administered once daily at bedtime or as prescribed by your doctor.  

Usage of this medication is restricted to the skin only. Avoid application to the inner lip area, inside the nose or mouth, as well as on cut, scraped, sunburned, or eczema-affected skin. 

Avoid contact with the eyes while applying this medication. If the medication enters your eyes, rinse with copious amounts of water. If eye irritation occurs, contact your healthcare provider. Following application, remember to wash your hands to prevent accidental contact with your eyes. 

During the initial few weeks of tretinoin usage, you may observe an aggravation of acne symptoms since the medication is active on pimples forming within the skin. Visible changes to the skin might not be apparent for up to 8-12 weeks. 

For optimal results, administer this medication regularly at the same time each day. Refrain from increasing the dosage or administering it more frequently than recommended. Hastening the process will not result in faster improvement and could instead increase the risk of developing redness, peeling, and pain. 

Side Effects 

Common Side Effects

The common side effects of this medication include: 

• Skin redness 
• Dryness 
• Mild itching 
• Mild burning 
• Worsening of acne within the first two to four weeks of treatment 

Severe Side Effects

Individuals with sensitive skin may experience these side effects. Although they are generally temporary, if severe side effects are observed, prompt consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended. Severe side effects may include: 

• Blistering 
• Severe burning 
• Swelling 
• Crusting 
• Eye redness 
• Eye swelling 
• Skin discoloration 

Caution 

Prior to using tretinoin, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any allergies you may have to tretinoin, other vitamin A-related drugs, or other substances.  

Inactive ingredients present in the product, such as fish proteins, may cause allergic reactions or other complications, speak with your pharmacist for more information. 

This medication may increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, limit sun exposure and avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Extreme weather conditions such as wind or cold may irritate the skin. When outside, protective clothing and sunscreen should be used. Contact your physician if you experience sunburn or skin blisters/redness, and wait until the skin has fully recovered from a sunburn before using tretinoin. 

While using this product, avoid using electrolysis, waxing, and chemical depilatories for hair removal on treated areas. 

If you have recently used products containing sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid, use tretinoin with caution. Wait until the effects of such products on the skin have diminished before using tretinoin. 

During pregnancy, tretinoin should only be used if deemed necessary by your healthcare provider. It may be harmful to an unborn baby, discuss the risks and benefits with your physician.