Retin-A Uses

Retin-A is a prescription medication and is often used to improve the appearance and texture of the skin. Retin-A produces a mild, superficial peel of the epidermis.It has an effect on the both the superficial (epidermis) and the deep (dermis) parts of the skin. The major benefit of Retin-A 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 of Retin-A to affected area once a day at bedtime. Use a gauze pad or cotton swab to apply the liquid. Wash your hands immediately after applying. Using 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 as Retin-A can irritate sensitive skin. Acne may appear to worsen whenRetin-A is first used, continue the therapy. It may take three to six weeks before the full benefits are seen. Use a mild soap when washing your face. Do not wash your 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 Retin-A.

Warnings/Precautions

Retin-A can increase sensitivity to sunlight, wind and cold. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and use an effective sunscreen. Retin-A 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. Retin-A

Possible Side Effects

Due to the possibility of skin irritation, it is advisable to begin treatment on a small area of skin first. Exposure to the sun or to ultraviolet rays causes additional irritation. During treatment, such exposure should be avoided as much as possible or an effective 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 as small cysts deep within the skin are being eliminated at an accelerated rate. Retin-A 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 Retin-A at room temperature away from sunlight. Keep out of the reach of children.

Overdose

Applying excessive Retin-A 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 Retin-A 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 with Retin-A. Studies of the effect of Retin-A on pregnant women are incomplete. For this reason, it should only be applied when absolutely necessary and always under a doctors 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 Retin-A.

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 Retin-A. 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.