Retin-A 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 is Retin-A applied?
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 use. Using Retin-A 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 Retin-A can irritate sensitive skin. Acne may appear to worsen when the Retin-A is first used; continue therapy. It may take three to six weeks before the full benefits of Retin-A 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 Retin-A.
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 of Retin-A, 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 Retin-A 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.
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 this and all Retin-As out of the reach of children.
Retin-A 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.
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. 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 Retin-A.
Retin-A Disclaimer
This Retin-A drug information is for your information purposes only, it should not be taken that this med profile covers all uses, directions, drug reactions, precautions, or side effects of your Retin-A. This med profile is only for your general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose nor construed as containing any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or the consequences that may arise from this Retin-A information, including any damages, adverse consequences to persons or their property, no matter how such damages arise. There is no warranty, either expressed or implied in regard to the above Retin-A information.
