Tretinoin is used to treat acne (also known as pimple).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Apply Tretinoin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not apply more often or over a larger area than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as a gel, cream, or lotion.
To use the gel, cream, or lotion, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands.
- Gently wash your face with a mild soap then pat to dry. Wait for 20-30 minutes before applying this medicine.
- Using clean fingertips, cotton wool or gauze, gently apply a thin layer of this medicine to cover the entire affected area lightly.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after each application.
- Replace the cap of the tube.
Avoid contact of Tretinoin with your eyes, nostrils, angles of your nose, ears, and mouth. If this occurs, rinse the affected area immediately with water. Alert your doctor if you start to have problems with your eyes.
It may be necessary for you to use this medicine for some time. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe.
Apply Tretinoin as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
Do not apply more than what is instructed by the doctor to make up for the missed dose.
Do not use Tretinoin if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Tretinoin may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while using this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- eczema (patches of itchy red skin)
- sunburn or red, itchy peeling skin
- history of skin cancer
- inherent allergy to sunlight
- fish allergies
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Extreme weather conditions, such as wind or cold, may irritate your skin while you are using this medicine.
Tretinoin may cause any of the following side effects: skin irritation, dryness, redness, itching, swelling, peeling, burning or stinging sensation, and changes in colour on the application site.
This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Let your doctor know if you are using any other medications to the affected area e.g. creams, ointments, soaps or cosmetics containing alcohol, spices or lime, astringents, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid taking foods that are rich in vitamin A such as cod liver oil and halibut fish oil.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Do not freeze.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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