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Tretinoin
Tretinoin (active ingredients) Pronounced - tret' i noyn
Avita ®, Renova ® Retin-A ®, Retin-A Micro ® (brand names)
Tretinoin is a natural retinoid (taken from nature). Tretinoin is used to treat acne. It promotes peeling of affected skin areas and unclogs pores. Tretinoin controls acne but does not cure it. Tretinoin is sometimes prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Tretinoin comes in topical liquid, cream, and gel. Your acne probably will get worse (red, scaling skin and an increase in acne sores) during the first 7 to 10 days that you use this medication. Continue to use it, the acne sores should disappear. Usually 2 to 3 weeks (and sometimes more than 6 weeks) of regular use of tretinoin is required before improvement is seen.
Tretinoin may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
Tretinoin Side Effects
Tretinoin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- Warmth or slight stinging of the skin
- Lightening or darkening of the skin
- Red, scaling skin
- Increase in acne sores
- Swelling, blistering, or crusting of the skin
References:
National Library of Medicine (NLM)
April 2000
http://medlineplus.gov
This summary does not include everything there is to know about the medicine mentioned above. Do not use this medicine without first talking to your doctor. Other brand names or generic forms of this medicine may also be available. Side effects other than those listed above may occur. This medicine may be prescribed for other uses. If you have questions or concerns, or want more information, your doctor or pharmacist has the complete prescribing information about this medicine and possible drug interactions.