Retin A

Retin A is an effective drug used for the treatment of acne.

How taken

Coming in liquid, cream and gel form, Retin-A should be applied in the evenings once a day. It should be applied lightly on the affected skin.

Take care that you do not apply more than the prescribed dosage and never apply it for longer periods unless the doctor has recommended. Moreover, you should not stop applying Retin-A even if you do not see any difference in a few days. It takes some weeks before the conditions improve.

Missed dose/overdose

If you forget to apply Retin-A Gel, do not apply it and continue with the regular dosage from the next time.

More information

Do not apply Retin-A on the damaged parts without consulting the doctor. When consulting, discuss with your doctor about all your health related problems, which will help him to decide on the prescription.

As the effects of the drug during pregnancy have not been studied well, pregnant women and those who are liable to conceive son should only use Retin-A after consulting the doctor. While breast-feeding also, the drug should be used with caution. Always use Retin-A after consulting the physician.

Warnings/precautions

If you are having a sensitive skin, Retin-A can make the skin excessively puffy, red or blistered. If you come across such symptoms, call your doctor immediately who may either adjust the dosages or may even stop the drug.

When applying Retin A, make sure that it does not get into the eye, nose and mouth as it can be dangerous.

If Retin-A is used for a long time, then there are chances that your skin may darken or change colour. When the drug is applied, you may come across slight warmth or stinging. But if you experience abnormal redness, irritation and blistering, call your doctor. Sometimes the doctor may stop Retin-A or he may decrease the dose.

If you are applying Retin-A when taking other medicines, be careful as some drugs can alter or decrease the effects. Tell the doctor if you are using any preparations that contain benzoyl peroxide and sulfur. Retin-A should be avoided if you are using

Resorcinol and Salicylic acid. There should always be a gap between using these medicines and Retin-A.

As the drug is sensitive to sunlight, use some sunscreen lotion or creams when going out after taking Retin-A.

You should also be cautious while using Retin-A along with topical medications, medicated and abrasive soaps, cosmetics which have strong drying effect, products containing high alcohol concentrations, astringents, lime, spices, electrolysis, waxes and hair depilatories.

Side effects

Retin-A can come with many side effects and allergic reactions. But the side effects do not come severe and so there is nothing to worry. Some of the common side effects that come with Retin-A are redness, sensitivity to sunlight, peeling, skin irritation, stinging and warmth on application site.

Stop applying Retin-A and contact the doctor immediately if you experience severe side effects including swelling (mouth, lips, face, tongue), rashes, itching, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in chest, peeling, severe redness, swelling and blistering.