Retino A 0.05% Cream (Tretinoin)

What is Retino A 0.05% Cream?

Retino-a 0.05% Cream is prescribed to patients with severe acne problems. The drug effectively treats acne and reduces the number of pimples that tend to develop, while healing pimples that have already developed on the body.

The group of medicines that the drug belongs to is known as retinoids. The drug affects skin cell growth in the body regulating the number of pimples that crop up.

The drug is mostly available in the form of a topical cream. Make sure that your hands are clean and dry before you apply the cream. Clean the area of the body affected by pimples with a light cleanser and pat it dry.

Apply a light layer of the medication daily just before bedtime or as per directions given by your doctor. You can also use cotton or gauze for equal application of the cream. Retino-a 0.05% w/w Cream is meant to be applied to the skin only. Do not apply for the medicine on a cut or scratch. Also avid application on the inner lip or mouth.

Retino A 0.05% Cream uses?

Retino-A Cream should only be used topically. Before applying the cream, clean the hands and affected area with water and mild soap. Wait for 20 to 30 minutes after cleansing the face before applying the cream. Apply a thin layer directly to the affected area. The patient may be required to use medication every 2 to 3 days, contact your doctor for the correct dosage. Acne may worsen for the first few weeks as the medication will treat under the patient’s skin. Patients usually start to see results after several weeks or months.

How does Retino A 0.05% Cream work?

Tretinoin belongs to the class of drugs called retinoids. Tretinoincapsuleworks by promoting the growth and maturation of blood cells in the bone marrow. Thus, it helps in reducing the symptoms of the condition.

Tretinoin cream/gel works by decreasing the adherence of follicular epithelial cells, which decreases the formation of blackheads. It also stimulates the mitotic activity, which helps in the growth of follicular epithelial cells. Thus, it causes the extrusion of the blackheads.    

How to take Retino A 0.05% Cream?

Take this drug with food. Swallow capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

Retino A 0.05% Cream Contraindications:

Allergy

This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known history of allergy to tretinoin/isotretinoin/retinoids or any other component present in the dosage form.

Retino A 0.05% Cream Dosage:

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medication skin products unless your doctor has told you to. Your skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind while using Retino-A Cream.

What are the Side effects Of Retino A 0.05% Cream?

Patients using Retino-A Cream may encounter common side effects such as:

• Burning sensation at the application site
• Stinging or tingling feeling
• Skin peeling
• Dry skin
• Increase in acne sores
• Increased sensitivity in the skin
• Itching

Contact your doctor immediately should you encounter more severe side effects such as:

• Blistering
• Crusting of skin
• Severe burning or swelling of the skin
• Skin discoloration

Retino A 0.05% Cream Warnings:

The medication may cause thinning of the skin, it is recommended to avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps.

Immediately proceed to your nearest emergency department if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms usually associated with such a reaction include difficulty breathing or swallowing, chest tightness, swelling, skin rashes, and hives.

Retino-A Cream is not always suitable for all patients. Always consult your health care provider prior to using this medication if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, using any other medication (prescription or non-prescription), using any herbal products or supplements, or if you have any allergies or other health problems.

The correct dosage and prescription commonly depend on the patient and the condition being treated. Do not adjust your dosage without the approval of your health care provider. This product is only for use as prescribed and instructed.

References:

[Internet]. 2017 [cited 7 May 2017]. Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/33238

Tretinoin – DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 7 May 2017]. Available from: https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00755

DailyMed – Tretinoin cream [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 16 November 2017]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=745cc3ce-60b4-4479-a055-316817567949

Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 16 November 2017]. Available from: http://www.tga.gov.au/prescribing-medicines-pregnancy-database

FAQ:

1.Is tretinoin topical a steroid/ retin a/ retin a/ a retinoid/retinol?

Tretinoin topical is not a steroid. It is a form of vitamin A (Retin-A) and belongs to a group of medications called as ‘retinoids’. Tretinoin and retinol are similar but tretinoin tends to be a bit more aggressive than retinol which is a bit more suitable for those with sensitive skin

2.Is tretinoin cream safe?

Tretinoin is safe if taken at recommended doses and duration. The gel form should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 12 years

3.Does tretinoin cream work/ is tretinoin cream good for acne/acne scars/lighten skin/thin the skin/work on wrinkles/fade dark spots/clog pores/cause breakouts?

Tretinoin cream works effectively in most of the patients. It is useful for treating most of the skin-related issues like acne, acne scars, skin lightening, removing wrinkles, fade dark spots, clog pores, etc. It does not cause breakouts but helps the skin in healing it

4.Is tretinoin available over the counter?

It is available only as per the doctor’s prescription.