Home Page > Categories > Skin & Hair Care > Tretinoin Gel

Tretinoin Gel (Retin-A)

 

Tretinoin Gel (generic Retin-A) Review

brand names: Avita, Renova, Altinac, Retin-A, Vesanoid, Retin A Micro Gel
generic name: Tretinoin

How does it work?

Tretinoin belongs to a group of medicines called retinoids and is a form of vitamin A. It is also sometimes called ATRA - All-Trans Retinoic Acid. Tretinoin is used in a particular form of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) called M3 (acute promyelocytic leukaemia). It can be used in previously untreated patients or patients who have relapsed or are resistant to standard chemotherapy.

Tretinoin is not itself an anticancer (cytotoxic) medicine but is a biological medicine that allows anticancer medicines to work. One of the risks of the M3 type of AML is haemorrhaging and possibly death during the intial anticancer therapy. Tretinoin works by promoting the blood cells in the bone marrow to "grow up" faster. This helps prevent and reverse this risk of severe bleeding and gives the anticancer medicines a chance to work.

Tretinoin is given by mouth only.

What is Tretinoin (Retin) cream, liquid, or gel?

Tretinoin (Altinac™, Avita™, Renova ® , Retin-A ® , Retin-A ® Micro™) is a naturally occurring form of vitamin A. It is applied to the skin to treat mild to moderate acne or to treat the effects of aging on the face, such as wrinkles, fine lines, or "age spots". Generic Tretinoin (A) cream, liquid, and gel are available.

Recommended dosage

RETIN-A AND AVITA

Apply once a day in the evening.

You should begin to notice results after 2 to 3 weeks of treatment. More than 6 or 7 weeks of treatment are needed before consistent beneficial effects appear.

Once acne has responded satisfactorily, it may be possible to maintain the improvement with less frequent applications or other dosage forms. However, drug concentration, any change in formulation, or dose frequency should be closely monitored by your doctor to determine your tolerance and response.

RENOVA

Apply just enough to lightly cover the affected area once daily at bedtime. Do not apply more than the recommended amount; it will not improve results and may cause increased discomfort. You will see the most improvement during the first 24 weeks of therapy. After that, Renova will simply maintain the improvement. When therapy is stopped, the improvement will gradually diminish.

Overdosage

Applying Avita, or Renova excessively will not produce faster or better results, Retin-A, and marked redness, peeling, or discomfort could occur.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Tretinoin (Retin) reduces the effectiveness of the mini-pill and possibly the combined-oral pill contraceptives.

Tretinoin (A) must not be given with any medicine of the tetracycline class of antibiotics as there is an increased risk of raised pressure in the brain.

As Tretinoin is a type of vitamin A it must not be given with any other medcine containing vitamin A as it may increase the risk of adverse effects.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip that dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not use extra doses, or use for a longer period of time than directed by your prescriber or health care professional. Use of too much Tretinoin (Retin) can cause skin irritation.