$Unique_ID{BRK02165}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{TRETINOIN}
$Subject{Retin-A (Ortho)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


TRETINOIN
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Retin-A (Ortho)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Acne preparation
INGREDIENT:
     tretinoin (retinoic acid; vitamin A acid)
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Cream (0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%)
     Gel (0.025% and 0.01%, with 90% alcohol)
     Liquid (0.05%, with 55% alcohol)
STORAGE:
     Tretinoin cream, gel, and liquid should be stored at room temperature in
       tightly closed, light-resistant containers.  This medication should
       never be frozen.

USES

     Tretinoin is used topically (on the skin) to treat acne vulgaris.  It
appears to work by increasing the turnover (death and replacement) of skin
cells.

TREATMENT

     This product is packaged with instructions for the patient.  Read them
carefully before applying tretinoin.
     Wash your skin with a mild or hypoallergenic soap and warm water.  Pat
dry with a clean towel.  Then wait about 30 minutes before applying tretinoin
cream, gel, or liquid.  The medication should be applied once a day just
before going to bed.  Apply it only to the skin where the acne lesions appear,
unless you are directed to do otherwise by your doctor.  Be sure to cover the
entire affected area LIGHTLY.  You may use a fingertip, gauze pad, or cotton
swab to apply the liquid.  To avoid applying too much medication, be careful
not to oversaturate the gauze pad or cotton swab.  To avoid contamination, use
a gauze pad or cotton swab only once and then throw it away.
     During the early weeks of treatment with this drug, there may be an
apparent increase in skin lesions.  This is usually not a reason to
discontinue its use.  However, your doctor may want to change the
concentration of the drug.  Benefits may be noted within two to three weeks,
although more than six weeks may be required before definite benefits are
observed.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, apply the missed dose as soon as
possible, and then return to your regular dosing schedule.  However, if you do
not remember until the following day, do not apply the missed dose at all;
just return to your regular dosing schedule.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Immediately after applying tretinoin to your skin, you may experience a
sensation of warmth or a mild stinging sensation, or your skin may become
reddened.  After a few days of treatment with this medication, some peeling of
the skin is to be expected.  You may also find that you have a heightened
sensitivity to sunlight, wind, or cold.  If this drug does increase your
sensitivity to sunlight, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.
Wear protective clothing, and use an effective sunscreen.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blistering, crusting, severe redness, severe burning, swelling, or marked
darkening or lightening of the skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Tretinoin interacts with several other products:
     1. Abrasive or medicated soaps or cleaners
     2. Other acne preparations (particularly peeling agents containing
sulfur, resorcinol, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid)
     3. Cosmetics that have a strong drying effect
     4. Locally applied products containing high amounts of alcohol, spices,
or lime
     These products should be used with caution during treatment with
tretinoin, since they can increase the irritation caused by this medication.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to tretinoin or vitamin A.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you have eczema.
     * This medication should not be used if you are sunburned; it may
increase the irritation.
     * Keep tretinoin away from the eyes, the mouth, the creases on either
side of the nose, open cuts, and mucous membranes; it can severely irritate
these sensitive areas.
     * Avoid washing your face too often while using tretinoin.  Be sure to
use a mild or hypoallergenic soap.
     * Normal use of nonmedicated cosmetics is permissible, but the skin
should be cleaned thoroughly before tretinoin is applied.
     * This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only.
Do not give this medication to other people or use it for any other purpose
than that prescribed by your doctor.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  The safe use of this
medication in human pregnancy or during breast-feeding has not been
established.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
