Retin-a (tretinoin) is a drug used to treat acne. It comes in a form of gel and liquid and is intended for topical use. Some of the side effects that you may get when using Retin-a include red skin, crusting of the skin, lightening or darkening of the skin, increase in acne sores, scaling skin, stinging, swelling or blistering, warmth in the skin an some other ones. Your health care provider needs to know if you are allergic to the active ingredient of Retin-a or any other medicines, as well as about any products you are currently using, especially those that re applied on the skin. Before applying Retin-a make sure you wash your hands and the area affected with acne with some special soap that does not dry the skin, pat it dry and wait for some 15-20 minutes. Any other products or preparations that you are using should be discussed with your health care provider to make sure your skin does not become too dry and irritated because of the combination. Taking some other drugs can increase your sensitivity to sunlight ever more, so you should be careful with using any of the following medicines simultaneously with Retin-a: antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and tetracycline), tranquilizers, sulfa drugs and thiazide drugs. The effects of this medicine on pregnant and breastfeeding women have not been properly studies, so if you become pregnant while taking this medicine, report it to your health care provider. Women that are already pregnant when getting their prescription are supposed to discuss with the doctor the potential risks and benefits associated with using Retin-a.
Brand names: Retin-A, Avita, Renova, Aberela, Stieva-A, Vesanoid
Generic names: Tretinoin
