Generic Retin-A is used in the treatment of acne, especially in the cases of blackheads, pimples and papules.
Use Generic Retin-A exactly as directed by your doctor. Wash your hands before and after applying this medication. Generic Retin-A is usually applied once daily at bedtime. Clean and pat dry the area of skin where you will apply Generic Retin-A. Applying Generic Retin-A to wet skin may cause skin irritation.
Do not wash the treated area for at least one hour after applying Generic Retin-A. Avoid the use of any topical products on the treated area for at least one hour following application of this medication. Do not apply Generic Retin-A to eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth, angles of your nose, mucous membranes, open sores, or on irritated skin. If you get medication in any of these areas, rinse it off with water. Application of an excessive amount of Generic Retin-A cream may result in "pilling" of the medication.
This does not reduce the effectiveness of the medication, but if pilling occurs, you should use less medication with the next application. Generic Retin-A should be used as part of a comprehensive skin care and sunlight avoidance program that includes the use of effective sunscreens (minimum SPF of 15) and protective clothing. Do not stop using Generic Retin-A even if you don't see improvement in your condition immediately. Treatment with Generic Retin-A may be necessary for weeks or months before improvement is seen. If you are using Generic Retin-A to treat acne, a temporary worsening of acne may occur at the start of the therapy.
Serious side effects are not likely to occur. Stop using Generic Retin-A and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives). You may experience some burning, warmth, stinging, tingling, itching, redness, swelling, dryness, peeling, or irritation while you are using Generic Retin-A. If these side effects are excessive, talk to your doctor. You may need a lower dose or less frequent applications of Generic Retin-A. If you notice a change in your skin color, contact your doctor. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Due to the possibility of irritation, it is advisable to begin treatment on a small area of skin. Exposure to the sun or to ultraviolet rays causes additional irritation. During treatment, such exposure should be avoided as much as possible or a sun block should be used. During the first weeks of treatment there may be an apparent worsening of the problem. Such a reaction is perfectly normal because small cysts deep within the skin are being eliminated at an accelerated rate. Generic Retin-A can increase sensitivity to wind and cold. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and use an effective sunscreen. If any ingredient should cause hypersensitivity, discontinue use.
Applying Generic Retin-A excessively will not produce faster or better results, and marked redness, peeling, or discomfort could occur. Over dosage with other retinoid has been associated with transient headache, facial flushing, celosias, abdominal pain, dizziness and ataxia.
Do not use Generic Retin-A on skin that is sunburned, wind burned, dry, chapped, or irritated. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using Generic Retin-A. It is not known whether Generic Retin-A will harm an unborn baby. It is recommended that the use of Generic Retin-A be avoided during pregnancy. Do not use Generic Retin-A without first consulting your doctor if you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant. Generic Retin-A passes into breast milk.
Do not use Generic Retin-A without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you have been previously treated with keratolytic preparations or exfoliants, you should wait until any skin rash clears up before beginning even low strength treatment. Studies of the effect of this product on pregnant women are incomplete. For this reason, it should only be applied when absolutely necessary and always under a doctor's supervision.
The effectiveness of Generic Retin-A is almost always accompanied by skin irritation. In the treatment of acne, this phenomenon is directly related to the effectiveness of the product and disappears once applications are more spaced out. Cosmetics may be used, but clean skin thoroughly before applying Generic Retin-A.
Do not use Generic Retin-A without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: a thiazide diuretic such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Esidrix, Microzide, Oretic), chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn), and others; a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Panmycin, Robitet, others), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Vectrin), doxycycline (Doryx, Monodox, Vibramycin, Vibra-Tabs), demeclocycline (Declomycin), and others; a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), and others; a sulfonamide antibiotic such as sulfamethoxazole (Gantanol), sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra, Cotrim), and others; or a phenothiazine such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), prochlorperazine (Compazine), fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin), promethazine (Phenergan, Promethegan), perphenazine (Trilafon), and others. The medications listed above may increase the sensitivity of your skin to UV rays from sunlight or artificial light (e.g., sunlamps). Generally, Tretinoin should not be used with any of the medicines listed above.
Do not use products containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid during treatment with Generic Retin-A unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The combination could lead to severe skin irritation. Avoid as much as possible products that can increase skin irritation such as other skin medicines (unless prescribed by your doctor); medicated or abrasive (rough) soaps or skin cleansers; permanent wave solutions; chemical hair removers or waxes; electrolysis; products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime; cleansers, shampoos, or cosmetics with a strong drying effect; or other products that may irritate your skin.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not apply a double dose of Generic Retin-A.
Store Generic Retin-A cream at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Generic Retin-A cream out of the reach of children and away from pets.
