Contents

Tretinoin

Indication

Tretinoin Cream is applied to the skin for the treatment of acne. Acnecare Cream contains tretinoin which is related to Vitamin A. This medicine works by causing the outer layer of the skin to grow more rapidly, which decreases the amount of the protein ‘keratin’ in the skin. As a result, the surface layer of the skin becomes thinner and pores are less likely to become blocked, reducing the occurrence of whiteheads, blackheads and pimples.

Dosage / Direction For Use

How to use Tretinoin Cream: Tretinoin cream are for external use only on the skin and must not be swallowed. The following is the most often used dose, but the doctor may adjust the dose to suit the patient needs. Tretinoin cream should be applied to the skin where acne lesions appear, once a day, usually before going to bed. Wash the area to be treated using a mild, non-medicated soap. Pat the skin dry without rubbing. Allow the area to dry for at least 20-30 minutes before applying tretinoin cream. Use enough tretinoin cream to cover the entire affected area lightly. It is better not to use more than the amount suggested by the doctor or pharmacist. A centimetre of tretinoin cream squeezed onto the fingertip should be enough for the whole face. Application of too much tretinoin may irritate the skin and won’t give a faster or better results. Tretinoin should be kept away from the eyes, the mouth, angles of the nose and mucous membranes. If tretinoin gets into these areas, wash them with water. Following application of tretinoin the patient may experience a brief stinging sensation, or a feeling of warmth on the skin. This is normal. During the early weeks of therapy, the patient may notice a slight worsening of the acne. This is temporary and is related to the action of tretinoin on non-visible, underlying acne. After 2-3 weeks the patient should begin to see an improvement, but it may be 6-12 weeks before definite benefits are seen. Continue with the treatment even if the patient doesn’t see immediate improvement, and don’t stop treatment at the first signs of improvement. Some patients require less frequent applications or a lower strength of tretinoin cream. Other patients may respond to more frequent applications. If the patient changes the type of tretinoin preparation he/she is using, the skin may respond differently. The doctor may need to observe how the skin responds to the treatment, and how well it can tolerate the medication. Consult the doctor for further advice. If the patient does not understand the instructions provided with this medicine, ask a doctor or pharmacist for help. Before starting to use it: The patient must tell the doctor if: Pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Breast feeding or wish to breastfeed. Has sunburn or other forms of skin irritation, such as eczema. The use of tretinoin cream should be delayed until the skin has fully recovered. If the patient has not told the doctor or pharmacist about any of the previously mentioned, tell them before starting using tretinoin cream. The doctor will advise the patient whether or not to use tretinoin cream, or if just needs to adjust the dose or adapt the treatment.Missed Dose: Apply tretinoin cream when the patient remembers, and then go back to using it as the patient would normally. If it is almost time for the next application, skip the one the patient missed. Do not apply a double amount to make up for the one the patient missed.

Overdosage

If the patient has applied too much tretinoin cream, remove any excess applied. The patient may get severe skin irritation with redness, peeling, blistering and itchiness. If the patient has used tretinoin cream more than the recommended dosage, stop the treatment and contact the doctor.

Administration

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Contraindication

Do not use tretinoin if: Pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Has an allergy to tretinoin or any of the ingredients.

Special Precaution

Things to be careful of: Avoid exposure to sunlight as much as possible while using tretinoin cream. Do not use ultraviolet (UVB) sunlamps or long-wavelength ultraviolet (UVA) lamps such as in solariums. If the patient has sunburn, the patient should not use tretinoin cream until completely recovered. The patient should be especially careful if exposed to sun because of his/her job or if has particularly sensitive skin. When exposure to sunlight cannot be avoided, use a good broad-spectrum sunscreen product and wear protective clothing over the treated areas.Other weather extremes, such as wind, cold and low humidity may also be irritating to skin treated with tretinoin cream and may increase its dryness.Things the patient must do: Always follow the doctor’s instructions carefully.Avoid or minimise exposure to sunlight.Tell the doctor if the patient becomes pregnant while using tretinoin cream.If the patient is about to start taking a new medicine, tell the doctor and pharmacist that the patient is using tretinoin cream.Things the patient must not do: Do not use tretinoin cream to treat any other complaint unless the doctor says so.Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar.Do not use more than the recommended amount.Consult a doctor: Always follow the doctor’s instruction carefully. Tell the doctor if the patient become pregnant while using tretinoin cream. If the patient is about to start taking a new medicine, tell the doctor and pharmacist that the patient is using tretinoin cream.

Adverse Reactions

All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. The patient may need medical treatment if the patient gets some side effects. Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. The patient may not experience any of them. Ask the doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions the patient may have.Tell the doctor if the patient experiences any of the following and it continues to worry them: Dry and peeling skin.Burning and stinging.Irritation and inflammation.Red, raised areas on the skin.Rash or itching.Change in skin colour.Disturbance of the levels of enzymes in the liver. This usually does not cause any problems but tell the doctor the patient is using tretinoin cream if the patient has a blood test, or is suspected to have problems with the liver such as hepatitis.Tell the doctor immediately if the patient notices any of the following as he/she may need urgent medical care: Severe or persistent irritation.Swelling in one or both eyes.Allergy can be recognised, for instance, by skin rash, itching, shortness of breath and/or a swollen face. Other side effects not listed as previously mentioned may also occur in some people. Tell the doctor if the patient notices any other effects.

Drug Interaction

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if the patient is taking any other medicines, or using any other skin treatments. This includes medicines and skin treatments the patient can buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.In particular, tell the doctor or pharmacist if the patient is using any of the following: Medicines which are known to make skin sensitive to sunlight. For example, some diuretics (fluid tablets), antibiotics and medicines for certain psychiatric conditions can cause this problem.Other skin medications or treatments, particularly topical preparations containing peeling agents such as sulfur, resorcinol, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.Soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, perfumes and astringents such as skin-toners and after-shave lotions (especially those containing alcohol, lime and spices) which have an abrasive, drying or skin-shedding effect.Other moisturisers and cosmetics may be used, however they should not be applied at the same time as tretinoin cream. The area should be cleaned thoroughly before tretinoin cream is applied.

Storage

Store at temperatures not exceeding 30°C.

Description

Each gram contains: Tretinoin 250 mcg.

Action

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