Retin-A General Information

Retin-A is a gel based medication, which is used to treat acne problems. Its primary ingredient is a Vitamin A derivative, which treats the skin at the infected area.

Retin-A Uses

This medication has primarily been licensed to treat acne. Doctors may find other uses of the same.

How Take Retin-A

Retin-A has to be used topically i.e. on the skin and not ingested. You must always check the label for instructions of use, and follow what the doctor has advised. Apply a thin layer of the medication on the affected area and rub gently over the acne. Do not press hard.
Make sure that prior to applying the medicine, the affected area is washed with mild soap and rinsed properly. You must ensure that any type of cosmetics is washed off, before the application.
Dab the area dry. Apply the medicine only after the skin is completely dry. After applying the gel, wash your hands properly.

Retin-A Warnings

Retin-A is made for external use only and hence care should be taken so that is does not get in the mouth, eyes or nose. In an event it does happen, wash the area thoroughly with water. Ingestion through the mouth may cause ample harm, so one must report to the doctor immediately.
Exposure to the sun may cause harm to the applied area. So in case you have to step out into the sun after applying this medication, wear protective clothes to cover the applied area.
There could be adverse reaction initially while you are treating the skin with Retin-A in the first few days. This is a normal reaction and this will get over in some time. However, do not stop using the medicine.
Take a physician's advice if you are pregnant or are breast-feeding and this medication has to be prescribed.

Retin-A Missed Dose

In the event of missing a dose, just skip the dose and continue as per the advised schedule of application.

Retin-A Side Effects

Some of the common side effects are:
Skin irritation; Redness; peeling at application site; sensitivity to sunlight; warmth or stinging at application site
Other severe side effects are:
Severe redness; blistering; severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); peeling; crusting of the skin; swelling

Retin-A Storage Advice

Temperatures: 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C)
Avoid moisture, light, and heat
Special Care: Store in airtight containers; Do not Store in the bathroom, Keep away from Children and pets
Discard: Expired medications and into safe disposal systems

Retin-A Overdose

Retin-A overdose Symptoms are Clumsiness, dizziness, excessive redness, peeling, discomfort, flushing, headache, or stomach pain

Retin-A More Information

Retin-A Gel has been licensed as a medication for external use.
Medications vary from person to person. Hence, care has to be taken, not to share it with others.
In case the acne does not improve, or a side effect continues for long, consult physician immediately.