Product Details: Retin A Gel (Tretinoin)

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a vitamin A derivative used to treat acne. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE COMES WITH A PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have before using this medicine. BEFORE APPLYING THIS MEDICINE, wash the affected area with a mild soap and gently dry. Wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying the medicine. Apply a thin film of medicine to the affected and surrounding area. Rub in gently. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat, light, and flames. Gel preparations are flammable. Do not smoke during use. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Cautions

DO NOT GET THIS MEDICINE in your eyes or on the inside of your nose or mouth. FOR THE FIRST 2 TO 3 WEEKS OF TREATMENT, your skin condition may appear to worsen. This is expected. Do not stop using the medicine during this time. DO NOT USE OTHER MEDICINES ON YOUR SKIN without first discussing it with your doctor. While you are using this medicine, you may use cosmetics. After using cosmetics, thoroughly wash and dry the affected area before applying this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen if you must be outside. Do not apply this medicine to sunburned skin. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include redness, peeling, stinging, or a feeling of warmth. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience blistering, crusting, swelling, excessive redness or peeling of your skin. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Tretinoin