Retin-A and Renova: Side Effects and Dosage

Why is this drug prescribed?

Retin-A, Avita, and Renova contain the skin medication tretinoin. Retin-A and Avita are used in the treatment of acne. Renova is prescribed to reduce fine wrinkles, discoloration, and roughness on facial skin (as part of a comprehensive program of skin care and sun avoidance).

Retin-A is available in liquid, cream, or gel form, and in a stronger gel called Retin-A Micro. Avita comes only as a gel. Renova is available in cream form only.

Most important fact about this drug

While using Retin-A, Avita, or Renova, keep exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps, to a minimum. If you have a sunburn, do not use the medication until you have fully recovered. Use of sunscreen products (at least SPF 15) and protective clothing over treated areas is recommended when exposure to the sun cannot be avoided. Weather extremes, such as wind and cold, may be irritating and should also be avoided while using these products.

How should you take this medication?

Retin-A and Avita should be applied once a day, in the evening, to the skin where acne appears, using enough to lightly cover the affected area. The liquid form may be applied using a fingertip, gauze pad, or cotton swab. If you use gauze or cotton, avoid oversaturation, which might cause the liquid to run into areas where treatment is not intended.

Renova is also applied once daily in the evening. Use only enough to lightly cover the affected area. Before you use Renova, wash your face with a mild soap, pat your skin dry, and wait 20 to 30 minutes. Then apply a dab of Renova cream the size of a pea and spread it lightly over your face, avoiding your eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth, and open wounds.

You may use cosmetics while being treated with these products; however, you should thoroughly cleanse the areas to be treated before applying the medication.

If your skin becomes too dry, you may want to use petroleum jelly or another emollient during the day.

If there is no immediate improvement, or new blemishes appear, don't get discouraged; it takes weeks for the medicine to take effect. Continue applying the prescribed amount. (Do not increase the dosage; it may irritate your skin.)

Do not stop treatment when improvement finally occurs. You must continue therapy to maintain the beneficial effect.

--If you miss a dose...

Resume your regular schedule the next day.

--Storage instructions...

Store at ordinary room temperature. Do not freeze Renova.

What side effects may occur?

If you have sensitive skin, the use of Avita or Retin-A may cause your skin to become excessively red, puffy, blistered, or crusted. If this happens, notify your doctor, who may recommend that you discontinue the medication until your skin returns to normal, or adjust the medication to a level that you can tolerate.
An unusual darkening of the skin or lack of color of the skin may occur temporarily with repeated application of Avita or Retin-A.
Side effects of these medications are generally not severe and may include burning, dry skin, itching, peeling, redness, and stinging.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Retin-A during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
Do not use Renova or Avita during pregnancy or if there is a good chance that you will become pregnant.
It is not known whether the drug appears in breast milk. Use with caution when breastfeeding

Recommended dosage

Retin-A and Avita

Apply once a day in the evening.
You should begin to notice results after 2 to 3 weeks of treatment. More than 6 or 7 weeks of treatment are needed before consistent beneficial effects appear.
Once acne has responded satisfactorily, it may be possible to maintain the improvement with less frequent applications or other dosage forms. However, your doctor to determine your tolerance and response should closely monitor any change in formulation, drug concentration, or dose frequency.

Renova

Apply just enough to lightly cover the affected area once daily at bedtime. Do not apply more than the recommended amount; it will not improve results and may cause increased discomfort. You will see the most improvement during the first 24 weeks of therapy. After that, Renova will simply maintain the improvement. When therapy is stopped, the improvement will gradually diminish.

Overdosage

Applying Avita, Retin-A, or Renova excessively will not produce faster or better results, and marked redness, peeling, or discomfort could occur.

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