Retin-A (Tretinoin Topical) - Summary

RETIN-A SUMMARY

Retin-A^®
(tretinoin)
Cream · Gel · Liquid

RETIN-A Gel, Cream and Liquid, containing tretinoin are used for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. RETIN-A Gel contains tretinoin (retinoic acid, vitamin A acid) in either of two strengths, 0.025% or 0.01% by weight, in a gel vehicle of butylated hydroxytoluene, hydroxypropyl cellulose and alcohol (denatured with tert- butyl alcohol and brucine sulfate) 90% w/w. RETIN-A (tretinoin) Cream contains tretinoin in either of three strengths, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.025% by weight, in a hydrophilic cream vehicle of stearic acid, isopropyl myristate, polyoxyl 40 stearate, stearyl alcohol, xanthan gum, sorbic acid, butylated hydroxytoluene, and purified water. RETIN-A Liquid contains tretinoin 0.05% by weight, polyethylene glycol 400, butylated hydroxytoluene and alcohol (denatured with tert- butyl alcohol and brucine sulfate) 55%.

RETIN-A is indicated for topical application in the treatment of acne vulgaris. The safety and efficacy of the long-term use of this product in the treatment of other disorders have not been established.

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RETIN-A NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Retin-A (Tretinoin Topical)

A randomized controlled trial of the efficacy and safety of a fixed triple combination (fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05%) compared with hydroquinone 4% cream in Asian patients with moderate to severe melasma. [2008.09]

A novel gel formulation of clindamycin phosphate-tretinoin is not associated with acne flaring. [2008.08]

Comparative evaluation of beneficiary effects of priming agents (2% hydroquinone and 0.025% retinoic acid) in the treatment of melasma with glycolic acid peels. [2008.08]

A randomized controlled trial of the efficacy and safety of a fixed triple combination (fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05%) compared with hydroquinone 4% cream in Asian patients with moderate to severe melasma. [2008.06.28]

Efficacy and safety of oral alitretinoin (9-cis retinoic acid) in patients with severe chronic hand eczema refractory to topical corticosteroids: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial. [2008.04]

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RETIN-A PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Retin-A review by 25 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Highly Effective
Side effects:		Moderate Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		Acne
Dosage & duration:		0.5% (dosage frequency: every evening) for the period of One year
Other conditions:		Acne, enlarged pores, rough skin texture
Other drugs taken:		None
		Reported Results
Benefits:		My acne has completely dminished...i have the occasional break-out, but on a an everyday consistent basis i am now acne-free due to Retin-A! It helps to take a break while using it because your skin will become used to it, however after a few weeks off, the effects are just as wondederful to your skin as when you first began.
Side effects:		Peeling, dryness, sun sensitivity
Comments:		I applied a small amount of Retin-A every evening before bed and washed if off in the morning. If you are able to get through the initial stage which includes the side effects (peeling, dry skin, redness, irritation, and sun sensitivity) your skin will emerge better looking and healthier in the end.

Retin-A review by 48 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Considerably Effective
Side effects:		Moderate Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		skin agind, sun damage
Dosage & duration:		cream applied to face and neck nightly (dosage frequency: daily) for the period of 10 yrs
Other conditions:		none
Other drugs taken:		noe
		Reported Results
Benefits:		My skin definitely looks smoother and firmer than it actually did when I was 38 and started on the Retin A.
Side effects:		I had alot of peeling in the begining and redness.
Comments:		I started out with the lowest does and gradually went to the highest. Now I don't have any reaction from it.

Retin-A review by 49 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Moderately Effective
Side effects:		Mild Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		adult acne
Dosage & duration:		0.05% (dosage frequency: once a day at night) for the period of using for over 10 years
Other conditions:		allergies, joint pain in knees
Other drugs taken:		none
		Reported Results
Benefits:		After weeks of use, I did see a considerable decrease in pimples on my face. Being in my 40's, I saw a benefit in my skin tone also.
Side effects:		The cream is very drying, despite putting a moisturizer on after it. In the winter, I sometimes cannot use it on a daily basis since my skin will peel. In addition, I have to make sure the cream goes no where near my eye area, since my eyes will tear the next day if the cream gets within 1 inch from my eye. The cream makes a person more sun sensitive also; however, I always wear a 45 sunscreen. I cannot use on my neck since I got a rash every time I tried. The side effects are far less than any of the oral medications my dermatologist tried with me.
Comments:		After washing my face and allowing it to dry, I apply the Retin-A in small amounts over my cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. I use it every night, except when my skin is peeling too much from use. Then I either switch to every other night, or put a moisturizer on first (incidentally, my dermatologist said the Retin-A should be put on first, under the moisturizer). I rarely ever get pimples in the areas I use the product. Even though there are some side effects, the benefits outweigh that.