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What is Tretinoin, ATRA skin gel (Atralin™ gel)?
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• eczema
• excessive sensitivity to the sun
• sunburn
• an unusual or allergic reaction to tretinoin, vitamin A, other medicines, fish, other foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should this medicine be used?
This medicine is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Gently wash your face with a mild, non-medicated soap before use. Pat the skin dry. Wait 20 to 30 minutes for your skin to dry before use in order to minimize the possibility of skin irritation. Apply enough medicine to cover the affected area and rub in gently. Avoid applying this medicine to your eyes, ears, nostrils, angles of the nose, and mouth. Do not use more often than your doctor or health care professional has recommended. Using too much of this medicine may irritate or increase the irritation of your skin, and will not give faster or better results.
Talk to your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What drug(s) may interact with Tretinoin, ATRA?
• medicines that increase your sensitivity to sunlight like tetracycline or sulfa drugs
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking Tretinoin, ATRA?
Do not wash your face more than 2 or 3 times a day, unless directed by your doctor or health care professional. Do not use the following products on the same areas that you are treating with this medicine, unless otherwise directed by your doctor or health care professional: other topical agents with a strong skin drying effect such as products with a high alcohol content, astringents, spices, the peel of lime or other citrus, medicated soaps or shampoos, permanent wave solutions, electrolysis, hair removers or waxes, or any other preparations or processes that might dry or irritate your skin.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths. Avoid cold weather and wind as much as possible, and use clothing to protect you from the weather. Skin treated with this medicine may dry out or get wind burned more easily.
What side effects may I notice from receiving Tretinoin, ATRA?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
• darkening or lightening of the treated areas
• severe burning, itching, crusting, or swelling of the treated areas
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• increased sensitivity to the sun
• itching
• mild stinging
• red, inflamed, and irritated skin, the skin may peel after a few days
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Keep away from heat and flame. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
