Retin-A (Generic)

Generic Retin-A is used in the treatment of acne, most specifically concerning the appearance of blackheads, pimples and papules.

Use Generic Retin-A exactly as ordered by your doctor. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying this medication. Generic Retin-A is normally applied once every day at bedtime. Clean and dry the area of skin where you will apply the Generic Retin-A formula. Applying Generic Retin-A to wet skin may cause you skin irritation.

Do not wash or wet the treated area and avoid the use of any topical products for at least an hour after applying the Generic Retin-A medication. Do not apply Generic Retin-A to the eyes, ears, mouth, nostrils, mucous membranes, or any open sore or irritated skin areas. If you mistakenly apply medication to any of these areas, rinse it off with water. Application of an unnecessarily large amount of Generic Retin-A formula could result in pilling or lumping of the medication.

This does not mean the medication will not be less effective, but if pilling does occur, you should apply less cream at the next time of application. Generic Retin-A should be used as part of a full skin care and sun smartness plan that includes the use of sunscreen (minimum 15 SPF) and clothing that protects your body. Do not halt using Generic Retin-A even if you don't see much improvement in your skin's condition immediately. Generic Retin-A may take weeks or months before true improvement is visible. If you are using Generic Retin-A to treat acne, the acne could possibly worsen at first before the healing process begins.

Serious side effects are unlikely. Discontinue using Generic Retin-A and seek emergency medical help if you suffer an allergic reaction (swelling of the throat opening, lips, face or tongue, shortness of breath or skin hives). You may experience burning, warmth, tingling, itching, stinging, redness, swelling, dryness, peeling, or irritation of the skin while you are applying Generic Retin-A. If the side affects you experience are extreme, speak to your doctor. You may need to lower the dose or apply the cream less frequently. If you notice a skin color change, contact your doctor. Other side effects not listed here may also occur.

Due to the chances of skin irritation, it is recommended to start treatment on a small spot of your skin. Additional irritation could be caused by exposure to the sun or to ultraviolet light and it is best to avoid it as much as possible. Sunscreen should be used. During the first couple weeks of treatment, your skin may appear to worsen. This is a normal reaction because the formula is cleaning the skin from deep within at an accelerated rate. Generic Retin-A cream can increase sensitivity to cold and wind. If any ingredient listed could cause hypersensitivity, discontinue use.

Over applying Generic Retin-A will not quicken the process or produce faster results; it may cause even more redness, peeling, and discomfort. Over use with other retinoid creams have been linked to side effects such as headaches, facial flushing, celosias, abdominal pain, dizziness and ataxia.

Do not apply Generic Retin-A on skin that is sunburned, dry, wind burned, irritated or chapped. Avoid using this medication on wounds or on areas with eczema. Wait until these skin conditions have healed before applying Generic Retin-A. It is not confirmed whether Generic Retin-A will harm an unborn baby. It is highly recommended that you don't use Generic Retin-A while pregnant. Do not use Generic Retin-A without first discussing with your doctor if you are pregnant or thinking about pregnancy. Generic Retin-A transfers into breast milk.

Do not use Generic Retin-A without first speaking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding. If you previously treated your skin with keratolytic preparations or exfoliants, you should wait until your skin heals before starting even a low strength treatment of Retin-A. br />
Generic Retin-A almost always causes a bit of skin irritation. During the treatment of acne, irritation is directly related to the effectiveness of the formula and vanishes once the applications are more spaced out and regular. Makeup and cosmetics may be used, but clean the skin thoroughly before applying the Generic Retin-A cream.

Do not use Generic Retin-A without first discussing with your doctor if you are currently on any of the following medications listed: thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Esidrix, HydroDiuril, Microzide, Oretic), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), chlorothiazide (Diuril), metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn), indapamide (Lozol), among others; tetracycline antibiotics such as tetracycline (Panmycin, Sumycin, Robitet, others), minocycline (Minocin, Vectrin, Dynacin), doxycycline (Monodox, Vibra-Tabs, Vibramycin, Doryx), demeclocycline (Declomycin), among others; fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as sparfloxacin (Zagam), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), among others; sulfonamide antibiotics such as sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin), sulfamethoxazole (Gantanol), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Septra, Bactrim, Cotrim), among others; or a phenothiazine including prochlorperazine (Compazine), chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin, Permitil,), promethazine (Promethegan, Phenergan), perphenazine (Trilafon), among others. The medications listed above may boost skin sensitivity to UV rays from the sun or artificial light such as sunlamps. In general, Tretinoin should not be used at the same time with any of the medications listed above.

Do not apply products containing sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol or salicylic acid at the same time of using Generic Retin-A unless directed by your doctor. The combination of products could lead to extreme skin irritation. Avoid using products that could potentially increase skin irritation such as other skin medications; medicated or rough soaps or facial cleansers; permanent wave solutions; hair removers or hair waxes; electrolysis; products containing alcohol, astringents, spices, or lime; shampoos, cleansers or cosmetics that dry out skin easily; or other products that may potentially irritate your skin.

If you miss applying the cream, apply the missed dose as soon as you can remember. Do not apply double doses of Generic Retin-A.

Store Generic Retin-A medication at room temperature, between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C). Make sure the container is tightly closed. Keep away from heat and light and do not store in the bathroom. Keep Generic Retin-A cream out of reach of children and stored away from pets.