What is Generic Retin-A?
Generic Retin-A is a derivative of Vitamin A and is the treatment of choice for comedonal acne, or whiteheads and blackheads. It works by increasing skin cell turnover promoting the extrusion of the plugged material in the follicle. It also prevents the formation of new comedones. Retin-A is also the only topical medication that has been proven to improve wrinkles.
What is Generic Retin-A used for?
Generic Retin-A is typically prescribed for the following reasons:
- Acne: Retin-A brings acne plugs (blockages) to the surface causing blackheads to be dislocated. The blackheads are then discarded from the skin during cleansing. Retin-A can help control acne breakouts as well.
- Hyperpigmentation: The ingredients in Retin-A can help sun-damaged skin, including age discoloration spots and light freckling.
- Poor Skin Texture: The increased exfoliation process from Retin-A removes dead cells and stimulates new skin cells to improve the texture of the skin.
- Preparation for Other Procedures: Retin-A is commonly used to prepare the skin for procedures such as laser skin resurfacing and facial surgeries. The medication may be continued after a procedure to assist in recovery as well.
Generic Retin-A Facts
Active Ingredients: tretinoin.
Other Ingredients: purified water, carbomer 974P (0.04% formulation), carbomer 934P (0.1% formulation), glycerin, disodium EDTA, propylene glycol, sorbic acid, PPG-20 methyl glucose ether distearate, cyclomethicone and dimethicone copolyol, benzyl alcohol, trolamine, and butylated hydroxytoluene.
Class and Mechanism: Generic Retin-A is a derivative of vitamin A. Topical Retin-A is used in the treatment of mild to moderate acne and on skin that has been damaged by excessive exposure to the sun. Retin-A irritates the skin and causes the cells of the skin to grow (divide) and die more rapidly, that is, it increases the turnover of cells. The number of layers of cells in the skin actually is reduced. In patients with acne, new cells replace the cells of existing pimples, and the rapid turnover of cells prevents new pimples from forming. By a similar mechanism, Retin-A can reduce some wrinkles, areas of darkened skin, and rough areas of skin, all of which occur in sun-damaged skin. In patients with sun-damaged skin, improvements in the skin usually are seen within the first 3 to 4 weeks of treatment. Brown spots begin to fade after six to eight weeks. Wrinkles decrease or disappear after three to six months. Following application to the skin, a minimal amount of drug is absorbed into the body. The FDA approved topical Retin-A in 1971.
Generic Retin-A Storage
Keep out of the reach of children. Store the liquid and gel at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F), and the cream below 27 degrees F (80 degrees F); do not freeze. Keep away from heat and flame. Protect from light.
How to take Generic Retin-A?
You should wash your face twice a day with a mild non-soap cleanser. Pat skin dry with a towel. Let your face dry for 10-15 minutes before applying Generic Retin-A. Apply one pea size drop to the face each night before bed; do not get the medication into your eyes. One pea size drop should be enough to cover the entire face.
Apply a moisturizer containing a sunscreen of 15 or higher to the skin each morning or an alpha hydroxyacid preparation. This will help counteract the dryness and scaling. Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest.
If the skin becomes too red and dry, decrease the application of Retin-A to every other night or even every third night.
If you plan to have hair removed by waxing, especially of the upper lip, stop the Retin-A 3-4 weeks prior to the treatment. Otherwise, you may be left with a sore area, which could heal with a brown spot.
If OVERDOSE: If it causes an abnormal irritation, redness, blistering, or peeling of the skin, notify your doctor. He may suggest that you use the medication less frequently, discontinue use temporarily, or discontinue use altogether. If a severe sensitivity reaction or chemical irritation occurs, you will probably need to stop using the drug and notify your doctor.
What to do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, skip that dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not use extra doses, or use for a longer period of time than directed by your prescriber or health care professional. Use of too much Retin-A can cause skin irritation.
Who should not take Generic Retin-A?
If you have been previously treated with keratolytic preparations or exfoliants, you should wait until any skin rash clears up before beginning even low strength treatment. Studies of the effect of this product on pregnant women are incomplete. For this reason, it should only be applied when absolutely necessary and always under a doctor's supervision. The effectiveness of Retin-A is almost always accompanied by skin irritation. In the treatment of acne, this phenomenon is directly related to the effectiveness of the product and disappears once applications are more spaced out. Cosmetics may be used, but clean skin thoroughly before applying the medication.
What side effects may occur?
Following the application of Retin-A to the skin, there often is local inflammation. This reaction disappears when treatment is stopped. Mild stinging or a sensation of warmth also can occur when applying Retin-A. Dryness, scaling, and redness occur frequently. If severe redness, vesicles or crusting develops, a physician should be notified immediately and tretinoin stopped. It may be possible to restart therapy with a lower concentration.
Some patients using Retin-A develop an increased sensitivity to develop sunburn (photosensitivity). Therefore, it is advisable to avoid exposing treated areas of the skin to excessive sunlight or UV lamps to reduce the risk of severe sunburn.
Generic Retin-A Drug Interactions
Do not use Retin-A if you are taking other drugs that increase sensitivity to sunlight. These include: Certain antibiotics, including Cipro, Noroxin, and tetracycline; major tranquilizers such as Thorazine and Mellaril; sulfa drugs such as Bactrim and Septra; thiazide drugs (water pills) such as Diuril and HydroDIURIL
If these medications are used with certain other drugs, the effects could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Retin-A with the following: preparations containing benzoyl peroxide, such as Benzac AC Wash 5, Benzshave Desquam-E, PanOxyl; preparations containing sulfur (ointments and other preparations used to treat skin disorders and infections); resorcinol (a drug, used in ointments to treat acne, that causes skin to peel); salicylic acid (a drug that kills bacteria and fungi and causes skin to peel).
Caution should be exercised when using Retin-A in combination with other topical medications: medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers; soaps and cosmetics that have a strong drying effect; products with high concentrations of alcohol; astringents; spices or lime (especially the peel); permanent wave solutions; electrolysis; hair depilatories or waxes; other preparations that may dry or irritate the skin.
Additional Information
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.