Brand Name

Retin-A Micro Gel {Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc}

Generic Name

tretinoin, pronounced TRET in oin

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Drug Guide

The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What is Retin-A Micro Gel?

Retin-A Micro Gel is a form of vitamin A that is prescribed to treat acne. Retin-A Micro Gel works by helping your skin to renew and heal.

Retin-A Micro Gel may also be used for reasons not stated in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Retin-A Micro Gel

While you are using Retin-A Micro Gel you should avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays such as sunlamps or tanning beds. The use of this medication can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and increase your risk of sunburn. You should use a sunscreen that is a minimum SPF 15 and wear protective clothing if you are exposed to the sun.

You should take care not to get Retin-A Micro Gel in your eyes, lips, mouth or nose. If you do get this medication on any of these areas wash it off with water right away.

Do not use Retin-A Micro Gel on areas of your skin that are chapped, irritated or have windburn.

You should avoid using Retin-A Micro Gel on areas of your skin that have eczema or an open wound.

Retin-A Micro Gel should be taken regularly as prescribed by your doctor. Weeks or months may be needed for you to notice a significant improvement in your acne. Your acne may initially get worse when you first begin using Retin-A Micro Gel. Contact your doctor if you get a severe skin irritation or if your acne does not show any signs of improvement within 8-12 weeks.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Retin-A Micro Gel is in FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known if Retin-A Micro Gel can affect your unborn baby. Retin-A Micro Gel is known to pass into breast milk. You should talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding and prescribed this medication.

Before You Take Retin-A Micro Gel

If you are allergic to tretinoin you should not take Retin-A Micro Gel.

You should avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays such as sunlamps or tanning beds while you are using Retin-A Micro Gel. The use of this medication can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight which increases your risk of sunburn. You should use a sunscreen that is a minimum SPF 15 and wear protective clothing if you are exposed to the sun

You should avoid using skin or hair products that can cause irritation, like certain skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals. Products with alcohol, astringents, lime or spices may also irritate your skin and should be avoided.

While using Retina-A Micro Gel your skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes like cold and wind. Take care to protect your skin when you are outdoors.

Retin-A Micro Gel Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• antibiotics like clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole) and telithromycin (Ketek)
• chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
• diuretics (water pills)
• fluphenazine (Permitil or Prolixin)
• perphenazine (Trilafon)
• prochlorperazine (Compazine)
• promethazine (Phenergan or Promethegan)
• sulfa drugs like Bactrim, Septra and Cotrim
• tetracycline medications like Sumycin, Panmycin, minocycline (Minocin), doxycycline (Doryx or Vibramycin) and demeclocycline (Declomycin)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Retin-A Micro Gel. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Retin-A Micro Gel

You should use Retin-A Micro Gel exactly as directed by your doctor. It is important that you do not use Retin-A Micro Gel in larger or smaller amounts, or for longer or shorter than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label and follow any dose changes carefully if your doctor instructs you to change your dose.

Retin-A Micro Gel should not be applied to wet skin as it may cause irritation.

You should wash your hands before and after applying Retin-A Micro Gel, and be sure to apply this medicine to clean, dry skin.

Do not wash the Retin-A Micro Gel treated area for at least 1 hour after applying it. You should also avoid using other skin products on the treated area for at least 1 hour.

You should avoid using an excessive amount of Retin-A Micro Gel as it may result in a “pilling” of this medication. If this does occur you should use a thinner layer of this medication on your next application.

If you miss a dose of Retin-A Micro Gel you should use this medication as soon as you remember. However, If it is almost time for your next application you should skip the missed dose. You should not apply extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

You should store Retin-A Micro Gel at room temperature and away from moisture and heat. The gel formulation of Retin-A Micro-Gel is flammable, so be sure to keep it away from an open flame.

Retin-A Micro Gel Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Retin-A Micro Gel and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, hives, or swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue

Less serious side effects of Retin-A Micro Gel may include:

• burning
• discoloration of skin
• dryness
• irritation
• itching
• peeling
• redness
• stinging
• swelling
• tingling
• warmth

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Retin-A Micro Gel. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Retin-A Micro Gel Description and Dosing

Retin-A Micro Gel is available in a 0.01% or a 0.025% gel.

You should consult your doctor for specific dosing pertaining to you. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Retin-A Micro Gel you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Retin-A Micro Gel

Retin-A Micro Gel is comprised of the main ingredient tretinoin. Retin-A Micro Gel

0.01% contains tretinoin 0.01%, hydroxypropyl cellulose, butylated hydroxytoluene and alcohol. The Retin-A Micro Gel 0.025% contains tretinoin 0.025%, hydroxypropyl cellulose, butylated hydroxytoluene and alcohol.

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.