Retacnyl Cream (Tretinoin)

Retacnyl Cream (Tretinoin) contains the active ingredient tretinoin, which is a form of vitamin A used in the treatment of acne.

Garvan

Pharmacist - M.B.A. (Public Health) D.I.C.

Retacnyl Cream (Tretinoin)

What is it used for? Acne vulgaris. How does…

Garvan J. Lynch
MBA (Public Health)

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What is it used for?

  • Acne vulgaris.

How does it work?

  • Retacnyl Cream (Tretinoin) contains the active ingredient tretinoin, which is a form of vitamin A used in the treatment of acne.
  • It is not known exactly how tretinoin works, but it is thought to loosen the cells in the surface of the skin. This helps to unblock pores, so that the skin's natural oil producing glands can function normally.
  • In addition, tretinoin increases the turnover of the skin cells, which aids the natural exfoliation of the outer layers of skin. This also helps to unblock pores and decrease the formation of blackheads (comedones) and spots.
  • Retacnyl Cream (Tretinoin) is suitable for use on oily skin.
  • It may seem like your acne has got worse in the early weeks of treatment. This is due to the action of the medicine on deep, previously unseen blackheads and papules. It may take six to eight weeks before definite beneficial effects on the skin can be seen.

Warning!

  • This preparation is for external use on the skin only.
  • Clean and dry the affected area of skin thoroughly before applying this medicine. Use mild soap and pat rather than rub the skin dry. Using cotton wool, gauze, or clean fingertips, only apply enough medicine to cover the affected areas of skin lightly.
  • When you first start using this medicine it may cause temporary stinging or a feeling of warmth in the skin. When used correctly, it will usually make your skin slightly red, like mild sunburn. You shouldn't use the medicine any more frequently than directed by your doctor, as this won't make it any more effective or work any quicker. It may also make your skin very red or irritated or start peeling.
  • If you get any severe redness, swelling, itching, burning sensations, blistering, crusting or peeling of your skin after using the medicine, you should apply the medicine less frequently or stop using it temporarily. If the irritation persists you should stop using the medicine completely and consult your doctor.
  • Avoid getting this gel in contact with the eyes, eyelids, nostrils, mouth, mucous membranes (eg inside of the nose) and broken areas of skin. If you accidentally get the gel on these areas, carefully wash it off with water.
  • You can use cosmetics or moisturisers while using this medicine, but you should not apply them at the same time. Wash your skin thoroughly before applying the medicine. You can use cosmetics and moisturisers after the medicine has been absorbed into your skin.
  • Avoid exposure to sunlight, sunlamps or sunbeds while using this medicine, as it increases the sensitivity of your skin to UV light. If exposure to sunlight cannot be avoided, use protective measures such as sunscreens or protective clothing over the areas of skin you have treated with this medicine.
  • If your skin is sunburnt you should not use this medicine until your skin is fully recovered, as it may potentially cause severe irritation to the skin.
  • Weather extremes such as wind or cold may be irritating to the skin while you are using this medicine.

Use with caution in

  • Sensitive areas of skin such as the neck.

Not to be used in

  • Pregnancy.
  • Personal or family history of a tumour on the surface of the skin (cutaneous epithelioma).
  • Areas of skin affected by eczema.
  • Acne rosacea.
  • Inflammatory rash around the mouth (perioral dermatitis).

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it can be absorbed through the skin and may be harmful to the developing baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
  • It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution by women who are breastfeeding, and only if the potential benefits outweigh any potential risk to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

  • Dry skin.
  • Skin peeling.
  • Burning/stinging/warmth on application.
  • Skin redness.
  • Itching.
  • Rash.
  • Temporary changes in skin pigmentation.
  • Increased sensitivity of the skin to UV light (photosensitivity).
  • Skin blistering/crusting.
  • Eye irritation.
  • Fliud retention causing swelling (oedema).

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

The following should be used with caution while you are using Retacnyl Cream (Tretinoin), as they may increase the likelihood of drying or irritating your skin:

  • other medicines applied to the skin
  • medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers
  • soaps and cosmetics with a strong astringent or drying effect
  • products with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, lime or spices
  • preparations containing sulphur, resorcinol, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid or salicylic acid.
  • After using products that cause skin peeling, such as benzoyl peroxide, sulphur, azelaic acid or salicylic acid, you should let the skin rest until the effects of the peeling agent subside, before you start using Retin-A. If you alternate peeling treatments with Retin-A this may cause inflammation of the skin (contact dermatitis).

Ask your pharmacist for further advice.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1192/retin-a-topical/details

https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/tretinoin

https://www.drugs.com/cdi/retin-a-tretinoin-cream.html

https://www.rxlist.com/retin-a-drug.htm

https://www.mims.com/philippines/drug/info/retacnyl?type=full

 

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