INTRODUCTION

A RET 0.05% GEL contains Tretinoin, which belongs to the group of medicines called Retinoids. It is used to treat acne. It can also be used to treat wrinkles, skin spots and rough skin. Acne is defined as a skin disease involving inflammation of the sebaceous follicles of the face and upper body, characterized by lesions on the face, back, upper chest and shoulders.

Before using A RET 0.05% GEL, inform your doctor if you have any sunburn, sun sensitivity or any other skin problems. A RET 0.05% GEL should be used in pregnancy only if specifically directed by your doctor. A RET 0.05% GEL should be used with caution in breastfeeding women.

The safety and effectiveness of A RET 0.05% GEL in children (aged less than 12 years) have not been established, so consult your doctor before using it. The most common side effect of using A RET 0.05% GEL is skin irritation like redness, burning, stinging, dryness and peeling. Contact your doctor if any of the side effects worsen.

USES OF A RET 0.05% GEL

• It is used to treat acne, wrinkles, skin spots and rough skin.

HOW A RET 0.05% GEL WORKS

A RET 0.05% GEL works by modifying the abnormal cavity formation that comes from the excessive conversion of cytoplasm to keratin (a strong protein that is the main substance that forms hair, skin, etc.) of epithelial cells, promoting detachment of tough cells and enhancing shedding.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Apply A RET 0.05% GEL as advised by your physician. It is for external use only. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending on your age, body weight and disease condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF A RET 0.05% GEL

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY

A RET 0.05% GEL should be used in pregnant women only if specifically directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor before using it.

BREASTFEEDING

A RET 0.05% GEL should be used with caution in breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before using it.

ALLERGY

Do not use A RET 0.05% GEL if you are allergic to Tretinoin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before using A RET 0.05% GEL, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• other medicines used to treat acne (Ex. benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid)
• medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers
• medicines containing high concentrations of alcohol, astringents or spices

B. Drug-Food interactions:

Avoid contact of the skin with the lime peel during treatment with A RET 0.05% GEL.

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally applied too much of A RET 0.05% GEL, contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of overdose include irritation or increased irritation of your skin.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep A RET 0.05% GEL out of reach of children
• Store below 25°C

FAQs ABOUT A RET 0.05% GEL

What if I accidentally swallow A RET 0.05% GEL?

A RET 0.05% GEL may be harmful if swallowed. If you accidentally swallow it, call your doctor or poison control centre right away.

What precautions should I take while using A RET 0.05% GEL?

Do not use A RET 0.05% GEL on sunburned skin, cuts, scrapes, eczema or damaged skin. Practice good skin care and avoid exposure to sunlight as you may get sunburned more easily. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear to protect your skin from the sun. Some weather conditions may irritate your skin. Talk with your doctor in such a case.

Can I use makeup during treatment with A RET 0.05% GEL?

You may use make-up during treatment with A RET 0.05% GEL unless your doctor has told you otherwise. Before using A RET 0.05% GEL, clean the area of treatment where you have applied makeup.

What if I forget to use a dose of A RET 0.05% GEL?

If you forget to use a dose of A RET 0.05% GEL, apply it as soon as you remember. However, omit the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not apply A RET 0.05% GEL twice to make up for a forgotten dose.

Can I use other skin preparations with A RET 0.05% GEL?

Do not use any other skin preparations with A RET 0.05% GEL without asking your doctor. Avoid preparations that may dry or irritate your skin, like those containing astringents, alcohol, spices or lime or certain medicated soaps, shampoos, etc. Do not allow anyone else to use this medication. Do not use other medicines containing retinoids which are not recommended by your doctor, as it might cause unnecessary redness or peeling.

REFERENCES

1. Barbara G. Wells, Joseph T. DiPiro, Terry L. Shwinghammer, Cecily V. DiPiro. Acne Vulgaris. Pharmacotherapy Handbook. Ninth edition. Page- 135.

2. Athina L. Yoham; Damian Casadesus. Tretinoin. StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. March 2022. [Accessed on 24th June 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557478/#:~:text=Mechanism%20of%20Action,-The%20exact%20mechanism&text=Tretinoin's%20effectiveness%20as%20an%20acne,cell%20detachment%20and%20enhances%20shedding

3. Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in June 2022] [Accessed on 24th June 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2002/16921s21s22s25lbl.pdf

4. DPT Laboratories. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in January 2012] [Accessed on 24th June 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/202567Orig1s000lbl.pdf

5. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Tretinoin. [Revised in June 2022] [Accessed on 24th June 2022] https://www.mskcc.org/pdf/cancer-care/patient-education/tretinoin-topical-01

AUTHOR DETAILS

Written By Dr. Dhivakaran R, BDS
Last updated on 16 Nov 2022 | 01:40 PM(IST)