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INTRODUCTION
A RET HC CREAM contains Hydrocortisone, Hydroquinone, Tretinoin which belongs to the group of medicines called Corticosteroids, De-melanising agents, Retinoids respectively. It is used to treat moderate to severe skin hyperpigmentation conditions such as chloasma or melasma (brown patches on the face), freckles (small brown spots on the face) and senile lentigines or age spots (dark patches of skin on sun exposed areas such as on the face and back of the hands).
A RET HC CREAM is not recommended for use if you have bacterial infections like impetigo (red sores on the face), herpes simplex infection (viral infection with sores around mouth and genitals), chicken pox (viral infection with itchy blisters on face and body) or fungal infections. Consult your doctor before using it.
A RET HC CREAM is not recommended for use in pregnant and breast feeding women. A RET HC CREAM is also not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age. It should be used with caution in elderly people aged 65 years and above. Consult your doctor before using it.
The most common side effects of using A RET HC CREAM are pain, burning sensation, tenderness, redness, irritation or itching, skin peeling, stinging at application site and dry skin. Consult your doctor if any of the symptoms worsen.
USES OF A RET HC CREAM
To treat moderate to severe skin hyperpigmentation conditions such as:
- chloasma or melasma
- freckles
- senile lentigines
HOW A RET HC CREAM WORKS
A RET HC CREAM contains hydrocortisone, hydroquinone, tretinoin. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid which helps to reduce inflammation (burning, reddening, peeling etc) and Hydroquinone is a bleaching agent used to lighten the dark patches of your skin by interfering with the production of melanin (a substance that gives pigmentation). Tretinoin works by lightening the skin, replacing older skin cells with newer skin and slowing down the way the body removes skin cells that may have been harmed by the sun.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Apply A RET HC CREAM as advised by your physician. It is for external use only. Wash your hands before and after applying A RET HC CREAM. Apply a thin layer of this medicine over the affected area and gently massage on the affected area to help absorption into the skin. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth and mucous membranes.
SIDE EFFECTS OF A RET HC CREAM
COMMON
- pain
- burning sensation, tenderness
- redness, irritation or itching, skin peeling, stinging at application site
- dry skin
RARE
Stop using A RET HC CREAM and consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- allergic reactions such as rash, itchy skin, swelling of the lips, eyes, tongue or difficulty in breathing
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
Skin Rash Or Itching
Avoid hot bath because hot water can irritate your skin further. Do not scratch the affected area. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while going outside. Use unscented moisturizers to soothe and hydrate the affected area. Contact your doctor if the itching worsens.
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY
ContraindicatedA RET HC CREAM is not recommended for use in pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while using this medicine consult your doctor immediately.
BREASTFEEDING
ContraindicatedA RET HC CREAM is not recommended for use in breast feeding women. Consult your doctor before using A RET HC CREAM.
ALLERGY
ContraindicatedDo not use A RET HC CREAM if you are allergic to hydrocortisone, hydroquinone, trentinoin or any other ingredients of this medicine.
USE IN PEDIATRICS
ContraindicatedA RET HC CREAM is not recommended to use in children under 18 years of age as safety and efficacy have not been established. Consult your doctor before using A RET HC CREAM.
USE IN GERIATRICS
Use with CautionA RET HC CREAM should be used with caution in elderly people aged 65 years and above. Consult your doctor before using A RET HC CREAM.
OTHERS
A RET HC CREAM is not recommended for use if you have:
- impetigo (bacterial infection that causes red sores on the face)
- herpes simplex infection (viral infection with sores around mouth and genitals)
- chicken pox (viral infection with itchy blisters on face and body)
- athlete’s foot (fungal infection of feet)
- tinea or ringworm (fungal infection of the skin and scalp)
- thrush (fungal infection of the mouth)
- high sensitivity to sunlight
- sunburns
Before using A RET HC CREAM inform your doctor if you have:
- allergic skin reactions such as hives or urticaria
- conditions involving the deeper skin layers, such as granulomas
- psoriasis (long-term scaly skin condition)
- eczema
- or family history of skin cancer
- history of allergic reactions or photo allergy
INTERACTIONS
A. Drug – Drug interactions:
Before using A RET HC CREAM inform your doctor if you are taking the following medicines:
- thiazides (medicines used to treat blood pressure, heart failure) (Ex. chlorthalidone, indapamide)
- medicines used to treat infections (Ex. tetracyclines, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, sulfadiazine)
- phenothiazines (medicines used to treat emotional problems) (Ex. chlorpromazine, promazine)
- acne or skin preparations (Ex. sulphur, resorcinol, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally apply too much or ingested this medicine, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms include marked redness, peeling or discomfort may occur.
SYNOPSIS
| Drug | : | Hydrocortisone, Hydroquinone, Tretinoin |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Corticosteroids, de melanising agents, Retinoids |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Chloasma or melasma, freckles and senile lentigines |
| Dosage Forms | : | Cream |
MORE INFORMATION
- Keep A RET HC CREAM out of reach of children
- Store A RET HC CREAM in a cool and dark place. Do not freeze
FAQs ABOUT A RET HC CREAM
Q: Can I apply face creams after applying A RET HC CREAM?
A: Yes. You may use cosmetics one hour after applying A RET HC CREAM, but the areas to be treated should be cleansed thoroughly before the medication is applied again. Skin moisturizers should be used at least every morning to protect the treated areas from dryness.
Q: What precautions have to be taken while using A RET HC CREAM?
A: Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial sun lamps or UV light after applying A RET HC CREAM as it may cause repigmentation of bleached area. Use of sunscreen products and protective clothing over treated areas is recommended when exposure cannot be avoided. Consult your doctor for advice before using this medicine.
Q: Can I use A RET HC CREAM in pregnancy?
A: No. A RET HC CREAM is not recommended for use in pregnant women or planning to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while using this medicine, consult your doctor immediately.
Q: When is the right time to apply A RET HC CREAM?
A: Apply A RET HC CREAM as advised by your physician. It is for external use only. Wash your hands before and after applying A RET HC CREAM. Use at night time on affected area only or as directed by the physician. Apply a thin layer of this medicine over the affected area and gently massage on the affected area to help absorption into the skin. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth and mucous membranes.
Q: What If I forget to use A RET HC CREAM?
A: If you miss a treatment, apply the A RET HC CREAM as soon as you remember and apply the remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Consult your doctor for advice.
REFERENCES
1. K.D. Tripathi. Drugs Acting on Skin and Mucous Membranes. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Eight edition. 2019. Page – 954, 955.
2. Debabrata Bandyopadhyay . Topical treatment of melasma. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubMed Central. October - December 2009. [Accessed on 8th August 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2807702/
3. Ali Tariq Abd Al Hassan; Narjes Chyad Abdul-Zahra. Combination Therapy with Hydroquinone, Tretinoin and Steroid for Treatment of Melasma in Iraqi patients. karbala journal of pharmaceutical sciences. 2011. [Accessed on 8th August 2022] https://www.iraqjournals.com/article_36443_0.html
4. Schwartz, Chelsea, Arif Jan and Patrick M. Zito. Hydroquinone. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. StatPearls. [Revised in 8th May 2022] [Accessed on 8th August 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539693/
5. Pinewood Laboratories Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compodium (EMC) [Revised in August 2021] [Accessed on 8th August 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4600.pdf
6. Ortho Pharmaceuticals, United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). [Revised in July 2012] [Accessed on 8th August 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/021108s015lbl.pdf
7. Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. Tretinoin. [Revised in March 2017] [Accessed on 8th August 2022] https://www.obagi.com/sites/default/files/tretinoincream-pi.pdf
8. Hydroquinone Cream. Daily Med: National Library of Medicine: National Institute of Health. [Revised in October 2010] [Accessed on 8th August 2022] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=2e53471e-ad03-4d6b-9384-4af374bb5f74
9. Tretinoin Cream. Daily Med: National Library of Medicine: National Institute of Health. [Revised in August 2012] [Accessed on 8th August 2022] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=357ed7c9-6ffa-45b8-94be-4d440f5a1c22&type=display
10. GlaxoSmithKline Inc. Trentinoin [Revised on 9th February 2021] [Accessed on 8th August 2022] https://ca.gsk.com/media/6123/stieva-a.pdf
11. Melanorm- HC (Hydrocortisone + Hydroquinone + Tretinoin). Unimarck Healthcare Limited. [Accessed on 8th August 2022] https://unimarckpharma.com/ethical/hyperpigmentation/melanorm-hc/
AUTHOR DETAILS
Written By Dr. N. Sai Swaroop, Pharm.D
Last updated on 10 Feb 2023 | 06:25 PM(IST)
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