Tretinoin: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Tretinoin is a topical retinoid medicine used primarily to treat acne vulgaris. It requires a prescription in the United Kingdom.

The cream, gel, and lotion formulations are applied directly to the skin, while an oral capsule form also exists. Tretinoin has been available as a generic medicine since 1998.

Tretinoin cream is indicated for topical application in the treatment of acne vulgaris. It works on acne lesions that appear on the skin. The safety and efficacy of long-term use of this product in the treatment of other disorders have not been established.

During the early weeks of therapy, an apparent worsening of inflammatory lesions may occur. This is due to the action of the medication on deep, previously unseen lesions and should not be considered a reason to discontinue therapy. Therapeutic results should be noticed after two to three weeks, but more than six weeks of therapy may be required before definite beneficial effects are seen.

Tretinoin is a retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A. It works by affecting the growth and turnover of skin cells. In acne treatment, tretinoin helps to unblock pores by promoting the shedding of old skin cells and preventing the formation of new blockages.

This action brings deep acne lesions to the surface more quickly and helps prevent new lesions from forming. The medication also reduces inflammation associated with acne.

By normalising the skin cell cycle, tretinoin helps keep pores clear and reduces the environment in which acne-causing bacteria thrive. The effects are gradual, and improvement builds over weeks of consistent use.

The label lists cream formulations at 0.2 mg/g, 0.25 mg/g, 0.5 mg/g, and 1 mg/g. Gel formulations are listed at 0.05 g/100 g, 0.1 mg/g, 0.25 mg/g, 0.4 mg/g, 0.5 mg/g, 0.6 mg/g, 0.8 mg/g, and 1 mg/g. A lotion at 0.5 mg/g is also listed, along with a 10 mg oral capsule.

Tretinoin cream is typically applied once a day, before retiring, to the skin where acne lesions appear, using enough to cover the entire affected area lightly. In cases where it has been necessary to temporarily discontinue therapy or to reduce the frequency of application, therapy may be resumed or frequency of application increased when patients become able to tolerate the treatment. Once acne lesions have responded satisfactorily, it may be possible to maintain improvement with less frequent applications.

The label describes tretinoin cream as applied once a day, before retiring. If a dose is missed, the general approach is to resume the regular schedule the following evening.

In cases where it has been necessary to temporarily discontinue therapy or to reduce the frequency of application, therapy may be resumed or frequency of application increased when patients become able to tolerate the treatment. Patients should not apply extra medication to make up for a missed application, as excessive use can cause marked redness, peeling, or discomfort.

Oral tretinoin has been shown to be teratogenic in rats, mice, hamsters, and subhuman primates. In animal studies, topical tretinoin has generated equivocal results, with evidence for teratogenicity in some species at certain doses. Thirty human cases of temporally associated congenital malformations have been reported during two decades of clinical use, including five reports of the rare birth defect holoprosencephaly, although no definite pattern of teratogenicity and no causal association have been established.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Tretinoin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should discuss this medicine with their doctor or pharmacist.

The label lists storage below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The product should be kept in its original container to maintain quality. Like most topical medicines, tretinoin formulations should be stored away from excessive heat and light.

Keep the tube or bottle tightly closed when not in use. Store the medicine out of the reach of children.