What is Retin-A cream, liquid, or gel?
Retin-A is a naturally occurring form of vitamin A. It is applied to the skin to treat mild to moderate acne or to treat the effects of aging on the face, such as fine lines, wrinkles, or "age spots". Retin-A, cleared for marketing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on February 7, 1997, uses Advanced Polymer System's technologically advanced Microsponge system to deliver the maximum strength of the Tretinoin with minimal irritation.

What should I check before I use Retin-A?
Please verify if you have any of these conditions: eczema, excessive sensitivity to the sun, sunburn, an unusual or allergic reaction to Retin-A, vitamin A, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives, pregnant or trying to get pregnant, breast-feeding.

How should I use Retin-A?
Retin-A creams, liquids or gels are usually applied to the skin once a day before you go to bed, do not take these products by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label; do not use more often than your prescriber has recommended. Applying too much topical Retin-A may irritate or increase the irritation of your skin, and will not give faster or better results.

First gently wash your face with a mild, non-medicated soap before applying. Pat the skin dry. Avoid applying Retin-A products to your eyes, ears, nostrils, angles of the nose, and mouth. It is recommended that you use a facial moisturizer that will not irritate your acne and contains a sunscreen (at least SPF 15) every morning after you wash your face and apply the topical Retin-A. Discuss the proper use of moisturizers and cosmetics with your health care prescriber.

• Retin-A cream or gel:
  Wait 20-30 minutes for your skin to dry before applying in order to minimize the possibility of skin irritation. Squeeze about ½ inch or less on your finger. This amount should be enough to cover your entire face; however, after you have used the medicine for awhile you may find you need a little less or more. Cover the affected area lightly with the cream by first dabbing it on your forehead, chin, and both cheeks, then spreading over the entire affected area. Smooth gently into the skin. The medicine should become invisible almost immediately. If it is still visible or if dry flaking occurs from the gel within a minute or so, you are using too much.
  
  

• Retin-A liquid:
  Wait 20-30 minutes for your skin to dry before applying in order to minimize the possibility of skin irritation. The liquid may be applied to the skin where the acne lesions appear, spreading the medicine over the entire affected area using your fingertip, a guaze pad, or cotton swab. To avoid dripping the liquid onto areas that do not need treatment, do not soak the cotton or gauze.

What drug(s) may interact with Retin-A?
medicines or other preparations that may dry your skin such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid and medicines that increase your sensitivity to sunlight such as tetracycline or sulfa drugs.

On the questionaire needed to buy Retin-A online, inform of all skin preparations, (prescription and nonprescription) you are using. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from using Retin-A?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: darkening or lightening of the treated areas, severe burning, itching, crusting, or swelling of the treated areas.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): increased sensitivity to the sun, itching, mild stinging, red, inflamed, and irritated skin, the skin may peel after a few days.

What precautions should I take while taking Retin-A?
When used to reduce fine facial lines, you may not notice any improvements right away; it may take up to 4 months to see any effects. Retin-A does not remove wrinkles or repair sun-damaged skin. Retin-A may not work for everyone who uses it; it may work better for some than others.

Your acne may get worse during the first treatment period and should then start to improve. It may take 2 to 12 weeks before you see the full beneficial effect.

Retin-A can increase sensitivity of the skin to sun or UV light. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

Do not wash your face more than 2 or 3 times a day, unless told to by your prescriber or health care professional. Do not use the following products on the same areas that you are treating with Retin-A, unless otherwise directed by your prescriber or health care professional: other topical agents with a strong skin drying effect such as products with a high alcohol content, astringents, spices, the peel of lime or other citrus, medicated soaps or shampoos, permanent wave solutions, electrolysis, hair removers or waxes, or any other preparations or processes that might dry or irritate your skin. Consult your prescriber or healthcare professional before using these products.

Retin-A products can catch fire. Keep away from lighted matches, cigarettes and other naked flames.

Can I overdose with Retin-A?
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms of overdose may include excessive redness, peeling, and discomfort.

What if I miss a dose of Retin-A?
If you miss a dose, skip that dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not use extra doses, or use for a longer period of time than directed by your prescriber or health care professional. Use of too much Retin-A can cause skin irritation.

Where can I keep my Retin-A?
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the liquid and gel at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F), and the cream below 27 degrees F (80 degrees F); do not freeze. Keep away from heat and flame. Protect from light.