Retin-A

Retin-a (tretinoin) can be prescribed by your health care provider if you are suffering from acne and did not benefit from other methods of treatment. At the beginning of your treatment the condition of your skin may get worse – but that’s just because Retin-a is working properly. Make sure you carry on with the treatment and do not stop unless told so by your health care provider. When you start taking Retin-a there are a number of side effects that may occur due to the sensitivity of your skin or other factors: increase in acne sores, scaling skin, crusting of the skin, red skin, stinging, lightening or darkening of the skin, swelling or blistering, and warmth. If any of these side effects persist call your doctor and ask for professional advice. Due to some of these side effects you may not be able to take Retin-a – so an alternative may need to be found, while in other cases your skin may just need a break and then the treatment can be resumed. Inform your health care provider of a pregnancy or breastfeeding. The effects of Retin-a on unborn and nursing babies have not been properly studied, so it is not known whether it can harm an unborn baby.