Retin-A Micro (Tretinoin)

Do’s

• Wash your hands thoroughly before applying the medication.
• Cleanse the affected area with a gentle cleanser and pat it completely dry.
• Apply a pea-sized amount of the gel in a thin layer to the affected area, once daily at bedtime (unless your healthcare provider instructs differently).
• Use a gauze pad or cotton swab for application (if applicable).
• Follow the specific instructions on the label or consult your healthcare provider if unsure about waiting time after cleansing.
• Use the medication only on your skin and avoid these areas: inner lips, nose, mouth, cuts, scrapes, sunburns, and eczema.
• Be very cautious around the eyes. Rinse thoroughly with water if the medication gets in your eyes.
• Use the medication consistently to see results.

Don'ts

• Don't apply the medication to your eyes, nose, mouth, or inner lip area.
• Don't use Retin-A Micro on broken, sunburned, or irritated skin.
• Don't increase the dosage or use it more often than prescribed. This won't improve results faster and might cause irritation.
• Don't stop using the medication abruptly if you've been on it for a long time. Talk to your healthcare provider first.
• Don't expect immediate results. It can take 8-12 weeks to see improvement with Retin-A Micro.

Common side effects:

• Skin irritation, including dryness, redness, swelling, and blistering
• Skin burning and itching
• Exfoliation of skin
• Stinging of the skin
• Localized warm feeling
• Mild erythema of the skin
• Nausea
• Anorexia
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Cough
• Digestive disorders
• Muscle weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Changes in the shape or location of body fat
• Blurred vision
• Flushed, dry skin
• Fruit-like breath odor
• Chills
• Dry mouth
• Immune system effects, such as fever, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, cough, and non-healing skin sores
• Craving for opioids
• Sweating
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Goosebumps
• Body aches
• Shaking
• Muscle twitching
• Trouble sleeping
• Feeling anxious, depressed, fearful, restless, or uneasy

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat
• Unexplained weight loss
• Severe tiredness
• Muscle aches/weakness that doesn't go away
• Severe or persistent headaches
• Joint pain
• Numbness/tingling of the hands/feet/arms/legs
• Vision changes
• Signs of infection (such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, trouble breathing, cough, non-healing skin sores)
• Signs of an overactive thyroid (such as irritability, nervousness, heat intolerance, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat)
• Liver problems: swelling around the midsection, right-sided upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Bone marrow problems lead to anemia and affect the immune system
• Lactic acidosis (build-up of lactic acid in the blood) together with an enlarged liver
• Overdose symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Retin a micro,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Tell your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, especially to tretinoin, other retinoid medications, or any of the inactive ingredients (which may include fish proteins).

Inform your healthcare provider of your medical history, particularly eczema.

Retin-A Micro Gel can increase sun sensitivity. Limit sun exposure, and avoid tanning booths and sunlamps.

Use sunscreen daily and wear protective clothing outdoors.

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience sunburn or skin irritation.

Don't use hair removal methods like electrolysis, waxing, or chemical depilatories on the treated area while using this product.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you use, including Retin-A Micro Gel.

Retin-A Micro Gel should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary due to potential harm to the unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. It is unknown if Retin-A Micro Gel passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.