Tretinoin Gel Generic: Uses, Dosage, Side-Effects, Warning

If battling acne has become a daily frustration, and you are searching for a treatment that won’t irritate your skin, Tretinoin gel is the solution. Tretinoin gel is a vitamin A derivative (retinol) formulation. Tretinoin gel generic is a topical retinoid ( vitamin-A) mainly prescribed for topical application in treating acne vulgaris.

Tretinoin gel uses

Tretinoin gel is a topical medicament used to treat acne vulgaris. Acne vulgaris is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles plug with oil and dead skin cells. It belongs to a class of drugs called retinoids. It works by affecting the growth of skin cells and thus provides quick healing of pimples by reducing the number and severity of acne pimples on the skin. Tretinoin gel is also helpful in reducing fine wrinkles and mottled/discolored skin. It also helps make skin smoother.

Tretinoin gel generic

Many people have started opting for the generic version of medicines to save more. The efficacy and results of generic medicines are the same as those of brand medicines. Tretinoin gel comes in many generic and brand options in single and combination forms. Some of them are listed here for your ease:

Retino A cream
• A Ret gel
• Supatret gel
• Revize Microgel
• Treticon cream
• Tretin cream

Tretinoin in combination formulation include:

• Tri-Luma cream
• Clearz Max cream
• Melamet cream
• Skin Lite

How to use Tretinoin gel?

Before applying Tretinoin gel or cream, wash your hands properly. Gently clean the affected area with a mild cleanser and pat dry. Use your fingertip to apply this medicine in a thin layer or as directed by your dermatologist. If you are confused, read the patient information leaflets. You should not use this gel if it is not prescribed; always consult and follow your doctor’s instructions while using this medication for safe usage.

Dosage

Tretinoin gel and cream formulation have many strengths. Your dermatologist will prescribe the right dosage to you, considering your skin condition. This gel is to be applied once a day, before bed in the evening or at night, to the skin where acne lesions appear. Use enough quantity to cover the affected area with a thin layer. After applying this gel, some may experience a transitory feeling of warmth or slight stinging. If irritation persists, discontinue the use for some time and resume slowly with less amount and less frequency when you become able to tolerate the treatment or take the guidance and follow the instructions of your dermatologist while applying to this gel.

Initially, due to the medication’s action on deep, previously unseen lesions, there may be a possibility of worsening inflammatory lesions; in this case, do not discontinue the therapy. If there is any confusion, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. Visible results may start appearing after 2 to 3 weeks of continuous usage, and it may take around six weeks to deliver beneficial results, so stay committed to this medication for beneficial results.

Side effects of Tretinoin gel

Tretinoin gel is a topical ointment and should be used only on the skin. It is an approved medication that is mostly safe to use; still, there might be a possibility of having some side effects, such as;

• Hives
• Difficulty in breathing
• Swelling of face
• Severe burning, stinging.
• Irritation and itching in the treated area
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, eye pain
• Headache or confusion
• Sudden dizziness
• High fever, sweating.

If any of the symptoms mentioned above worsen or persist longer, consult your dermatologist as soon as possible.

Warning and precautions

Precautions:

In general, some points are important to remember as precautions while using this formulation, and  they include:

• Stop using this medication and consult your dermatologist if any adverse reaction shows sensitivity or chemical irritation.
• Avoid going into direct sunlight while using this product; exposure to sunlight may cause sunburn.
• It should not be used by a patient who is pregnant or a breastfeeding mother without consulting a doctor.
• Do not allow anyone else to use this medication.
• Use this medication on a clean and dry area. Always remember to remove makeup while applying this gel.
• Maintain hygiene while using this medication. Always remember to wash your hands properly before and after applying this medication.
• After use, close the lid tightly.
• Do not apply on lesions that are bloody and bruised.
• Store this formulation in a cool and dry place

Warning

• GELS ARE FLAMMABLE Note: keep this gel away from heat and flame.
• Avoid using tretinoin gel in patients below 12 years of age; its safety and efficacy have not been established.
• Do not use this medication without consulting a dermatologist; it may lead to some serious adverse effects.