Retinova (discontinued in the UK)

How does it work?

Retinova cream contains the active ingredient tretinoin, which is a form of vitamin A. It is used to treat skin that has been damaged by long-term overexposure to the sun (photodamage).

Photodamage is not the same as normal skin ageing. It is caused by exposure of the skin to the sun's rays over many years, particularly areas such as the face, neck and arms that are exposed most. The sun damage changes the structure of the skin, leading to fine wrinkles, roughness of the skin and the appearance of brown spots on the skin.

It is not fully understood how tretinoin works in treating photodamaged skin. However, it has been shown to increase the production of important proteins in the skin, such as collagen, and to produce other changes in the structure of the skin. It also increases the turnover of the skin cells, which aids the natural exfoliation of the outer layers of skin.

The cream should be applied to the affected areas of skin once daily at night.

It can take three to four months of treatment before you start to notice an improvement in fine wrinkles, brown spots and roughness. It may take six months before definite beneficial effects on the skin can be seen.

Once the maximum benefit in your skin is seen you will need to keep using this medicine to maintain the effects, otherwise they will diminish over time. The cream should be used less frequently, eg one to three times a week, to maintain the benefit.

What is it used for?

Reducing brown spots, roughness and fine wrinkling of skin damaged by chronic sun exposure.

Warning!

This preparation is for external use only.

Clean and dry the affected area of skin thoroughly before applying this medicine. Use mild soap and pat rather than rub the skin dry. Using cotton wool, gauze, or clean fingertips, only apply enough medicine to cover the affected areas of skin lightly.

When you first start using this medicine it may cause temporary stinging or a feeling of warmth in the skin. When used correctly, it will usually make your skin slightly red, like mild sunburn. You shouldn't use the medicine any more frequently than directed by your doctor, as this won't make it any more effective or work any quicker. It may also make your skin very red or irritated or start peeling.

If you get any severe redness, swelling, itching, burning sensations, blistering, crusting or peeling of your skin after using the medicine, you should apply the medicine less frequently or stop using it temporarily. If the irritation persists you should stop using the medicine completely and consult your doctor.

Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes, eyelids, nostrils, mouth, mucous membranes (eg linings of the nose) and broken areas of skin. If you accidentally get the medicine on these areas, carefully wash it off with water.

You can use cosmetics or moisturisers while using this medicine, but you should not apply them at the same time. Wash your skin thoroughly before applying the medicine. You can use cosmetics and moisturisers after the medicine has been absorbed into your skin.

Avoid exposure to sunlight, sunlamps or sunbeds while using this medicine, as it increases the sensitivity of your skin to UV light. If exposure to sunlight cannot be avoided, for example due to your job, use protective measures such as sunscreens or protective clothing (eg long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats) over the areas of skin you have treated with this medicine.

If your skin is sunburnt you should not use this medicine until your skin is fully recovered, as it may potentially cause severe irritation to the skin.

Weather extremes such as wind or cold may be irritating to the skin while you are using this medicine.

Not to be used in

Children

Pregnancy

Areas of skin affected by eczema

Personal or family history of a tumour on the surface of the skin (cutaneous epithelioma).

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it can be absorbed through the skin and may be harmful to the developing baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution by women who are breastfeeding, and only if the potential benefits outweigh any potential risk to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Dry skin

Skin peeling

Burning/stinging/warmth on application

Skin redness

Itching

Rash

Temporary changes in skin pigmentation

Increased sensitivity of the skin to UV light (photosensitivity)

Skin blistering/crusting

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Check with your pharmacist or doctor before using other medicines (including those bought without a prescription) on your skin while you are using this one.

The following should be used with caution while you are using Retinova, as they may increase the likelihood of drying or irritating your skin:

other medicines applied to the skin

medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers

soaps and cosmetics with a strong astringent or drying effect

products with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, lime or spices

preparations containing sulphur, resorcinol, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid or salicylic acid.

After using products that cause skin peeling, such as benzoyl peroxide, sulphur, azelaic acid or salicylic acid, you should let the skin rest until the effects of the peeling agent subside, before you start using Retinova.

Ask your pharmacist for further advice.

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