What is the dosage and how should it be used?
It is important to use tretinoin topical exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Using more medicine or applying it more often than prescribed will not make it work any faster, and may increase side effects. Therefore, do not use this medication for longer than your doctor has prescribed.
Wash your hands before and after applying tretinoin. Before applying, clean and dry the skin area to be treated. If not, applying tretinoin topical to wet skin may cause skin irritation. If you use Renova®, wait at least 20 minutes after washing your face before applying a thin layer of the medication.
Do not wash the treated area for at least 1 hour after applying tretinoin topical.Also, try to avoid the use of other skin products on the treated area for at least 1 hour following application of tretinoin.
Applying an excessive amount of tretinoin gel may result in "pilling" of the medication. If this occurs, use a thinner layer of gel with the next application.
Furthermore, tretinoin topical should be used as part of a complete skin care program that includes avoiding sunlight and using an effective sunscreen and protective clothing.
Use this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you think it is not working. It may take several weeks or months of tretinoin topical use before you notice improvement in your skin. If you are using tretinoin to treat acne, your condition may get slightly worse for a short time when you first start using the medication. Call your doctor if skin irritation becomes severe or if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks.
Why is this medication prescribed?
What special precautions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?