This combination product is used to treat acne. It may
decrease the number and severity of acne pimples and help quick healing of
pimples that do develop. Tretinoin belongs to a class of medications called
retinoids. It works by affecting the growth of skin cells. Benzoyl peroxide
can stop the growth of acne-causing bacteria as well as causing the skin to
dry and peel.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Wash your hands before applying this medication. Gently
clean the affected skin with a mild or soapless cleanser and pat dry. Use
your fingertips to apply a small amount of medication (about the size of a
pea) in a thin layer as directed by your doctor, usually once
daily.
Use this medication on the skin only. Do not apply to
the lips or inside the nose/mouth. Do not apply to cut, scraped, sunburned,
or eczema-affected skin.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this
medication gets into your eyes, flush with large amounts of water. Call
your doctor if eye irritation develops. Wash your hands after using the
medication to avoid accidentally getting it in your eyes.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not
apply large amounts of this medication, use it more often, or use it for
longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and
your risk of side effects will increase.
Benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair or fabrics. Use this
product carefully, and avoid contact with hair, clothing, and
furnishings.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse
Redness, dryness, itching, peeling, or mild burning/pain
at the application site may occur. A moisturizer may help reduce these side
effects. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- blistering/crusting of the skin
- severe burning/swelling of the skin
- skin discoloration
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide; or if you
have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients,
which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your
pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun.
Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use
sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor
right away if you get sunburned or have skin
blisters/redness.
Avoid electrolysis, waxing, and chemical depilatories
for hair removal on the treated areas while using this
product.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and
benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug
is:
Avoid using other skin products that are harsh,
irritating, or drying on the treated area. These products include hair
perming solutions, alcohol/lime/menthol-containing products (such as
astringents, toners, shaving lotion), medicated or abrasive soaps or
cleansers, soaps and cosmetics with a strong drying effect (such as alpha
hydroxy acids, glycolic acid), and products containing sulfur, resorcinol,
or salicylic acid.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Discard
product 12 weeks after receiving from pharmacy or 60 days after opening,
whichever is sooner. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.