This medication is used to treat acne. It may decrease
the number and severity of acne pimples and speed up healing of pimples
that do develop. Trifarotene belongs to a class of medications called
retinoids. It works by affecting the growth of cells and decreasing
swelling and inflammation.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using trifarotene and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Use this medication as directed by your doctor, usually
once daily in the evening. Before using, gently clean the affected skin
with a mild or soapless cleanser and pat dry.
Wash your hands before and after applying this
medication. Apply a small amount of medication in a thin layer on the
affected area(s).
Use this medication on the skin only. Avoid getting this
medication in your eyes or on your lips. Do not apply to the inner lip area
or inside the nose/mouth. If this medication gets in your eyes, flush with
large amounts of water. Call your doctor if eye irritation develops. Do not
apply to cut, scraped, or sunburned areas, or to skin affected by eczema (a
skin condition).
When you begin using this medication, you should also
apply a moisturizer on your skin as often as needed to help lessen skin
irritation (see also Side Effects section).
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 use
a larger amount or use it more often than directed. Your skin will not
improve any faster, and your risk of developing side effects (such as
redness, peeling, or pain) will increase.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Skin redness, dryness, scaling, itching, or mild
stinging/burning commonly occur, especially during the first 4 weeks of
using this medication. These effects usually lessen with continued use.
Apply moisturizer on your skin as often as needed to lessen side effects.
If any of these effects lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly. Your doctor may direct you to use trifarotene less often, or
temporarily or permanently stop using it.
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:
- very red/irritated skin
- eye redness and watering (conjunctivitis)
- eyelid swelling
- 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 trifarotene, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or to vitamin A-related drugs (other retinoids
such as tretinoin); 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.
If you have recently used products containing sulfur,
resorcinol, or salicylic acid, use trifarotene with caution. Wait until the
effects of such products on the skin have decreased before using
trifarotene.
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.
See also Precautions section.
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.
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.
Cosmetics may be used, but clean skin thoroughly before
applying the medication.
Some cosmetics and soaps may worsen your acne. When
buying cosmetics, moisturizers or other skin care products, check the label
for "non-comedogenic" or "non-acnegenic." These products are unlikely to
worsen your acne. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which products are safe to
use. Remember, acne is not caused by dirt. Cleaning your skin too hard or
too often can irritate your skin and make acne worse.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
you don't remember until the next day, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. 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.