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RETIN-A
(TRETINOIN - TOPICAL)
Possible uses of this medication
Retin-A is used in the treatment of acne. It reduces the formation of
pimples and promotes quick healing of pimples that do develop.
How to take this medication
Patient instructions are available with Retin-A. Read them carefully
before using. Apply a thin layer of Retin-A to affected area at bedtime.
Wash hands immediately after use. Using this medication more frequently or
in excessive amounts does not improve the results, but may increase side
effects. Avoid applying near the eyes, mouth, or open cuts since this
medication can irritate sensitive skin. Acne may appear to worsen when the
medication is first used; continue therapy. It may take three to six weeks
before the full benefits of this medication are seen.
Side Effects
Immediately after applying, the skin may feel warm or mild stinging or
redness may occur. Some peeling of the skin may occur. These effects
should subside as your skin adjusts to Retin-A. If they persist or become
bothersome, inform your doctor. This medicine may also increase sun
sensitivity.
Precautions
This medication can increase sensitivity to sunlight, wind and cold. Avoid
prolonged exposure to the sun and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and
use an effective sunscreen. This medication should be used during
pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known if tretinoin appears in
breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Use mild soap when
washing your face. Do not wash face excessively. Abrasive soaps,
cleansers, medicated creams or lotions can increase skin irritation.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist about their use. Use other acne
preparations with caution while using this medication.
Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you take with and without a
prescription.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is
almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume
your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from sunlight. Keep this and all
medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
Cosmetics may be used, but clean skin thoroughly before applying the
medication.
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VANIQA Chemical Name:
EFLORNITHINE (eh-FLOOR-neh-theen)
Possible uses of this medication
Vaniqa is an enzyme inhibitor used topically to slow the growth of
unwanted facial hair in women. It does not remove hair.
How to take this medication
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor.
This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully.
Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have
about this medicine. Apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected
areas of the face and under the chin, at least 5 minutes after hair
removal (e.g., plucking, shaving). Rub in thoroughly. Do not wash the
treated area for at least 4 hours. Wait at least 8 hours between
applications of this medicine. Cosmetics or sunscreens may be applied
after the medicine has dried. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature (77
degrees F or 25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat
and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C)
is permitted. DO NOT FREEZE. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the
missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply 2
doses at once.
Side Effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include stinging,
burning, redness, tingling, rash of the skin; or hair bumps (folliculitis).
If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR
DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience bleeding skin, or swelling of the
face or lips. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Precautions
This medicine is not a dipilatory. You will need to continue your routine
method of hair removal while using this medicine. You may not see
improvement for the first month of use. If your symptoms do not improve or
become worse, check with your doctor. This medicine is not for use in
children under 12 years of age. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING
PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this
medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in
breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this
medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to
your baby.
Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you take with and without a
prescription.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. Do not "double-up" the amount used to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from sunlight. Keep this and all
medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
Do not share this medication with other people.
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