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Tretinoin and Side Effects

A Skin Treatment to Handle with Care

Aug 3, 2009 Michele Kadison

Tretinoin is a prescription drug created to treat acne and premature aging of the skin. Tretinoin is generally tolerated well when proscribed by an accredited physician.

Tretinoin is a prescription drug created to treat acne as well as premature aging of the skin, including fine wrinkles and discoloration. Tretinoin is generally tolerated well when proscribed by an accredited physician.

A General Overview of Tretinoin

The formula comes as a gel or cream to be applied over the area to be treated. Containing retinoic acid and a derivative of vitamin A among other compounds, the formula is generally tolerated well by users, especially if instructions are followed to the letter. Though there have been a few studies done to assess possible long term side effects caused by using Tretinoin, there have been more studies studying short-term adverse reactions produced after application of the product. If an adverse reaction does occur, it usually disappears on its own after discontinuation of the formula. This being said, there have been cases of intensive side effects that may or may not have long-term repercussions.

Reactions to Tretinoin

Some reactions to Tretinoin include cough, headaches, stomach pain, sensitivity to sunlight, and fever. Some children using the formula for acne have experienced sore throat and diarrhea. Allergic reactions are also possible, with symptoms such as blistering, crusting, and temporary hypo or hyper-pigmentation. Tretinoin can also affect the immune system, thus making the skin more vulnerable to infections, bruising, and bleeding.

Studies on Tretinoin

Studies on the effects of taking Tretinoin over a long period of time have shown the possibility of skin atrophy whereby the organ becomes thinner. Other conditions can include adverse changes in liver function, leading to possible failure, and suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which can negatively affect the endocrine system. These reactions could occur if Tretinoin is given in high doses over large areas of the body where dressings are then applied.

Negative Side Effects of Tretinoin

There has been one case of neuro-toxidity in a patient who had a pre-existing hepatic disease and one case of the presence of glaucoma after the patient applied the cream to his lids over a period of several years. Some post-menopausal women have reported vaginal bleeding after the consistent use of Tretinoin.

Continued use of Tretinoin

After a series of studies on mice, scientists report that there is a possibility that the continued use of Tretinoin could be carcinogenic. One study with hairless albino mice, tumors grew after the formula had been applied and the skin had been exposed to a solar simulator. Consult With Your Physician

As with any drug, it is essential to consult your health-care practitioner to discover if it is compatible with your system as well as with other formulae that you may be taking. If you decide to proceed with Tretinoin, monitor your reactions carefully and go in for periodic check-ups to make sure that there are no counter indications.

Important Note: Stay out of the sun as the formula tends to make skin more sensitive to UV rays.

Reference: http://www.medicinenet.com/tretinoin_cream/article.htm

The copyright of the article Tretinoin and Side Effects in General Medicine is owned by Michele Kadison. Permission to republish Tretinoin and Side Effects in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Used to treat acne