Retin A Vs. Tretinoin Topical: Drug Comparison

Retin-A Micro^® (tretinoin) is a topical medication used to treat acne by increasing cell turnover, which helps unclog pores and prevent the formation of new acne lesions. Its FDA-approved indication is for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Retin-A Micro is available as a gel with a microsphere formulation that provides a slow, controlled release of the medication, reducing irritation. Common side effects include redness, dryness, peeling, and increased sensitivity to sunlight, and users are advised to use sunscreen and limit sun exposure. Caution is advised when used with other topical treatments or products that may cause dryness, and it should be avoided in patients with known hypersensitivity to tretinoin or its components.

Tretinoin topical has many different types and names. The information below is about Retin-A Micro^®.

Retin-A Micro (tretinoin) is a topical medication used to treat acne by increasing cell turnover, which helps unclog pores and prevent the formation of new acne lesions. Its FDA-approved indication is for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Retin-A Micro is available as a gel with a microsphere formulation that provides a slow, controlled release of the medication, reducing irritation. Common side effects include redness, dryness, peeling, and increased sensitivity to sunlight, and users are advised to use sunscreen and limit sun exposure. Caution is advised when used with other topical treatments or products that may cause dryness, and it should be avoided in patients with known hypersensitivity to tretinoin or its components.

Retinoid

Retinoid

Retin-A Micro (tretinoin) is indicated:

• For topical treatment of acne vulgaris

Retin-A Micro (tretinoin) is indicated:

• For topical treatment of acne vulgaris

• Typically applied to the skin once daily

• Comes in 0.04%, 0.06%, 0.08%, and 0.1% gel

• Typically applied to the skin once daily

• Comes in 0.04%, 0.06%, 0.08%, and 0.1% gel

Most common adverse reactions are:

• Skin pain

• Itchiness

• Skin irritation/Subcutaneous irritation

• Inflammation of the throat

• Redness

Most common adverse reactions are:

• Skin pain

• Itchiness

• Skin irritation/Subcutaneous irritation

• Inflammation of the throat

• Redness

• Retin-A Micro should not be used on eczematous or sunburned skin due to potential for severe irritation

• Avoid unprotected exposure to sunlight including sunlamps (UV light), when using Retin-A Micro due to potential for increased photosensitization. Use sunscreen of at least SPF 15 and protective clothing during exposure

• Avoid use of Retin-A Micro with weather extremes, such as wind or cold due to potential for increased irritation

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Retin-A Micro should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant and nursing women

• Retin-A Micro should not be used on eczematous or sunburned skin due to potential for severe irritation

• Avoid unprotected exposure to sunlight including sunlamps (UV light), when using Retin-A Micro due to potential for increased photosensitization. Use sunscreen of at least SPF 15 and protective clothing during exposure

• Avoid use of Retin-A Micro with weather extremes, such as wind or cold due to potential for increased irritation

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Retin-A Micro should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant and nursing women

*This information is from the label for brand name Retin-A Micro^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Tretinoin, the active ingredient in Retin-A Micro, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient tretinoin.

*This information is from the label for brand name Retin-A Micro^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Tretinoin, the active ingredient in Retin-A Micro, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient tretinoin.