Renova Cream (Tretinoin)

Use RENOVA exactly as prescribed. Don't use it longer than you are supposed to or increase the frequency or amount. This won't make it work faster, but it could lead to more side effects.

Before applying RENOVA, wash and dry the area you plan to treat and wash your hands before and after you apply it.

Don't wash the treated area again or use other skin products on the treated area for at least one hour after RENOVA is applied.

RENOVA Overdose

RENOVA is not likely to cause overdose symptoms, but if you think you have applied too much get emergency medical attention right away.

Missed Dose of RENOVA

Never use extra medication to make up for a missed dose.

If you forget to use RENOVA, put it on as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for the next dose.

If that is the case, then skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.

If you have sensitive skin, you may experience excessive redness, or your skin could become swollen, or develop blisters or crusting.

If any of these occur, you should either stop using RENOVA until your skin returns to normal or ask your doctor to adjust the dose.

RENOVA might also produce temporary discolored skin in the form of hyper- or hypopigmentation, and some people will become very sensitive to sunlight.

So far, all reported problems have been reversed when the medication is discontinued.

Some of the less serious side effects that people have reported are burning, warmth, stinging, tingling, itching and peeling of the skin.

Allergic Reaction to RENOVA

If you have any of the following signs of an allergic reaction to RENOVA, stop using the medicine and get emergency help immediately.

• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Don't use this drug if you are allergic to the cancer medication tretinoin.

You should be aware that your condition might get slightly worse for a short period of time after you have started using it.

Contact your doctor if you have severe skin irritation or if your acne doesn't improve in eight to 12 weeks.

It's important to avoid sunlight as well as sunlamps or tanning beds.

The medication might increase your sensitivity to sunlight, resulting in sunburn. Be sure to use an SPF 15 (or stronger) sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you're out in the sun.

Don't get RENOVA in your eyes, mouth, or nose or on your lips. If this happens, wash the area with water immediately.

Never put RENOVA on sunburned, wind burned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin, and try not to get it on wounds or places where you have eczema.

Let your doctor know right away if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding so you can decide together whether you should use this drug.

Provide a comprehensive list of all medicines you're taking, including topical and oral prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, minerals and herbal products, to your doctor to avoid interactions.

Unless advised by your doctor, never use skin products containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid. Using these with RENOVA could cause your skin to become severely irritated.

Diuretics or water pills might interact with RENOVA, causing your skin to be more sensitive to both natural and artificial sunlight.

Other medications might also have the same effect, including:

• Tetracycline (Sumycin, Panmycin or Robitet)
• Minocycline (Minocin)
• Doxycycline (Doryx or Vibramycin)
• Demeclocycline (Declomycin)
• Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
• Ofloxacin (Floxin)
• Sulfamethoxazole Trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra, Cotrim)

A similar interaction may result from those listed below as well:

• Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
• Prochlorperazine (Compazine)
• Fluphenazine (Permitil or Prolixin)
• Promethazine (Phenergan or Promethegan)
• Perphenazine (Trilafon)

RENOVA and Other Interactions

Since RENOVA can make your skin more sensitive to natural and artificial sunlight, it's important that you avoid sunlamps or tanning beds.

If you are going out in the sun, wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 along with protective clothing.

In addition to sunlight, your skin might also become more sensitive to cold weather and wind while you are on RENOVA.

It's also important that you try not to use skin products that might lead to irritation like harsh soaps, shampoos or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, as well as skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Never use other medicated skin products unless told to do so by your doctor.