Tretinoin topical cream side effects: A detailed guide

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Overview

This article describes possible side effects of tretinoin topical cream. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for tretinoin. You can explore this overview article to learn more about tretinoin topical cream, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Tretinoin topical cream is a generic version of the brand-name drug Retin-A. Tretinoin also comes in other forms you apply to the skin and capsules you take by mouth, but these forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.

More common side effects of tretinoin

Tretinoin topical cream may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.

Commonly reported side effects of tretinoin topical cream include:

• warm feeling on the skin
• stinging of the skin
• excessive redness or discoloration of the skin*
• sun sensitivity*
• swollen skin

Mild side effects of tretinoin

Tretinoin may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of tretinoin topical cream that occurred in studies include:

• warm feeling on the skin
• stinging of the skin
• worsening of acne lesions
• excessive redness or discoloration of the skin*
• sun sensitivity*
• swollen skin
• skin peeling
• blistering
• crusty skin wounds
• sensitivity to cold or wind
• temporary lightening or darkening of the skin*
• mild allergic reaction*†

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of tretinoin in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with tretinoin topical cream. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.

Serious side effects of tretinoin

Tretinoin may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from tretinoin topical cream, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with tretinoin.

Serious side effects of tretinoin topical cream that occurred in studies include:

• severe skin redness or discoloration in the area you used tretinoin
• severe peeling of the skin
• severe allergic reaction*†

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of tretinoin in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with tretinoin topical cream. But it’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies.

Common questions about side effects of tretinoin

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of tretinoin topical cream. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can tretinoin topical cream cause liver damage, depression, hair loss, or eye-related side effects?

No, tretinoin topical cream isn’t reported to cause liver damage, depression, hair loss, or eye-related side effects. But these side effects can occur with oral forms of tretinoin. If you have concerns about side effects of tretinoin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does tretinoin cause long-term side effects?

It depends. Long-term side effects aren’t expected with tretinoin topical cream. In studies, specific side effects weren’t seen in people who had taken the drug for a long time. Long lasting side effects after treatment ended also weren’t reported.

But people with sensitive skin may have side effects throughout tretinoin treatment. Even in people with sensitive skin, side effects will still go away once the treatment is stopped. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about possible long-term side effects with tretinoin.

How long do side effects of tretinoin usually last?

Side effects of tretinoin topical cream are typically temporary. Doctors suggest that side effects of tretinoin cream usually lessen or go away with continued use. But people with sensitive skin may have long-term side effects while they are using tretinoin.

How long side effects of tretinoin last depends on skin sensitivity and on how long you’ll have to use it. If your doctor tells you to stop using tretinoin cream, your side effects will likely disappear.

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Side effects of tretinoin in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of tretinoin topical cream.

Excessive redness or discoloration

In studies, excessive redness or discoloration of the skin was common in people using tretinoin topical cream. When starting tretinoin, the skin may appear worse before the appearance starts to improve. This side effect is usually mild to moderate, but sometimes it may be serious.

With excessive redness or discoloration of the skin, you have irritated skin where you applied tretinoin. Symptoms may include dryness and itchiness.

Certain factors can increase the risk of excessive redness or discoloration with tretinoin topical cream. These include exposure to sun or ultraviolet light without sunscreen and use of harsh skin products.

Ways to manage

If you have concerns about excessive redness or discoloration, irritation, and itchiness of the skin after using tretinoin, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend wearing sunscreen to protect your skin and avoiding harsh skin products.

Depending on the severity of skin irritation, your doctor may recommend reducing how often you use tretinoin. But some people may need to stop using tretinoin topical cream temporarily. Your doctor may only restart tretinoin topical cream when the skin is repaired. When restarting tretinoin topical cream, you may need to use it less often than usual until your skin gets used to it. Then your doctor will increase your dose as needed.

Sun sensitivity

In studies, sun sensitivity was common in people using tretinoin topical cream. This side effect is usually mild. But sun sensitivity can cause serious sunburn in people who don’t wear sunscreen or sun-protective clothing when exposed to the sun.

Certain factors can increase the risk of sunburn with tretinoin topical cream. These include occupational hazards, such as working outdoors. People with sensitive skin may also be at higher risk of sun sensitivity with tretinoin.

Ways to manage

If you have concerns about sun sensitivity with tretinoin, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend wearing sunscreen and sun-protective clothing to protect your skin from the sun.

If you develop a sunburn, your doctor may recommend stopping tretinoin and allowing the skin to fully recover before restarting treatment.

Lightening or darkening of skin

In studies, lightening or darkening of the skin was common in people using tretinoin topical cream repeatedly. This side effect is usually mild and temporary.

With lightening or darkening of the skin, your skin may have darker or lighter spots.

Ways to manage

If you have concerns about lightening or darkening of your skin with tretinoin topical cream, tell your doctor. This side effect is temporary and will go away when treatment is stopped. Doctors may recommend avoiding repeated use of tretinoin topical cream to avoid lightening or darkening of the skin.

Allergic reaction

For some people, tretinoin topical cream can cause an allergic reaction. But this is a rare occurrence.

Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:

• itchiness
• skin rash
• swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know if you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to tretinoin topical cream, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Warnings for tretinoin

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before using tretinoin topical cream.

Warnings

It may not be safe for you to use tretinoin topical cream if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether tretinoin topical cream is a safe treatment option for you.

Before using tretinoin topical cream, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:

• eczema
• sensitive skin
• past allergic reaction to tretinoin

Tretinoin and pregnancy

It’s not known whether tretinoin topical cream should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

Tretinoin and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether tretinoin topical cream should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

Tretinoin and alcohol

Tretinoin topical cream is not known to interact with alcohol. But certain skin products may contain alcohol. This can lead to excessive skin irritation. Check skin products before use to ensure there is no alcohol.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with tretinoin topical cream.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of tretinoin topical cream. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Does tretinoin topical cream cause sexual side effects?
• Does my risk of side effects with tretinoin topical cream drop if I am using a lower strength?
• Are there fewer side effects of tretinoin topical cream if I apply it at night?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.