Trifarotene

What is this medication for?

Trifarotene can be applied to the skin to treat acne. This medicine works by reducing inflammation, clearing blocked pores and preventing formation of acne. It may also be used to treat other skin problems as determined by your doctor.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Wash your skin with a gentle cleanser, then rinse and pat dry.
• Wash your hands before and after applying the medicine.
• Before using the pump for the first time, prime it by pressing down several times until a small amount of medicine is dispensed (up to 10 times maximum). The pump is now ready to use.
• Apply a thin layer of medicine to cover the affected areas, and rub in gently to ensure good absorption.
• If you are using this preparation for the first time, start with applying on a small area of affected part and increase gradually to other areas over the first week of use if there is no skin irritation. Alternatively, start by using every other day for the first 2 weeks, then apply daily.
• Do not use the medicine on open wounds, sunburnt skin, in or around the eyes, mouth or nose. This medicine may irritate these sensitive areas.
• Flush the area thoroughly with water if the medicine accidentally gets into your eyes, mouth, and nose.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forgot to apply a dose of this medication, apply it as soon as you remember. Skip the dose if it is time for the next dose. Apply your next dose at the usual time. Do not apply more of it to make up for the missed dose as it could result in severe irritation.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

• Inform your doctor if:
  • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
  • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• If used on the face, avoid washing your face too often, as this may cause excessive dryness and peeling. Washing with a mild soap 2 to 3 times a day is sufficient.
• Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, avoid using other “drying” preparations on the same treated areas to prevent severe irritations. These include abrasive soaps and cleansers, alcoholic preparations and medicated cosmetics or soaps.
• Avoid waxing on treated skin areas as it may irritate the skin.
• During initial treatment, the skin may be more at risk of a sunburn. If you cannot avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, use a suitable broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 and wear dark or protective clothing over the treated areas.
• Light cosmetics may be applied over the sunscreen. However, in acne you should generally avoid using oil-based cosmetics.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Initially, you may experience peeling of the skin, mild itch, dryness, redness and even a mild stinging sensation. If the irritation becomes unbearable, you may “step-down” the dosages, i.e. apply it less frequently. Applying moisturisers may also help to reduce the skin reactions.
• For acne treatment, after 2 to 3 weeks, your acne may sometimes seem to get worse. This is a normal reaction. If you continue using this medicine, you will notice improvements. The best results may be achieved after 4 to 7 weeks of treatment.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

If you notice severe irritation any time, stop this medicine immediately and consult your doctor:

• Burning
• Blistering
• Crusting
• Itch
• Swelling

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.