Tretinoin

What it is used for

• Acne, usually combined with an antibiotic in a gel
• Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (capsules, in hospital)

Read our guides:

• Acne

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

• Sun-damaged skin and fine lines (only on private prescription)

How it works

Tretinoin is related to vitamin A. It speeds up the turnover of skin cells, which unblocks pores and stops new spots forming.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Tretinoin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

• redness
• dryness or peeling
• burning or stinging
• skin being more sensitive to sunlight

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

• severe redness, swelling, blistering or crusting of the skin

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

• Do not use it if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• Use sunscreen and avoid sunbeds.
• Skin may look worse for the first few weeks.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.