Many drugs have some side effect associated with them, tretinoin is no different. We will examine some of the more common side effects that are associated with the use of this product.
Tretinoin use may result in skin dryness. For people who are more sensitive, they might experience redness, scaling, itching, and burning. Generally it is advisable for people to gradual increase the regularity of the drug as it allows for the skin to adjust.
Another common side effect of taking Tretinoin is the risk of extreme sunburn. To avoid this individuals should use ample sunscreen and protect their skin of overexposure to ultraviolet light.
Tretinoin can also lead to the thinning of the skin. As a result of this patients who take this drug should no do any form of hair removal such as waxing. If you wax, there is the possibility to pull off the top level of the skin and this could leave a red and inflamed sore. If you do plan to wax after using tretinoin then you should consult with your aesthetician and dermatologist to determine when is a good time to engage in the waxing.
Common side effects
- Fatigue – This is a common effect that is associated with tretinoin. People have very low energy levels, however it will return 6 months to a year after treatment.
- Vitamin A toxicity – This is another side effect that is very common. Vitamin A toxicity will result in dry skin, itchy skin, headaches, fever, sore throat, dry mouth and sore and dry eyes.
- Tretinoin might have a harmful effect on developing babies. It is not recommended to take Tretinoin if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. You should also not take it one month after your pregnancy.
- Taking Tretinoin can result in an increase in the amount of triglycerides and cholesterol in your blood.
- There is a possibility for you to experience ear problems in taking this product. The feeling of an earache or fullness in your ear is often associated with the use of this product.
- Retinoic acid syndrome is a side effect that can occur with the use of Tretinoin. This is usually heart problems, difficulty breathing, weight gain, fluid gathering around the heart or lungs and a rise in white blood cell count.
- Increased skin cell turnover which results in irritation and flaking.
If you take Tretinoin you may have one or more of the following occasional side effects
- Pain or swelling in the abdominal region
- Aching of muscles and or bones
- Diarrhea and constipation can occur occasionally. To ensure this does not happen drink enough fluids.
- Pins and needles in hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy
- Depression
- Red, itchy, dry skin
A very small number of people may have one or more of these side effects
- Heart damage
- Nervous system problems. Signs of this include dizziness, anxiety, confusion, agitation, slow speech, fits, facial numbness, sleepiness and hallucinations.
- Difficulty urinating
- Liver inflammation
Other side effects of Tretinoin maybe noticed in leukemia and teratogenicity