Retigel - Gel Isotretinoin 0.05% Topical - 0.05mg/100ml 1 20gm tube(s) / 20gm tube Unimed Unihealth Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Introduction: Retigel belongs to a group of medicines known as retinoids that are used to treat severe acne, which occur as pimples, in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age only after puberty. This medicine is for patients whose acne has not responded to other treatments. Retigel reduces excessive oil production of the skin. Ideally, a pinpoint application at night time is recommended for a duration as prescribed by the doctor. The amount you need, and how long you take it will depend on what you are being treated for. You should normally wash and dry the affected area before... Uses of Retigel: Acne Side effects of Retigel: Application site reactions (burning, irritation, itching and redness)Dry skinCracked lips How to use Retigel: This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area and apply the gel. Wash your hands after applying, unless hands are the affected area. How Retigel works: Retigel is a derivative of vitamin A. It acts on glands (sebaceous) on your skin to reduce the production of a natural substance (sebum) that causes acne. Also, the controlled sebum production kills acne-causing bacteria. It also works as an anti-inflammatory to decrease inflammation (redness and swelling). What if you forget to take Retigel?: If you miss a dose of Retigel, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. Indication: Acne Adult Dose: Topical/Cutaneous Acne Adult: As 0.05% gel: Apply sparingly once or twice daily. Effect is observed w/in 6-8 wk of treatment. Contraindication: Pregnancy, lactation. Mode of Action: Isotretinoin is a synthetic retinoid which reduces sebaceous gland size and sebum production. It also regulates cell proliferation and differentiation. Precaution: Preexisting or predisposition to hypertriglyceridaemia (e.g. DM, obesity or increased alcohol intake). Monitor triglyceride levels. Monitor blood lipids and LFTs at wkly or bi-wkly intervals. Monitor blood glucose in known or suspected DM patients. Genetic predisposition for age-related osteoporosis, history of childhood osteoporosis, osteomalacia or other bone metabolism disorders. Anorexia nervosa. History of psychiatric disorder. May impair night vision. Avoid wax epilation and skin resurfacing procedures for at least 6 mth. Avoid prolonged exposure to UV light or sunlight. Discontinue if hearing impairment, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, severe diarrhoea or adverse ocular effects occur. Patient should not donate blood during... Side Effect: Dryness of mucous membranes, dryness of skin with scaling, fragility, erythema, cheilitis, pruritus, epistaxis, conjunctivitis, dry sore mouth and palmo-plantar exfoliation. Corneal opacities, dry eyes, visual disturbances, skeletal hyperostosis and musculoskeletal symptoms. Elevation of serum triglycerides, LFTs, ESR and blood glucose. Hair thinning, photosensitivity, changes in skin pigmentation, paronychia. GI disturbances, hepatitis. Headache, drowsiness, sweating, mood changes, psychotic symptoms, depression, suicidal tendencies, benign intracranial hypertension, seizures. Vasculitis, hypersensitivity reactions, IBS. Potentially Fatal: Anaphylaxis. Haemorrhagic pancreatitis. Interaction: Additive toxicity with vitamin A or its derivatives. Decreased efficacy of microdosed progesterone (use 2 forms of contraception). May increase risk of bone loss with phenytoin. May increase risk of osteoporosis with systemic corticosteroids. Reduces plasma levels of carbamazepine. Potentially Fatal: Increased risk of pseudotumor cerebri with tetracyclines.