Chemical Peels and Retinoids
Renova
Renova is used to improve the appearance of the skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, reducing roughness and improving coloration. This can also be used to treat acne.
Do not use this more often than prescribed or in large amounts. It will not give you faster or better results but will increase the risk of side effects. Do not use on sunburn or eczema or other serious skin conditions. Effects of this medication will be gradual with most improvement seen in the first 6 months of continued therapy. If used for acne the condition may worsen at first, and then improve.
You may experience mild redness or stinging, itching, burning, skin scaling, peeling and dry skin the first several weeks as your body adjusts to Renova. If any of these effects continue or become severe, discontinue use and notify your doctor.
Before taking this medication tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing skin disorders or if you have any allergies. This medication increases your sensitivity to the sun. Limit sun exposure and avoid sun lamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.
Tell your doctor of any nonprescription or prescription medication you may take including isotretinoin, amiodarone, tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics, sulfa-drugs or phenothiazines as they increase skin sensitivity to the sun. Also minoxidil and any skin medication, soaps, cleansers, cosmetics, astringents or any facial products that may be drying or irritating (e.g., alcohol-containing facial products. Benzoyl peroxide should not be applied at the same time as this medication.
ORAL RETINOIDS
Oral Retinoids belong to the retinoid family of drugs related to vitamin A. Acitretin (prescribed under the brand name Soriatane in the U.S.) is the only approved retinoid for treating severe cases of psoriasis. It is effective for pustular and erythrodermic types of psoriasis, but alone, it does not work as well on severe plaque psoriasis as some other drugs. Acitretin is also commonly prescribed in combination with other therapies, particularly UVB and PUVA.
Isotretinoin (brand name Accutane) is an oral retinoid best known for treating severe cystic acne, although it is prescribed in some cases of severe psoriasis. This medication is not as effective as acitretin.
Retinoids all carry the risk of causing birth defects in developing fetuses if the mother is using the drug. Acitretin and isotretinoin are safer than older oral retinoids that are no longer available; however women who take them must still wait a certain amount of time before safely attempting to become pregnant. People taking oral retinoids should not take vitamin supplements containing vitamin A, and those taking acitretin should avoid alcohol.
Accutane has been available through prescription as a treatment for severe acne since 1983. It is currently available in about 80 countries.
Accutane has now been linked with a long list of serious side effects which are frequent, varied and at times severe.
According to the manufacturer of Accutane, some patients, while taking the drug or soon after stopping, have become depressed or developed other serious mental problems. Signs of these problems include feelings of sadness, irritability, unusual tiredness, trouble concentrating and loss of appetite. Some patients taking Accutane have had thoughts about hurting themselves or putting an end to their own lives (suicidal thoughts).
Known side effects of Accutane:
- dryness of the skin, lips, mouth and lining of the nose
- facial or body rash, flaking of the skin, itching, peeling of the palms and soles
- increased sensitivity to the sun
- inflammation of the lips, mild nose bleed
- bleeding and inflammation of the gums
- aches and pains in the joints or increased fatigue
- decreased night vision
People on Accutane are also warned to avoid excessive exposure to the sun and not to use vitamin preparations or health food supplements that contain vitamin A. Patients are also advised to avoid waxing for 5-6 months after taking Accutane - because of the risk of scarring.
Accutane Rules Tightened
More than 1,300 psychiatric side effects and at least 66 suicides have been reported since Accutane arrived on the market. The numbers prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to take another look at Accutane.
The FDA has changed its rules regarding the drug so that doctors must now get patients to sign a consent form. The form is produced by Accutane's maker, Roche Pharmaceuticals. It says the patient understands all the risks associated with Accutane, including depression and suicide. Pharmacists must also hand out a detailed warning brochure from the FDA, called a Medguide. Accutane is one of just three drugs in the United States that has ever been required to come with a Medguide.
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Information provided by the International Rosacea Foundation about products, medical conditions, symptoms, and related products has been obtained from the manufacturers via prescription product information inserts and/or the web sites sponsoring these products. The products and treatments described on this site are for informational purposes only. Statements concerning the products or treatments detailed on this web site have not been evaluated by the International Rosacea Foundation and should not be construed as factual or accurate as they are representations by the manufacturer. The products and treatments described on this site are not intended to diagnose, heal, cure or prevent disease unless they present themselves as doing such.