INTRODUCTION

RETINO AC GEL is a combination of Clindamycin and Tretinoin which belongs to the group of medicines called Topical Antibiotics and Retinoids respectively. It is used on the skin to treat acne in adults and in adolescents (aged 12 years or older).

Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic. It acts by stopping the growth and multiplication of the acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Tretinoin is a synthetic derivative of vitamin A. It controls acne breakouts by preventing the skin pores from getting clogged with sebum (oil produced in the skin) and dead skin cells. It also removes the dead skin cells that clogs the hair follicles in areas affected with acne and helps your skin renew itself more quickly.

RETINO AC GEL is for topical use only. Avoid using RETINO AC GEL on inflamed, irritated, or sensitive skin areas. Do not use any cosmetics or make-up products before applying RETINO AC GEL.

RETINO AC GEL may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while going outdoors.

Before using RETINO AC GEL inform your doctor if you have any other skin conditions (such as rosacea, eczema) apart from acne. You must also inform your doctor if you have any problems in your gut (ulcerative colitis) or have a family history of skin cancer.

RETINO AC GEL is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Women of childbearing age must use a suitable contraceptive method to avoid pregnancy while undergoing therapy with RETINO AC GEL.

RETINO AC GEL may cause skin redness, dryness, itching, stinging, or burning sensation and peeling at the site of application. If you experience them, stop using RETINO AC GEL for a while until your skin recovers. Consult your doctor if they worsen.

USES OF RETINO AC GEL

• Treats acne in adults and in adolescents (aged 12 years or older)

HOW RETINO AC GEL WORKS

RETINO AC GEL effectively controls acne breakouts. It contains two medicines namely, clindamycin and tretinoin. Clindamycin prevents the growth and multiplication of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Tretinoin controls acne breakouts by preventing the skin pores from getting clogged with sebum (oil) and dead skin cells. It regulates the growth of skin cells and sheds the excessive dead skin cells that clogs the hair follicles in areas affected with acne and helps your skin renew itself more quickly.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Always use RETINO AC GEL as directed by your physician. It is for external use only. Wash the affected area of the skin with warm water before application. Pat it dry. Apply a thin layer of RETINO AC GEL on the affected area. Let the medicine completely dry on your skin before applying any make-up products or cosmetics.

Do not use any cosmetics or make-up products before applying RETINO AC GEL. Check the label of the medicine or consult your doctor regarding the quantity of the medicine that needs to be applied.

Avoid contact of RETINO AC GEL with eyes, ears, mouth, or vagina. Your doctor will decide the duration of therapy for you depending upon your skin condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF RETINO AC GEL

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Skin rash:

Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate your skin further. Do not scratch the affected area. Use protective clothing while going outdoors. Consult your doctor for a suitable moisturizer that suits your skin. Consult your doctor if your skin condition worsens.

Sensitivity to sunlight:

Do not expose the affected part of the skin to the direct sunlight. Use protective clothing while going outdoors. Consult your doctor if you require any sunscreen to protect your skin while going outdoors. Consult your doctor if your skin condition worsens.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug Interaction:

Before using RETINO AC GEL inform your doctor if you are using any:

• Skin care preparations that contain sulfur, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, high amount of alcohol, astringents, spices, or lime
• Chemical abrasives (used for chemical peeling of skin) Ex. glycolic acid, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids
• Medicated soaps, cleansers or scrubbing solutions
• Anti-infectives (used to treat infections) Ex. erythromycin, metronidazole, streptomycin, gentamicin, kanamycin
• Corticosteroids (used to treat inflammation) Ex. betamethasone, beclomethasone
• Muscle relaxants (used for relaxing muscles prior to surgeries) Ex. vecuronium, rocuronium
• Warfarin (a medicine used for blood thinning)

Overdosage:

Excessive application of RETINO AC GEL may cause skin irritation, redness, and dryness. If this happened, rinse your skin with warm water. If irritation persists, stop using RETINO AC GEL for a few days or until irritation subsides or consult your doctor if necessary. Sometimes, excessive use may also cause stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. If this happens, contact your doctor immediately.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep RETINO AC GEL out of reach of children
• Store RETINO AC GEL at room temperature
• Avoid contact of RETINO AC GEL with eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. If contact happens accidentally, rinse it off with warm water

FAQs ABOUT RETINO AC GEL

How long does it take for RETINO AC GEL to show the results?

It may take up to 12 weeks for RETINO AC GEL to show the results. However, this period may vary from patient-to-patient depending upon the severity of acne. Therefore, regularly use RETINO AC GEL for the stipulated duration mentioned by your doctor.

Will RETINO AC GEL be more effective if I overuse it?

Do not overuse RETINO AC GEL. Excessive application of RETINO AC GEL may cause skin irritation and dryness. Therefore, use RETINO AC GEL only directed by your physician.

What precautions do I need to follow while using RETINO AC GEL?

Use RETINO AC GEL as directed by the physician. Avoid using RETINO AC GEL on inflamed, irritated, or sensitive skin areas. Do not use any cosmetics or make-up products before applying RETINO AC GEL. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while going outdoors. Before using RETINO AC GEL inform your doctor if you have any other skin problems apart from acne. Consult your doctor before using RETINO AC GEL if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as a precaution. Contact your doctor if your skin condition worsens.

Can the use of RETINO AC GEL make my skin sensitive to sunlight?

Yes. RETINO AC GEL may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, use protective clothing while going outdoors. Do not exposure the affected part of the skin to the direct sunlight. Consult your doctor if you require any sunscreen to protect your skin while going outdoors. Consult your doctor if your skin condition worsens.

What are the common side effects of using RETINO AC GEL?

RETINO AC GEL may cause skin redness, dryness, itching, stinging, or burning sensation and peeling at the site of application. If you experience them, stop using RETINO AC GEL for a while until your skin recovers. Consult your doctor if they worsen.

Can RETINO AC GEL be used in children?

RETINO AC GEL should be used in children and in adolescents (aged 12 years or older) only if prescribed by the physician. It is not recommended for use in children aged below12 years due to lack of safety data. Therefore, consult your doctor before using it.

How does RETINO AC GEL works?

RETINO AC GEL acts by preventing the growth and multiplication of acne-causing bacteria. It can also open the skin pores and removes the accumulated dead skin cells and excess oil that triggers acne breakouts.

Can I use RETINO AC GEL to treat acne during pregnancy?

No. RETINO AC GEL should not be used to treat acne in pregnant women. Therefore, inform your doctor before using RETINO AC GEL if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Women of childbearing age must use a suitable contraceptive method to avoid pregnancy while undergoing therapy with RETINO AC GEL.