Aklief
Aklief contains trifarotene 0.005% topical cream. It's a retinoid used to treat acne in people ages 9 years and older. Aklief (trifarotene) is applied directly to the affected area(s) once per day in the evening. Some of the more common effects include dry skin, peeling, and itching. Your skin will likely experience more irritation during the first month of treatment, before it starts to improve.
What is Aklief (trifarotene)?
What is Aklief (trifarotene) used for?
- Treatment of acne in people ages 9 years and older
How Aklief (trifarotene) works
Aklief (trifarotene) is a retinoid, which is a form of vitamin A. It helps unclog the pores of your skin by lowering the amount of oil produced by the body, removing dead skin cells, and replacing your old skin cells with new skin cells. This prevents acne and pimples from forming on your face, chest, shoulders, and back. It also lowers inflammation and swelling that typically occurs with acne.
Drug facts
Side effects of Aklief (trifarotene)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Irritation at application site (8%)
- Sunburn (3%)
- Skin itching (2%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Pain at application site
- Dry skin
- Changes in skin color
- Skin rash
- Swelling
- Skin blisters or sores
- Worsening of acne
- Skin redness
The following Aklief (trifarotene) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Change in skin color
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
- Sensitivity to light
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Pros and cons of Aklief (trifarotene)
Pros
- Available as a cream in an easy-to-use pump
- Only need to use once per day
- Treats acne on the face, chest, shoulders, and back
- Safe to use in children ages 9 years and older
Cons
- Only available as a brand-name medication
- Skin might look worse during the first month of treatment, before it starts to improve
- Can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to sunburns
- Must use mild, non-medicated soaps, cleansers, and shampoos to prevent skin irritation
Pharmacist tips for Aklief (trifarotene)
- Aklief (trifarotene) should be applied directly on your skin only. Don't apply the medication in your eyes, mouth, or vagina, or this could lead to side effects. Also, don't apply Aklief (trifarotene) on cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin, because this can cause further irritation.
- Apply Aklief (trifarotene) once per day in the evening on the affected area(s). Make sure to apply enough amount to cover the skin with a thin layer of medication. Avoid applying Aklief (trifarotene) to skin that has eczema or that's sunburned.
- Start using a mild moisturizer as often as needed to help prevent your skin from becoming too dry or irritated. Also, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing (e.g., hats, long-sleeved shirts) when going outside because Aklief (trifarotene) can make your skin more sensitive to light.
- After applying Aklief (trifarotene), it's possible to feel or see skin redness, dryness, peeling, or stinging. This is how the medication works and is normal. If you're concerned about any skin reactions or if they get too bothersome while using Aklief (trifarotene), talk to your care team.
- Don't use medicated soaps, cleansers, shampoos, or other personal care products that might cause skin irritation. Some products contain drying agents, like alcohol, which can further irritate the skin. Ask your pharmacist or dermatologist for guidance on which products are safe to use with Aklief (trifarotene).
- Don't use waxing for hair removal on areas of your skin treated with Aklief (trifarotene), as this can cause further skin irritation.
- Store Aklief (trifarotene) at room temperature away from heat. Keep it tightly closed and out of reach from children.
Common questions about Aklief
Aklief isn't a retinol, but it's similar. Both retinol and Aklief are considered retinoids, which is a general term that includes all forms of vitamin A and its related chemicals. Retinol is a retinoid that's found over-the-counter and is typically used as an anti-aging skin care product. Aklief is a prescription-strength retinoid that's used to help with acne.
Studies show Aklief can start to work as early as 1 week for the face, and 2 weeks for the back, shoulders, and chest, to treat acne. But you might need to use this medication for 2 to 3 months before seeing more noticeable results. Keep in mind that everyone responds differently to medications. Talk to your prescriber if you're concerned with how quickly Aklief is working for you.
No, don't use Aklief and tretinoin (Retin-A) together. Both of these medications are retinoids, and using them at the same time can raise your risk for side effects, such as skin irritation, itching, and burning. But, there might be other acne treatments that can be safely used with Aklief. Ask your dermatologist for recommendations that are best for you.
Aklief can cause skin purging because it's a retinoid. Skin purging is term people sometimes use for a skin reaction that can happen at the start of retinoid treatment. It's when the retinoid causes the old skin cells to be replaced with new skin cells. And this can lead to more skin irritation, peeling, dryness, and acne. During the first month of treatment with Aklief, your skin might look worse before it starts to improve later on. Contact your dermatologist if you're not sure you're experiencing worsening acne or skin purging from Aklief.
Talk with your dermatologist if you have questions about Aklief and hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin as it heals from injury). There's limited studies on how Aklief might affect skin discoloration, but existing research suggests that it can improve hyperpigmentation related to acne scars. In general, retinoids can helps with hyperpigmentation caused by acne.
Aklief hasn't been specifically studied, nor is it FDA-approved, for the treatment of wrinkles. But there are other retinoids that are approved to treat wrinkles. In general, retinoids can help improve the look of wrinkles because it speeds up skin cell turnover rate and affects collagen production.
First, wash your hands as well as the affected area(s) with soap and water and pat dry. Then, apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected area(s). If you're applying Aklief on your face, you'll only need one pump of the medication. Don't apply the cream in or around your eyes, lips, mouth, or corners of your nose. If you're applying Aklief on your upper back, shoulders, or chest, use two pumps. Use a third pump for your middle and lower back, if needed. Then wash your hands well to get rid of any medication on your hands. Don't use Aklief on skin that's cut, is inflamed, or is sunburned.
There isn't much research on the safety of Aklief during pregnancy. In general, oral retinoids should be avoided during pregnancy because it can cause serious harm to the unborn baby, but research is less clear about topical retinoids. To be safe, your dermatologist might ask you to avoid using Aklief during pregnancy.
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Risks and warnings for Aklief (trifarotene)
Aklief (trifarotene) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Skin irritation
- Risk factors: First month of using Aklief (trifarotene) | Applying Aklief (trifarotene) to areas with cuts, wounds, or bruises
Aklief (trifarotene) can cause skin irritation, such as dry skin, redness, and stinging or burning. These skin reactions are expected to be worse during first month of using Aklief (trifarotene), and should get better after that. Use a mild, non-medicated moisturizer as much as needed to help prevent skin irritation. Don't apply Aklief (trifarotene) to areas of your skin with cuts, scrapes, wounds, or bruises, because those areas might already be irritated. Also, avoid hair waxing on skin areas treated with Aklief (trifarotene) because this can lead to worsening skin damage. Depending on how severe your side effects are, your prescriber might tell you to use a smaller amount of Aklief (trifarotene) or temporarily stop using it until your skin heals.
Sunburn
Your skin can become more sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light while using Aklief (trifarotene). Too much exposure to UV light can even cause severe sunburn. Minimize your exposure to sunlight, sun lamps, and tanning beds during and immediately following treatment with Aklief (trifarotene). If possible, limit your time out in the sun or seek shade when you're outside. If you plan on spending time in the sun, ask your dermatologist about using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing (e.g., hats, long-sleeved shirts).
Aklief (trifarotene) dosage
Cream pump| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45g of 0.005% | 1 pump | $700.73 | $700.73 |
Typical dosage for Aklief (trifarotene)
Aklief cream contains 0.005% trifarotene.
Adults and children ages 9 years and older: Apply a thin layer of Aklief (trifarotene) cream to the affected area(s) once per day in the evening.
How much does Aklief (trifarotene) cost?
$700.73
What are alternatives to Aklief (trifarotene)?
