Altreno
Altreno (tretinoin) is a retinoid medication that's used to treat acne in people 9 years and older. Altreno (tretinoin) is a lotion that you apply once daily to the affected area(s) on your skin. It isn't sold over the counter and requires a prescription. Some side effects of Altreno (tretinoin) include dryness, pain, and redness where you apply the medication.
What is Altreno (tretinoin)?
What is Altreno (tretinoin) used for?
- Acne
How Altreno (tretinoin) works
Drug facts
Side effects of Altreno (tretinoin)
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
- Dry skin at application site (4%)
- Pain at application site (3%)
- Redness at application site (2%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Irritation at application site
- Peeling at application site
Altreno (tretinoin) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe allergic reaction: itchy, red rash (hives); shortness of breath; chest tightness; swelling of lips, tongue, face, or eyes
More on Altreno (tretinoin) side effects
The following Altreno (tretinoin) 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 these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Change in skin color
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
Get your GoodRx coupon
Pros and cons of Altreno (tretinoin)
Pros
- Applied once daily
- Applied directly on the affected area(s)
- Can use for acne in children as young as 9 years old
Cons
- Can take many weeks before you notice improvement in your skin
- Causes your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to sunburns
- Might not be the best option for people with fish allergies
Pharmacist tips for Altreno (tretinoin)
- Apply Altreno (tretinoin) onto the affected skin once daily. For best results, use it consistently (around the same time each day) and exactly as prescribed.
- When you're ready to use Altreno (tretinoin), first gently wash your skin and pat it dry. Then, squeeze or pump some lotion onto your fingertip and apply the medication as a thin layer over the affected area(s) on your skin.
- Only apply Altreno (tretinoin) to your skin. Don't get it in your eyes, mouth, corners of your nose, or vagina. Wash your hands after you use the medication to avoid getting it on other parts of your body. Otherwise, it could cause irritation.
- Don't apply Altreno (tretinoin) to areas of broken skin, since this could cause more medication to get absorbed into your body and raise your risk of side effects. Also avoid applying the medication to skin that has eczema or to sunburned skin; doing so can cause more irritation.
- It's normal for Altreno (tretinoin) to cause skin dryness, redness, pain, and peeling. You can use a moisturizer to try to help soothe dry skin. Contact your prescriber if these side effects are very bothersome or don't go away.
- Altreno (tretinoin) can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid sunlamps, tanning beds, and ultraviolet light during treatment with this medication. If you need to go outside, make sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing to protect your skin from sunburns.
- You can use Altreno (tretinoin) with makeup. Just make sure to apply the medication first and wait a few minutes before putting on your makeup on top.
Common questions about Altreno (tretinoin)
In clinical studies, some people saw improvement in their acne within the first 4 weeks of using Altreno (tretinoin). But it could take up to 12 weeks for you to see significant improvement in your skin. Don't get discouraged if you don't see any improvements right away; continue using Altreno (tretinoin) and talk with your prescriber or dermatologist if you're not sure whether the medication is working for you. And if your skin does start to clear up, remember to continue to use Altreno (tretinoin) so that it keeps working to treat your acne.
There isn't enough information to know how safe Altreno (tretinoin) is to use during pregnancy. In general, it isn't recommended to use Altreno (tretinoin) while you're pregnant. This is because Altreno (tretinoin) is similar to another acne medication called isotretinoin, which is known to have a high risk for birth defects. And some of the Altreno (tretinoin) lotion can still get absorbed into your bloodstream through your skin. This could cause harm to your unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits of using Altreno (tretinoin) with a healthcare professional if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant.
Altreno (tretinoin) is FDA approved for use once a day. Follow your prescriber's instructions carefully because they might have you apply the lotion differently. For example, your prescriber might recommend that you apply it less often than every day if you're having a lot of skin irritation from the medication.
Before you apply Altreno (tretinoin), gently wash your skin and pat it dry. Altreno (tretinoin) comes in a tube and pump. No matter which one you're using, squeeze or pump some of the lotion onto your fingertip and apply a thin layer over the affected area(s) on your skin. Be sure to use Altreno (tretinoin) how your prescriber tells you to. Wash your hands afterwards to avoid getting medication into your eyes or on other parts of your body. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist if you have questions about how to use Altreno (tretinoin).
No, Altreno (tretinoin) isn't a steroid. It belongs to the drug class called retinoids. Like steroids, Altreno (tretinoin) can help lessen inflammation. But steroids are typically reserved for more severe acne since they can have many side effects.
How to save using GoodRx
Risks and warnings for Altreno (tretinoin)
Altreno (tretinoin) 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: Sensitive skin | Eczema
Altreno (tretinoin) can cause skin redness, dryness, pain, and irritation where you apply it. Consider using a moisturizer to help with dry skin. Stop using the medication until your skin heals if your skin irritation doesn't go away. Avoid areas of skin that are sunburned or have eczema, since these areas are more prone to irritation. Discuss with your primary care provider or dermatologist to see whether you need to use Altreno (tretinoin) less often so that you can tolerate it better or whether you need a different medication.
Sunburns
- Risk factors: High levels of sun exposure | Having skin that burns easily | Living in a hot climate | Working outdoors
Using Altreno (tretinoin) can make your skin more sensitive to both natural sunlight and artificial sunlight from sunlamps. This can cause your skin to burn more easily. Having skin that's more sensitive to light might also raise your risk of early aging of the skin or skin cancer.
It's important to protect your skin from sunlight by finding shade outdoors, using sunscreen when you're outside (even on cloudy days), and wearing sun-protective clothing (like hats). Also avoid using sunlamps. Ask your primary care provider or dermatologist about which SPF (sun protection factor) level of sunscreen will protect you best. Stop using Altreno (tretinoin) until your skin fully heals if you get sunburned.
Use with caution for people with fish allergies
- Risk factors: Allergy to fish or fish-containing products
Altreno (tretinoin) is made with fish proteins. Be careful using this medication if you have an allergy to fish. Let your prescriber know if you develop a red, itchy rash (hives). You might have to stop using Altreno (tretinoin).
Altreno (tretinoin) dosage
Tube of lotion| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45g of 0.05% | 1 tube | $122.54 | $122.54 |
| 20g of 0.05% | 1 tube | $54.55 | $54.55 |
Typical dosage for Altreno (tretinoin)
Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) once daily.
How much does Altreno (tretinoin) cost?
$54.55
What are alternatives to Altreno (tretinoin)?
News about Altreno (tretinoin)
Altreno (tretinoin) images
