RETIN-A CREAM and/or Equivalents

Retin-A-Cream (tretinoin)

Retin-A-Cream Description

Retin-A-Cream is used as a pharmaceutical drug. Systemically it is used in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Topically it is used as an effective ingredient of cream and gel preparations or alcoholic solutions in the treatment of acne and other hyperkeratotic skin diseases. It is used for cosmetic purposes as well. Retin-A-Cream is usually available only on prescription. Retin-A-Cream is also used in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia, which is a severe form of myelogenous leukemia (type 3). Tretinoin, the main ingredient of Retin-A-Cream, is involved in the production of mucus in epithelial cells. It also controls the inflammatory reaction, as it has been associated with the generation of nitric oxide, prostaglandins and cytokines interleukin. Tretinoin is a molecule derived from vitamin A that is present in nature. It has been used since the 1980s in dermatological disorders. It acts on the growth and differentiation of cellulites. Its main use is against the treatment of acne due to its keratolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, it belongs to the group of retinoids, which is also composed of synthetic isomers such as the isotretinoin and adapalene. Both are used in the treatment of acne.

Retin-A-Cream is considered as a steroid hormone because it binds to specific intracellular receptors which then bind to the human DNA and affect the synthesis of proteins involved in regulating cell growth and differentiation. It is used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia and kidney cancer because it induces apoptosis in human mesangial cells by binding itself to retinoic acid receptors. Retin-A-Cream acts as an intracellular messenger between nuclear receptors combining with either of the two types of receptors: RAR (retinoic acid receptors) or RXR (retinoid X receptor) Both types of receptors have three subtypes: alpha, beta and gamma. These are encoded by different genes and that in turn have different isoforms. It has been shown that people deficient in vitamin A are more susceptible to cancer due to the antioxidant potential of beta-carotene, which affects cell regulation.

Once the beta-carotene is ingested it sticks to the lumen of the intestine by beta-carotene dioxygenase and starts the synthesis of retinoic acid. The retinal is reduced to retinol by retinaldehyde, an intestinal enzyme that requires NADPH. Much of free retinol is esterified to retinyl palmitate by the action of enzymes called lecithin retinol acyltransferase (LRAT) and acyl-CoA retinol acyltransferase (ARAT). A portion of this retinyl palmitate is stored, while another part is esterified by an esterase to form retinol. The retinol is then oxidized to compose the active form of retinoic acid. The oxidation process is an intermediate step. The retinol is associated with a specific cytoplasmic protein retinol binding (CRBP) forming the complex compound, retinol-CRBP. This complex is the substrate of an enzyme called retinol dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the conversion reaction of retinyl palmitate to retinaldehyde. Finally retinaldehyde is easily oxidized to retinoic acid by the action of another enzyme called retinaldehyde oxidase. The retinoic acid (RA) is a major active form of vitamin A. It presents different isomers because of the possible geometric cis-trans configurations around the double bonds of the side chain.

Conditions Treated by Retin-A-Cream

By a translocation at the genetic level, Retin-A-Cream acts on the promyelocytes which are hybrid receptors for retinoic acid. There is an activation of cell division and thus the expansion of leukemic cells. Systemically employed Retin-A-Cream allows a differentiation (maturation) of leukemia cells. It forms mature granulocytes, with loss of mitotic activity. Retin-A-Cream is used in combination with chemotherapy, which raises cure rates up to a staggering 80%.

Retin-A-Cream stimulates the keratinizing epithelial cells and simultaneously inhibits the production of keratin. This leads to parakeratosis and thinning of the stratum corneum. For the treatment of acne, this means that the pathologically altered cell differentiation of keratinocytes has a favorable influence on the follicle infundibulum. It is also used in the treatment of psoriasis and other skin diseases. Retin-A-Cream offers immunomodulatory activities. Depending on the condition of the treated skin, it may contribute to immunosuppressive, immunostimulatory, pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory actions. Retin-A-Cream also drastically reduces the pain from skin inflammations, acting as an effective painkiller. It acts as a protective agent against oxidative damage in mitochondria.

It is used lately as treatment of leukemia. Acute myeloid leukemia is caused by a blockage in the differentiation of pro-myelocytes, a type of myeloid precursor cells and mature neutrophils. These pro-myeloid cells accumulate in the bone marrow. This blockage is due to the fact that there is a chromosomal translocation in the gene encoding the retinoic acid receptor. It has been found that by applying high doses of Retin-A-Cream it is possible to override this blockage. More than 90% of patients treated so far have experienced long-term improvement.

Retin-A-Cream Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

Apply Retin-A-Cream as your doctor has asked you to. Wash off your entire make up before applying it to avoid any harmful reactions. Do not apply it when you are going out in the sun. Women of childbearing potential must avoid Retin-A-Cream because of its teratogenic effect when applied systemically. Doing so could result in serious abnormalities in the fetus. The safety of topical application during pregnancy and lactation is not well studied, and hence not recommended.

b.) Missing a Dose

Skip the missed dose. Proceed with the next one.

c.) Overdosing

If you experience unusual irritation, reddishness in the skin, searing pain, or skin coming off, immediately call and consult your doctor. You may have to reduce the dosage or stop the medication.

Retin-A-Cream Warnings

This substance is practically insoluble in water, but it is soluble in non-polar solvents such as ether, chloroform or acetone. It has a low melting point, like other forms of vitamin A, approximately between 62-64 ° C. It has a large spectrum of absorption, and is very sensitive to oxygen in the air, especially in the presence of light and heat.

Retin-A-Cream Side Effects

A significant side effect of Retin-A-Cream is that it makes the skin more sensitive to sunburns. Abuse of Retin-A-Cream may adversely affect the body causing:

• weight loss and appetite
• irritability
• kidney disorder
• bone pain
• joint pain

Drug Interactions with Retin-A-Cream

If you are using the following in any of your existing medications, let your doctor know about it. Adverse drug interactions have been reported in case of these compounds.

• Effexor (venlafaxine)
• Plavix (clopidogrel)
• Trilafon (perphenazine)
• Synalar (flucinolone)
• Zyprexa (olanzapine)
• Cymbalta (duloxetine)
• Thorazine (chlorpromazine)

If you have any questions about buying discount RETIN-A CREAM online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

RETIN-A CREAM and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information