Renova

Generic name: tretinoin topical [ TRET-in-oin ]
Drug class: Topical acne agents

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Aug 15, 2023.

What is Renova?

Renova is a form of vitamin A that helps the skin renew itself.

Renova Cream will help treat, but will not "cure" fine wrinkles, spotty skin discoloration, and rough feeling skin. It will not eliminate wrinkles or repair sun-damaged skin.

Renova may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Renova can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun. Avoid getting Renova in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use Renova on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using Renova in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using Renova.

Use this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you think it is not working. It may take weeks or months of use before you notice improvement in your skin.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before using Renova

You should not use Renova if you are allergic to tretinoin.

It is not known whether Renova will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether tretinoin topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Renova?

Use Renova exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Using more medicine or applying it more often than prescribed will not make it work any faster, and may increase side effects. Do not use Renova for longer than your doctor has prescribed.

Do not take by mouth. Renova is for use only on the skin. Do not use this medicine on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin.

Wash your hands before and after applying Renova Cream. You should apply Renova Cream to your face once a day before retiring using only enough to cover the entire affected area lightly. Gently wash your face with a mild soap, pat the skin dry, and wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying the cream. Apply a pea-sized amount of cream to cover your entire face. You may feel a warmth or slight stinging when Renova Cream is first applied.

You must be especially careful when applying the cream to avoid your eyes, ears, nostrils, or mouth. Renova may cause severe redness, itching, burning, stinging, and peeling if applied to these areas.

Using larger than necessary amounts of Renova will not speed results and can cause an overdose. An overdose can result in red and peeling skin as well as some pain or discomfort.

Applying Renova to wet skin may cause skin irritation. Wait at least 20 minutes after washing your face before applying a thin layer of the medication.

Do not wash the treated area for at least 1 hour after applying Renova. Avoid the use of other skin products on the treated area for at least 1 hour following application of Renova.

Renova should be used as part of a complete skin care program that includes avoiding sunlight and using an effective sunscreen and protective clothing.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time, even if you think it is not working.

It may take up to several weeks before you notice improvement in your skin. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Related/similar drugs

tretinoin topical, Retin-A, Avita, Tretin-X

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid?

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Renova can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors, even on a cloudy day.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, mouth, or in the creases of your nose.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with Renova unless your doctor tells you to.

Renova side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to Renova Cream: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Renova and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning, stinging, or irritation of treated skin;

• severe redness, swelling, blistering, peeling, or crusting;

Your skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind while using this medicine.

Common Renova side effects may include:

• mild warmth or stinging where the medicine was applied; or

• changes in color of treated skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Renova?

Do not use skin products that contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid unless otherwise directed by your doctor. These products can cause severe skin irritation if used with Renova.

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied tretinoin. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Renova Cream only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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