Renova Information

Why is Renova prescribed?

Renova is prescription medication prescribed to reduce fine wrinkles, roughness and discoloration on facial skin (as part of a comprehensive program of skin care and sun avoidance).

How does Renova work?

The active ingredient in Renova is Tretinoin reformulated in a moisturizing cream. Tretinoin is potent chemical derived from Vitamin A, it smooths fine lines by acting on the cells of the dermas, the lower layer of the skin. When damaged by the sun's ultraviolet rays, the dermis tends to shrink which results in the outer layer to wrinkle.

How is Renova applied?

Renova is applied once daily usually at bedtime. Individuals should only use a small enough amount to lightly cover the affected region. Prior to using Renova individuals are asked to wash their face with a mild soap and the wait approximately 20 minutes prior to dabbing a small amount of the prescription cream on your face. Please be careful to avoid your eyes, nostril, ears, lips or any open sores or irritated areas.

What If I miss a dose of Renova?

If you miss a dose wait until the appropriate time the next evening and resume treatment as usual.

What if I do not notice any immediate improvement?

If you do not notice any immediate improvement, or there appears to some new blemishes do not despair. Individuals may need to apply the medication for up to 4-6 weeks before noticing any improvements. Just continue with the prescribe amount, increasing the application dose or frequency may result in an irritation of the skin and will not improve the beneficial potential of the medication.

May I use cosmetics while I am using Renova?

Yes, individuals may use cosmetics while being treated with Renova. Make sure you thoroughly cleanse the areas of your face where you wish to apply the medication. If you experience excessively dry skin, you may want to use petroleum jelly or another moistener during the day.

Any contraindications to using Renova?

Individuals should keep exposure to sunlight and sun lamps to a minimum. If you have sunburn, or any other skin irritation do not use the medication until you skin has fully recovered. Use of sunscreen products (at least SPF 15) and protective clothing over treated areas is recommended when exposure to the sun cannot be avoided. In addition, weather extremes, such as excessive wind or cold conditions, may cause a reaction with the use of the medication.

What is the most common side effects associated with Renova?

Some individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritated red, inflamed, blistered, or possible crusting of the skin. If you experience any of these conditions, please notify your physician. Sometimes the physician will recommend you discontinue the medication or adjust the dose until your skin returns to a pre-treatment state.

In addition, some individuals may experience an unusual darkening of the skin other side effects are generally not severe and may include dry skin, burning, itching, peeling, stinging and redness.

When should Renova not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Renova you should not use the prescription medication. Individuals under the age of eighteen and over the age of fifty with heavily pigmented skin should not use the medication. The safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been established.

How long can individuals take the medication?

Clinical testing as not been established longer than 48 months.

Special warnings about Renova

Do not apply the medication close to the eyes, mouth, angles of the nose, and/or mucous membranes. The medication may cause a brief feeling of warmth or slight stinging when applied. If it causes an abnormal irritation, redness, blistering, or peeling of the skin, notify your doctor. He may suggest that you use the medication less frequently, discontinue use temporarily, or discontinue use altogether. If a severe sensitivity reaction or chemical irritation occurs, you will probably need to stop using the drug. Individuals with eczema or other chronic skin conditions, use this medication with extreme caution, as it may cause severe irritation.

Are there any possible food or drug interactions associated with the use of the Renova?

If this medication is used in combination with certain other medications, the effects of the medication could be decreased, increase or possibly altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining with the following:

Preparations containing benzoyl peroxide, such as Benzac AC Wash 5, Desquam-E, Benzshave, PanOxyl
Preparations containing sulfur i.e. ointments and other preparations used to treat
skin disorders and infections.
Resorcinol - a medication, used in ointments to treat acne, that causes skin to peel.
Sulfa drugs such as Bactrim and Septra
Medication containing Thiazide such as Diuril and HydroDIURIL
Salicylic acid - a medication used to treat bacteria and fungi.
Certain antibiotics, including Noroxin, Cipro and Tetracycline
Tranquilizers i.e. as Thorazine and Mellaril
Caution should also be exercised when using Renova in combination with other topical medications, such as, medicated or abrasive soaps, cosmetics that have a strong drying effect, astringents, spices, or lime, products with high concentrations with alcohol, permanent wave solutions, electrolysis, waxes, etc.

Should Renova be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, do not use this medication. Clinical testing has not been done to establish whether the medication is present in the breast milk.