Altreno Lotion: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Altreno Lotion contains tretinoin, a retinoid medicine, and is applied to the skin to treat acne vulgaris, including blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed pimples. It is approved for people 9 years of age and older. Studies show significant reductions in blackheads and whiteheads, with blemishes reduced by more than half, and it can be worn under makeup. Common side effects include dryness, irritation, and peeling at the application site, while more serious reactions require medical attention.

What is Altreno Lotion

Altreno is a prescription lotion put on the skin to treat acne, including blackheads, whiteheads, and other pimples. It is approved for people 9 years of age and older.

Altreno Lotion uses

• Acne vulgaris
• Blackheads
• Whiteheads
• Inflamed acne pimples
• Clogged pores associated with acne

Benefits of Altreno Lotion

• Significant reductions in both blackheads and whiteheads
• The number of blemishes was reduced by more than half
• Can be worn under makeup without affecting skin tone evenness and smoothness
• Free of fragrance, silicone, and alcohol

How Altreno Lotion works

Altreno is a form of vitamin A called a retinoid. It is thought to work by making skin cells shed faster so they don't clump together and clog pores, which helps unclog pores and reduce the formation of new blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.

Altreno Lotion dosage

Apply a thin layer to the affected areas once daily. Avoid the eyes, mouth, paranasal creases (corners of the nose), and mucous membranes. Altreno is for use on the skin only; do not use it in the eyes, mouth, or vagina.

Gently wash your skin with a cleanser and pat dry before applying. Squeeze the lotion from the tube, or dispense from the pump, onto a fingertip and spread evenly over the affected areas, then let it dry. Wash your hands after applying, unless your hands are the area being treated.

Do not apply to skin affected by eczema or to sunburned skin. Altreno can be applied in the morning or evening; if applying in the morning, follow with a moisturizer and sunscreen, and at night use only a moisturizer. It can be worn under makeup once it has dried on the skin.

It may take several weeks before your skin improves; keep using it as directed even if your acne seems to get slightly worse for a short time at first. Do not use more often or in larger amounts than prescribed, as this will not work faster and may increase side effects.

Available forms and strengths

• Lotion, 0.05%
• 45 g tube
• 20 g tube
• 50 g pump

Side effects of Altreno Lotion

Common

• Dry skin at the application site
• Pain, burning, or stinging at the application site
• Redness at the application site
• Irritation at the application site
• Peeling or flaking at the application site
• Sore throat
• Changes in color of treated skin

Serious

• Severe burning, stinging, or irritation of treated skin
• Severe skin dryness
• Severe redness, swelling, blistering, peeling, or crusting
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Warnings and precautions

• Altreno can cause skin irritation such as dryness, pain, redness, and excessive flaking or peeling. If this happens, your healthcare provider may have you use a moisturizer, use it less often, or stop treatment.
• Do not apply Altreno to skin affected by eczema or to sunburned skin, as this can make irritation worse.
• Avoid sunlamps, tanning beds, and ultraviolet light during treatment, and minimize sun exposure. Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat over treated areas if you must be in the sun.
• Altreno contains fish proteins, so people with a fish allergy should use it with caution and watch for allergic reactions.
• It is not known if Altreno will harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• It is not known if Altreno passes into breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
• If severe irritation develops, stop use and consult your doctor.
• Dryness, redness, peeling, or irritation may occur.
• Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes.
• Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.

Storage

• Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F).
• Protect from freezing.
• Store pump upright.
• Keep Altreno and all medicines out of the reach of children.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor right away if you have severe burning, stinging, or irritation of treated skin, severe skin dryness, or severe redness, swelling, blistering, peeling, or crusting.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you develop itching or hives while using Altreno, since it contains fish proteins and could cause an allergic reaction in people with fish allergies.
• Call your doctor if skin irritation becomes severe or if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks.

Alternatives

• Tazarotene
• Retin-A Micro
• Retin-A (Tretinoin)