Information About Altinac

Common uses
Altinac is a vitamin A derivative used to treat acne. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.

Prior to Use
Be aware that pre-existing medical conditions, or taking additional medications could interfere with the effectiveness of this one. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. You should not take Altinac if you have a history of eczema. If you have questions or concerns about Altinac, be sure to let your physician or pharmacist know.

Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Altinac. Altinac comes with a patient information leaflet Read it carefully. Ask your physician, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have before using Altinac. Before applying Altinac, wash the affected area with a mild soap and gently dry. Wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying the medicine. Apply a thin film of medicine to the affected and surrounding area. Rub in gently. Wash your hands immediately after using Altinac. Store Altinac at room temperature, away from heat and sunlight. Do not expose to fire sources. Do not smoke during use. Should you skip or forget a dose of Altinac, omit the skipped dose and continue to follow your original dosing schedule.

Warnings
Do not get Altinac in your eyes or on the inside of your nose or mouth. For the first 2 to 3 weeks of treatment, your skin condition may appear to worsen. This is expected. Do not stop using the medicine during this time. Do not use other medicines on your skin without first discussing it with your physician. While you are using Altinac, you may use cosmetics. After using cosmetics, thoroughly wash and dry the affected area before applying Altinac. Altinac may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Altinac. Use a sunscreen if you must be outside. Do not apply Altinac to sunburned skin. Women, if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Altinac during pregnancy. The effects of Altinac on breast milk is not known. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Altinac, consult your pharmacist or physician to discuss the risks to your baby.

Potential Side Effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include redness, peeling, stinging, or a feeling of warmth. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Consult your physician immediately if you experience blistering, crusting, swelling, excessive redness or peeling of your skin. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.

In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed. Altinac may be harmful if swallowed. Indications of an overdose are excessive redness, peeling, and discomfort.

Additional information
Improvement of acne usually occurs after 2 to 3 weeks of regular use of Altinac. Sometimes more than 6 weeks of regular use may be required before improvement is seen. Do not let anyone else use Altinac. Do not take Altinac to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children. If using Altinac for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.