Tretinoin cream?

[Ashley]

I was wondering if there are any cream formulations of tretinoin available in the UK. I know that there are a number of brands of tretinoin cream sold in the USA, but the local pharmacy only sells it in gel form, which burns my skin because of the high alcohol content. My doctor said he would write a prescription for me if I could find it so I was wondering if pharmacists here know of any UK products. Thanks.

[DavidS]

Retin-A make a cream, suitable for use in acne. 0.05%, I think it is.

[bobbin]

Retin-A make a cream, suitable for use in acne. 0.05%, I think it is.

Janssen-Cilag discontinued Retin-A cream a few months ago but they still make the gel. The related drug adapalene (Differin) is available as a cream and a gel.

[Ashley]

Janssen-Cilag discontinued Retin-A cream a few months ago but they still make the gel. The related drug adapalene (Differin) is available as a cream and a gel.

Does adapalene work in the same way as tretinoin for treating keratosis pilaris?

[bobbin]

Does adapalene work in the same way as tretinoin for treating keratosis pilaris?

Probably, although I couldn't find any clinical trials. Adapalene has a similar mechanism of action to tretinoin. They are both retinoids (vitamin A-type drugs) which help to normalise keratinisation. Adapalene is supposed to be less irritant than tretinoin.

[Ashley]

Well thanks for that, I will ask my doctor to prescribe that instead. I just hope the pharmacy has it in stock.

[bobbin]

Well thanks for that, I will ask my doctor to prescribe that instead. I just hope the pharmacy has it in stock.

If they don't have it in stock they will be able to order it in for the next day. We only keep one in stock because we don't use it very often.