Mequinol/tretinoin (On the skin)

Mequinol (ME-kwin-ol), Tretinoin (TRET-i-noin)

Treats brown spots, age spots, or liver spots on the skin.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Use this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
• Using the applicator tip, apply the medicine only to the spots identified by your doctor. Be careful not to get any medicine on the skin surrounding these spots, on your lips, or in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• You may notice stinging, burning, or irritation of your skin after applying the medicine. This should go away.
• Apply the medicine once in the morning and once in the evening, at least 8 hours apart, or as instructed by your doctor.
• Wait 30 minutes before applying makeup to any treated area. Do not shower or bathe any treated areas for at least 6 hours after using the medicine.
• This medicine works gradually, and may take a few months to improve your condition. If you stop using this medicine, your spots may become darker again over time.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Skip the missed dose and apply the next scheduled dose at the regular time.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep away from heat and open flame.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how mequinol/tretinoin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Medicine to treat an infection (including ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, tetracycline)
  • Phenothiazine medicine
  • Sulfa drug
• Do not use any other medicines or acne treatments on the treated skin areas without first asking your doctor. Avoid using any skin care products that can dry or irritate your skin, including rough skin cleansers or products that contain alcohol, spices, or lime.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you are sensitive to sunlight or have any other skin conditions especially eczema. Tell your doctor if you, or anyone in your family, has a skin condition called vitiligo.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, wind, and cold weather. Follow your doctor's instructions for skin care and sun exposure while you are using this medicine. Avoid exposure to sunlight or sunlamps. Do not use this medicine if you are sunburned.
• Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Severe or ongoing skin redness, peeling, itching, blistering, crusting, or swelling

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Color change of the treated spot, or the area surrounding it, to lighter than normal skin
• Mild skin dryness, itching, peeling, or redness
• Skin warmth, stinging, or burning that continues or gets worse

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 12/4/2023