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FDA Drug information

Tretinoin

Read time: 1 mins
Marketing start date: 03 May 2024

Summary of product characteristics


Adverse Reactions

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) with Tretinoin Gel are dry skin, peeling/scaling/flaking skin, skin burning sensation, and erythema. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under prescribing conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In two randomized, controlled trials, 674 subjects received treatment for up to 12 weeks with Tretinoin Gel [see Clinical Studies (14) ]. In these studies, 50% of the subjects who were treated with Tretinoin Gel reported one or more adverse reactions; 30% of the subjects reported treatment-related adverse reactions. In the vehicle group, 29% of the 487 randomized subjects reported at least one adverse reaction; 5% of the subjects reported events that were treatment-related. There were no serious, treatment-related adverse reactions reported by subjects in any of the treatment groups. Selected adverse reactions that occurred in at least 1% of subjects in the two trials combined are shown in Table 1 (below). Most skin-related adverse reactions first appear during the first two weeks of treatment with Tretinoin Gel, and the incidence rate for skin-related reactions peaks around the second and third week of treatment. In some subjects, the skin-related adverse reactions persist throughout the treatment period. Table 1: Number of Subjects with Selected Adverse Reactions (Occurring in at Least 1% of Subjects) Event Tretinoin Gel (n = 674) Vehicle Gel (n = 487) Dry Skin 109 (16%) 8 (2%) Peeling/Scaling/Flaking Skin 78 (12%) 7 (1%) Skin Burning Sensation 53 (8%) 8 (2%) Erythema 47 (7%) 1 (<1%) Pruritus 11 (2%) 3 (1%) Pain of Skin 7 (1%) 0 (0%) Sunburn 7 (1%) 3 (1%) 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Tretinoin Gel. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Temporary hyper- or hypopigmentation has been reported with repeated application of tretinoin.

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None ( 4 )

Description

11 DESCRIPTION Tretinoin Gel, 0.05% is a translucent to opaque, pale yellow gel containing 0.05% tretinoin, by weight for topical administration. Chemically, tretinoin is all- trans -retinoic acid, also known as (all- E )-3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-2,4,6,8-nonatetraenoic acid. It is a member of the retinoid class of compounds, and a metabolite of Vitamin A. Tretinoin has a molecular weight of 300.44, a molecular formula of C 20 H 28 O 2 and the following structure: Each gram of Tretinoin Gel, 0.05% contains 0.5 mg of tretinoin. Other components of this formulation are benzyl alcohol, butylparaben, butylated hydroxytoluene, carbomer homopolymer Type C, ethylparaben, fish collagen hydrolyzates, glycerin, isobutylparaben, methylparaben, octoxynol 9, phenoxyethanol, propylparaben, purified water, sodium hyaluronate, and trolamine. The contribution to efficacy of individual components of the vehicle has not been evaluated. chem.jpg

Dosage And Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For topical use only. Not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use. Tretinoin Gel should be applied once daily, before bedtime, to the skin where acne lesions appear, using a thin layer to cover the entire affected area. Tretinoin Gel should be kept away from the eyes, the mouth, paranasal creases, and mucous membranes. Application of excessive amounts of gel will not provide incremental efficacy. Patients treated with Tretinoin Gel may use cosmetics, but the areas to be treated should be cleansed thoroughly before the medication is applied. When treating with Tretinoin Gel, caution should be exercised with the use of concomitant topical over-the-counter preparations, topical medications, medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers, products that have strong drying effect, and products with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, spices, or lime. Particular caution should be exercised with acne preparations containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid. Allow the effects of such preparations to subside before use of Tretinoin Gel has begun. • Apply a thin layer of Tretinoin Gel once daily, before bedtime, to skin where lesions occur. Keep away from eyes, mouth, nasal creases, and mucous membranes. ( 2 ) • Tretinoin Gel is not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. ( 2 )

Indications And Usage

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Tretinoin Gel is indicated for topical treatment of acne vulgaris. Tretinoin Gel is a retinoid indicated for topical treatment of acne vulgaris. ( 1 )

Adverse Reactions Table

Table 1: Number of Subjects with Selected Adverse Reactions (Occurring in at Least 1% of Subjects)
EventTretinoin Gel (n = 674)Vehicle Gel (n = 487)

Dry Skin

109 (16%)

8 (2%)

Peeling/Scaling/Flaking Skin

78 (12%)

7 (1%)

Skin Burning Sensation

53 (8%)

8 (2%)

Erythema

47 (7%)

1 (<1%)

Pruritus

11 (2%)

3 (1%)

Pain of Skin

7 (1%)

0 (0%)

Sunburn

7 (1%)

3 (1%)

Clinical Pharmacology

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Tretinoin is a metabolite of Vitamin A that binds with high affinity to specific retinoic acid receptors located in both the cytosol and nucleus, but cutaneous levels of tretinoin in excess of physiologic concentrations occur following application of a tretinoin-containing topical drug product. Although tretinoin activates three members of the retinoid acid (RAR) nuclear receptors (RARα, RARβ, and RARγ) which act to modify gene expression, subsequent protein synthesis, and epithelial cell growth and differentiation, it has not been established whether the clinical effects of tretinoin are mediated through activation of retinoic acid receptors, other mechanisms, or both. Although the exact mode of action of tretinoin is unknown, current evidence suggests that topical tretinoin decreases cohesiveness of follicular epithelial cells with decreased microcomedo formation. Additionally, tretinoin stimulates mitotic activity and increased turnover of follicular epithelial cells causing extrusion of the comedones. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics In two (2) studies, the plasma levels of tretinoin and its major metabolites (13-cis-retinoic acid and 4-oxo-13-cis-retinoic acid) were investigated in a total of 14 patients (age: 13 – 25 years) with severe acne, who applied 4 g ± 0.5 g (range 3.5 g – 4.5 g) of Tretinoin Gel once daily to face, back and chest, as compared to a mean of 0.71 g (range of 0.07 – 3.71 g) applied in the controlled clinical trials. Blood samples were taken at baseline and immediately prior to treatment on days 1, 5, 10 and 14. On Day 14, the final study day, samples also were taken 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, and 24 hours, post-treatment. The plasma concentrations of tretinoin and its metabolites could be measured (LOQ = 0.5 ng/mL for all three analytes) in all patients at all time points. The range of plasma concentrations of tretinoin and its metabolites, 13-cis-retinoic acid and all-trans-4-oxo-retinoic acid at baseline and after multiple once daily applications of Tretinoin Gel for 14 days are given in Table 2 (below). Although some patients had increased concentrations of tretinoin or its metabolites over baseline values, no consistent increase in these concentrations were observed across patients. Table 2: Concentrations of Active and Metabolites at Baseline and at Day 14 After Exposure to Tretinoin Gel 0.05% Compound Baseline Concentration Range (ng/mL) Day 14 Concentration Range (ng/mL) Tretinoin 0.68-1.62 0.69-2.88 13-cis-retinoic acid 0.67-1.79 0.51-2.26 4-oxo-13-cis-retinoic acid 0.82-5.92 0.59-6.96

Clinical Pharmacology Table

Table 2: Concentrations of Active and Metabolites at Baseline and at Day 14 After Exposure to Tretinoin Gel 0.05%
CompoundBaseline Concentration Range (ng/mL)Day 14 Concentration Range (ng/mL)

Tretinoin

0.68-1.62

0.69-2.88

13-cis-retinoic acid

0.67-1.79

0.51-2.26

4-oxo-13-cis-retinoic acid

0.82-5.92

0.59-6.96

Mechanism Of Action

12.1 Mechanism of Action Tretinoin is a metabolite of Vitamin A that binds with high affinity to specific retinoic acid receptors located in both the cytosol and nucleus, but cutaneous levels of tretinoin in excess of physiologic concentrations occur following application of a tretinoin-containing topical drug product. Although tretinoin activates three members of the retinoid acid (RAR) nuclear receptors (RARα, RARβ, and RARγ) which act to modify gene expression, subsequent protein synthesis, and epithelial cell growth and differentiation, it has not been established whether the clinical effects of tretinoin are mediated through activation of retinoic acid receptors, other mechanisms, or both. Although the exact mode of action of tretinoin is unknown, current evidence suggests that topical tretinoin decreases cohesiveness of follicular epithelial cells with decreased microcomedo formation. Additionally, tretinoin stimulates mitotic activity and increased turnover of follicular epithelial cells causing extrusion of the comedones.

Pharmacokinetics

12.3 Pharmacokinetics In two (2) studies, the plasma levels of tretinoin and its major metabolites (13-cis-retinoic acid and 4-oxo-13-cis-retinoic acid) were investigated in a total of 14 patients (age: 13 – 25 years) with severe acne, who applied 4 g ± 0.5 g (range 3.5 g – 4.5 g) of Tretinoin Gel once daily to face, back and chest, as compared to a mean of 0.71 g (range of 0.07 – 3.71 g) applied in the controlled clinical trials. Blood samples were taken at baseline and immediately prior to treatment on days 1, 5, 10 and 14. On Day 14, the final study day, samples also were taken 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, and 24 hours, post-treatment. The plasma concentrations of tretinoin and its metabolites could be measured (LOQ = 0.5 ng/mL for all three analytes) in all patients at all time points. The range of plasma concentrations of tretinoin and its metabolites, 13-cis-retinoic acid and all-trans-4-oxo-retinoic acid at baseline and after multiple once daily applications of Tretinoin Gel for 14 days are given in Table 2 (below). Although some patients had increased concentrations of tretinoin or its metabolites over baseline values, no consistent increase in these concentrations were observed across patients. Table 2: Concentrations of Active and Metabolites at Baseline and at Day 14 After Exposure to Tretinoin Gel 0.05% Compound Baseline Concentration Range (ng/mL) Day 14 Concentration Range (ng/mL) Tretinoin 0.68-1.62 0.69-2.88 13-cis-retinoic acid 0.67-1.79 0.51-2.26 4-oxo-13-cis-retinoic acid 0.82-5.92 0.59-6.96

Pharmacokinetics Table

Table 2: Concentrations of Active and Metabolites at Baseline and at Day 14 After Exposure to Tretinoin Gel 0.05%
CompoundBaseline Concentration Range (ng/mL)Day 14 Concentration Range (ng/mL)

Tretinoin

0.68-1.62

0.69-2.88

13-cis-retinoic acid

0.67-1.79

0.51-2.26

4-oxo-13-cis-retinoic acid

0.82-5.92

0.59-6.96

Effective Time

20160701

Version

4

Dosage Forms And Strengths

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Gel, 0.05% Each gram of Tretinoin Gel contains 0.5 mg (0.05%) tretinoin in a translucent to opaque, pale yellow topical gel. Gel, 0.05% ( 3 )

Spl Product Data Elements

Tretinoin Tretinoin Tretinoin Tretinoin benzyl alcohol butylparaben butylated hydroxytoluene CARBOMER HOMOPOLYMER TYPE C (ALLYL PENTAERYTHRITOL CROSSLINKED) ethylparaben MARINE COLLAGEN, SOLUBLE glycerin isobutylparaben methylparaben octoxynol-9 phenoxyethanol propylparaben water hyaluronate sodium trolamine

Carcinogenesis And Mutagenesis And Impairment Of Fertility

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility A 2-year dermal mouse carcinogenicity study was initiated with topical administration of 0.005%, 0.025% and 0.05% Tretinoin Gel. Although no drug-related tumors were observed in surviving animals, the irritating nature of the drug product precluded daily dosing, confounding data interpretation and reducing the biological significance of these results. Studies in hairless albino mice with a different formulation suggest that concurrent exposure to tretinoin may enhance the tumorigenic potential of carcinogenic doses of UVB and UVA light from a solar simulator. This effect was confirmed in a later study in pigmented mice, and dark pigmentation did not overcome the enhancement of photocarcinogenesis by 0.05% tretinoin. Although the significance of these studies to humans is not clear, patients should minimize exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet irradiation sources. The genotoxic potential of tretinoin was evaluated in an in vitro bacterial reversion test, an in vitro chromosomal aberration assay in human lymphocytes and an in vivo rat micronucleus assay. All tests were negative. In dermal fertility studies of another tretinoin formulation in rats, slight (not statistically significant) decreases in sperm count and motility were seen at 0.5 mg/kg/day (3 mg/m 2 , approximately 4 times the clinical dose based on body surface area comparison), and slight (not statistically significant) increases in the number and percent of nonviable embryos in females treated with 0.25 mg/kg/day and above (1.5 mg/m 2 , approximately 2 times the clinical dose based on body surface area comparison) were observed.

Nonclinical Toxicology

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility A 2-year dermal mouse carcinogenicity study was initiated with topical administration of 0.005%, 0.025% and 0.05% Tretinoin Gel. Although no drug-related tumors were observed in surviving animals, the irritating nature of the drug product precluded daily dosing, confounding data interpretation and reducing the biological significance of these results. Studies in hairless albino mice with a different formulation suggest that concurrent exposure to tretinoin may enhance the tumorigenic potential of carcinogenic doses of UVB and UVA light from a solar simulator. This effect was confirmed in a later study in pigmented mice, and dark pigmentation did not overcome the enhancement of photocarcinogenesis by 0.05% tretinoin. Although the significance of these studies to humans is not clear, patients should minimize exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet irradiation sources. The genotoxic potential of tretinoin was evaluated in an in vitro bacterial reversion test, an in vitro chromosomal aberration assay in human lymphocytes and an in vivo rat micronucleus assay. All tests were negative. In dermal fertility studies of another tretinoin formulation in rats, slight (not statistically significant) decreases in sperm count and motility were seen at 0.5 mg/kg/day (3 mg/m 2 , approximately 4 times the clinical dose based on body surface area comparison), and slight (not statistically significant) increases in the number and percent of nonviable embryos in females treated with 0.25 mg/kg/day and above (1.5 mg/m 2 , approximately 2 times the clinical dose based on body surface area comparison) were observed.

Application Number

NDA022070

Brand Name

Tretinoin

Generic Name

Tretinoin

Product Ndc

68682-800

Product Type

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

Route

TOPICAL

Package Label Principal Display Panel

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 45 g Tube Carton NDC 68682-800-45 Rx only TRETINOIN GEL 0.05% FOR TOPICAL USE ONLY Net Wt. 45 g OCEANSIDE PHARMACEUTICALS carton.jpg

Information For Patients

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION See FDA-Approved Patient Labeling (Patient Information) Instruct patients to clean the affected areas with an appropriate cleanser before applying Tretinoin Gel. Patients may use moisturizers that are noncomedogenic and should avoid products that could be drying or irritating. Patients may also wear cosmetics while being treated with Tretinoin Gel; however, they should be instructed to remove the cosmetics and clean the area thoroughly before applying Tretinoin Gel. Warn patients of the drying and irritation effects often seen during treatment. Continue use of the medication if these effects are tolerable. Caution patients against application of Tretinoin Gel around the eyes, mouth, paranasal creases, and mucous membranes as the skin is especially prone to irritation. Minimize exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps. Recommend the use of sunscreen products and protective apparel (e.g., hat) when exposure cannot be avoided. Rx only Manufactured for: Oceanside Pharmaceuticals, a division of Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC Bridgewater, NJ 08807 USA By: Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. Laval, Quebec H7L 4A8, Canada ©Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC Product/brand names are trademarks of their respective owners. 9571700 Rev. 07/2016

Clinical Studies

14 CLINICAL STUDIES The safety and efficacy of Tretinoin Gel used once daily before bedtime for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris were assessed in two 12-week prospective, multi-center, randomized, controlled trials. Subjects in these two trials ranged from 10 to 65 years of age, were approximately 52% female, 48% male, and were 74% Caucasian, 15% Black or African American, 3% Asian, and 8% Other. Efficacy results at Week 12 are presented in Table 3. Success on the 6-point Global Severity Score is defined as a score of 0 (clear) or 1 (very mild). In Trial 2, subjects were also required to have at least two grades reduction from baseline for success. 'Very mild' acne is defined as: skin almost clear; rare non-inflammatory lesions present, with rare non-inflamed papules (papules may be hyperpigmented, though not pink-red, less than 4 lesions). The database was not large enough to assess whether there were differences in effects in age, gender, or race subgroups. Table 3: Efficacy Results at Week 12 in Trials 1 and 2 Trial 1 Tretinoin Gel N=375 Vehicle N=185 Global Severity Score Success Success was defined as 0 (clear) or 1 (very mild) 78 (21%) 23 (12%) Non-Inflammatory Facial Lesions Mean Baseline Count 50.7 52.4 Mean Absolute Reduction 21.8 10.3 Mean Percent Reduction 43% 21% Inflammatory Facial Lesions Mean Baseline Count 23.4 23.9 Mean Absolute Reduction 9.7 5.8 Mean Percent Reduction 41% 26% Total Facial Lesions Mean Baseline Count 74.1 76.3 Mean Absolute Reduction 31.4 16.1 Mean Percent Reduction 43% 22% Trial 2 Tretinoin Gel N=299 Vehicle N=302 Global Severity Score Success Success was defined as 0 (clear) or 1 (very mild) with at least 2 grades reduction from baseline 69 (23%) 42 (14%) Non-Inflammatory Facial Lesions Mean Baseline Count 51.9 52.7 Mean Absolute Reduction 18.7 10.8 Mean Percent Reduction 37% 20% Inflammatory Facial Lesions Mean Baseline Count 22.9 23.4 Mean Absolute Reduction 7.0 4.0 Mean Percent Reduction 30% 17% Total Facial Lesions Mean Baseline Count 74.8 76.1 Mean Absolute Reduction 25.7 14.7 Mean Percent Reduction 35% 19%

Clinical Studies Table

Table 3: Efficacy Results at Week 12 in Trials 1 and 2

Trial 1

Tretinoin Gel N=375

Vehicle N=185

Global Severity Score SuccessSuccess was defined as 0 (clear) or 1 (very mild)

78 (21%)

23 (12%)

Non-Inflammatory Facial Lesions

Mean Baseline Count

50.7

52.4

Mean Absolute Reduction

21.8

10.3

Mean Percent Reduction

43%

21%

Inflammatory Facial Lesions

Mean Baseline Count

23.4

23.9

Mean Absolute Reduction

9.7

5.8

Mean Percent Reduction

41%

26%

Total Facial Lesions

Mean Baseline Count

74.1

76.3

Mean Absolute Reduction

31.4

16.1

Mean Percent Reduction

43%

22%

Trial 2

Tretinoin Gel N=299

Vehicle N=302

Global Severity Score SuccessSuccess was defined as 0 (clear) or 1 (very mild) with at least 2 grades reduction from baseline

69 (23%)

42 (14%)

Non-Inflammatory Facial Lesions

Mean Baseline Count

51.9

52.7

Mean Absolute Reduction

18.7

10.8

Mean Percent Reduction

37%

20%

Inflammatory Facial Lesions

Mean Baseline Count

22.9

23.4

Mean Absolute Reduction

7.0

4.0

Mean Percent Reduction

30%

17%

Total Facial Lesions

Mean Baseline Count

74.8

76.1

Mean Absolute Reduction

25.7

14.7

Mean Percent Reduction

35%

19%

Geriatric Use

8.5 Geriatric Use Safety and effectiveness in a geriatric population have not been established. Clinical studies of Tretinoin Gel did not include any subjects over age 65 to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.

Nursing Mothers

8.3 Nursing Mothers It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Tretinoin Gel is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 10 have not been established. A total of 381 pediatric subjects (aged 10 to 16 years) treated with Tretinoin Gel were enrolled into the two clinical studies. Across these two studies, comparable safety and efficacy were observed between pediatric and adult subjects.

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C There are no well-controlled trials in pregnant women treated with Tretinoin Gel. Tretinoin Gel should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Tretinoin Gel at doses of 0.1, 0.3 and 1 g/kg/day was tested for maternal and developmental toxicity in pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats by dermal application. The dose of 1 g/kg/day was approximately 4 times the clinical dose assuming 100% absorption and based on body surface area comparison. Possible tretinoin-associated teratogenic effects (craniofacial abnormalities (hydrocephaly), asymmetrical thyroids, variations in ossification, and increased supernumerary ribs) were noted in the fetuses of Tretinoin Gel treated animals. These findings were not observed in control animals. Other maternal and reproductive parameters in the Tretinoin Gel treated animals were not different from control. For purposes of comparison of the animal exposure to human exposure, the clinical dose is defined as 2 g of Tretinoin Gel applied daily to a 50 kg person. Oral tretinoin has been shown to be teratogenic in rats, mice, rabbits, hamsters and nonhuman primates. Tretinoin was teratogenic in Wistar rats when given orally in doses greater than 1 mg/kg/day (approximately 8 times the clinical dose based on body surface area comparison). In the cynomolgus monkey, fetal malformations were reported for doses of 10 mg/kg/day, but none were observed at 5 mg/kg/day (approximately 80 times the clinical dose based on body surface area comparison), although increased skeletal variations were observed at all doses. Dose-related increases in embryolethality and abortion also were reported. Similar results have also been reported in pigtail macaques. Topical tretinoin in a different formulation has generated equivocal results in animal teratogenicity tests. There is evidence for teratogenicity (shortened or kinked tail) of topical tretinoin in Wistar rats at doses greater than 1 mg/kg/day (approximately 8 times the clinical dose assuming 100% absorption and based on body surface area comparison). Anomalies (humerus: short 13%, bent 6%, os parietal incompletely ossified 14%) have also been reported when 10 mg/kg/day (approximately 160 times the clinical dose assuming 100% absorption and based on body surface area comparison) was topically applied. Supernumerary ribs have been a consistent finding in rats when dams were treated topically or orally with retinoids. With widespread use of any drug, a small number of birth defect reports associated temporally with the administration of the drug would be expected by chance alone. Cases of temporally associated congenital malformations have been reported with use of other topical tretinoin products. The significance of these spontaneous reports in terms of risk to the fetus is not known. Nonteratogenic effects on fetuses: Oral tretinoin has been shown to be fetotoxic in rats when administered in doses 20 times the clinical dose based on body surface area comparison. Topical tretinoin has been shown to be fetotoxic in rabbits when administered in doses 8 times the clinical dose based on body surface area comparison.

Teratogenic Effects

Pregnancy Category C There are no well-controlled trials in pregnant women treated with Tretinoin Gel. Tretinoin Gel should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Tretinoin Gel at doses of 0.1, 0.3 and 1 g/kg/day was tested for maternal and developmental toxicity in pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats by dermal application. The dose of 1 g/kg/day was approximately 4 times the clinical dose assuming 100% absorption and based on body surface area comparison. Possible tretinoin-associated teratogenic effects (craniofacial abnormalities (hydrocephaly), asymmetrical thyroids, variations in ossification, and increased supernumerary ribs) were noted in the fetuses of Tretinoin Gel treated animals. These findings were not observed in control animals. Other maternal and reproductive parameters in the Tretinoin Gel treated animals were not different from control. For purposes of comparison of the animal exposure to human exposure, the clinical dose is defined as 2 g of Tretinoin Gel applied daily to a 50 kg person. Oral tretinoin has been shown to be teratogenic in rats, mice, rabbits, hamsters and nonhuman primates. Tretinoin was teratogenic in Wistar rats when given orally in doses greater than 1 mg/kg/day (approximately 8 times the clinical dose based on body surface area comparison). In the cynomolgus monkey, fetal malformations were reported for doses of 10 mg/kg/day, but none were observed at 5 mg/kg/day (approximately 80 times the clinical dose based on body surface area comparison), although increased skeletal variations were observed at all doses. Dose-related increases in embryolethality and abortion also were reported. Similar results have also been reported in pigtail macaques. Topical tretinoin in a different formulation has generated equivocal results in animal teratogenicity tests. There is evidence for teratogenicity (shortened or kinked tail) of topical tretinoin in Wistar rats at doses greater than 1 mg/kg/day (approximately 8 times the clinical dose assuming 100% absorption and based on body surface area comparison). Anomalies (humerus: short 13%, bent 6%, os parietal incompletely ossified 14%) have also been reported when 10 mg/kg/day (approximately 160 times the clinical dose assuming 100% absorption and based on body surface area comparison) was topically applied. Supernumerary ribs have been a consistent finding in rats when dams were treated topically or orally with retinoids. With widespread use of any drug, a small number of birth defect reports associated temporally with the administration of the drug would be expected by chance alone. Cases of temporally associated congenital malformations have been reported with use of other topical tretinoin products. The significance of these spontaneous reports in terms of risk to the fetus is not known. Nonteratogenic effects on fetuses: Oral tretinoin has been shown to be fetotoxic in rats when administered in doses 20 times the clinical dose based on body surface area comparison. Topical tretinoin has been shown to be fetotoxic in rabbits when administered in doses 8 times the clinical dose based on body surface area comparison.

Use In Specific Populations

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C There are no well-controlled trials in pregnant women treated with Tretinoin Gel. Tretinoin Gel should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Tretinoin Gel at doses of 0.1, 0.3 and 1 g/kg/day was tested for maternal and developmental toxicity in pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats by dermal application. The dose of 1 g/kg/day was approximately 4 times the clinical dose assuming 100% absorption and based on body surface area comparison. Possible tretinoin-associated teratogenic effects (craniofacial abnormalities (hydrocephaly), asymmetrical thyroids, variations in ossification, and increased supernumerary ribs) were noted in the fetuses of Tretinoin Gel treated animals. These findings were not observed in control animals. Other maternal and reproductive parameters in the Tretinoin Gel treated animals were not different from control. For purposes of comparison of the animal exposure to human exposure, the clinical dose is defined as 2 g of Tretinoin Gel applied daily to a 50 kg person. Oral tretinoin has been shown to be teratogenic in rats, mice, rabbits, hamsters and nonhuman primates. Tretinoin was teratogenic in Wistar rats when given orally in doses greater than 1 mg/kg/day (approximately 8 times the clinical dose based on body surface area comparison). In the cynomolgus monkey, fetal malformations were reported for doses of 10 mg/kg/day, but none were observed at 5 mg/kg/day (approximately 80 times the clinical dose based on body surface area comparison), although increased skeletal variations were observed at all doses. Dose-related increases in embryolethality and abortion also were reported. Similar results have also been reported in pigtail macaques. Topical tretinoin in a different formulation has generated equivocal results in animal teratogenicity tests. There is evidence for teratogenicity (shortened or kinked tail) of topical tretinoin in Wistar rats at doses greater than 1 mg/kg/day (approximately 8 times the clinical dose assuming 100% absorption and based on body surface area comparison). Anomalies (humerus: short 13%, bent 6%, os parietal incompletely ossified 14%) have also been reported when 10 mg/kg/day (approximately 160 times the clinical dose assuming 100% absorption and based on body surface area comparison) was topically applied. Supernumerary ribs have been a consistent finding in rats when dams were treated topically or orally with retinoids. With widespread use of any drug, a small number of birth defect reports associated temporally with the administration of the drug would be expected by chance alone. Cases of temporally associated congenital malformations have been reported with use of other topical tretinoin products. The significance of these spontaneous reports in terms of risk to the fetus is not known. Nonteratogenic effects on fetuses: Oral tretinoin has been shown to be fetotoxic in rats when administered in doses 20 times the clinical dose based on body surface area comparison. Topical tretinoin has been shown to be fetotoxic in rabbits when administered in doses 8 times the clinical dose based on body surface area comparison. 8.3 Nursing Mothers It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Tretinoin Gel is administered to a nursing woman. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 10 have not been established. A total of 381 pediatric subjects (aged 10 to 16 years) treated with Tretinoin Gel were enrolled into the two clinical studies. Across these two studies, comparable safety and efficacy were observed between pediatric and adult subjects. 8.5 Geriatric Use Safety and effectiveness in a geriatric population have not been established. Clinical studies of Tretinoin Gel did not include any subjects over age 65 to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Tretinoin Gel, 0.05% is a translucent to opaque, pale yellow topical gel and available as: • 45 g tube (NDC 68682-800-45) Storage and Handling: Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) with excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). Protect from freezing. Keep out of reach of children.

Storage And Handling

Storage and Handling: Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) with excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). Protect from freezing. Keep out of reach of children.

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Drugs appearing in this section are approved by the FDA. For regions outside of the United States, this content is for informational purposes only and may not be aligned with local regulatory approvals or guidance.