FOR TOPICAL USE ON THE FACE. NOT FOR OPHTHALMIC, ORAL, OR INTRAVAGINAL USE.
RENOVA (tretinoin cream) 0.02% contains the active ingredient tretinoin in a cream base. Tretinoin is a yellow- to light-orange crystalline powder having a characteristic floral odor. Tretinoin is soluble in dimethylsulfoxide, slightly soluble in polyethylene glycol 400, octanol, and 100% ethanol. It is practically insoluble in water and mineral oil, and it is insoluble in glycerin. The chemical name for tretinoin is (all-E)-3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclonexen-1-yl)-2,4,6,8-nonatetraenoic acid. Tretinoin is also referred to as all-trans-retinoic acid and has a molecular weight of 300.44. The structural formula is represented below.

Tretinoin is available as RENOVA at a concentration of 0.02% w/w in an oil-in-water emulsion formulation consisting of benzyl alcohol, butylated hydroxytoluene, caprylic/capric triglyceride, cetyl alcohol, edetate disodium, fragrance, methylparaben, propylparaben, purified water, stearic acid, stearyl alcohol, steareth 2, steareth 20, and xanthan gum.
Tretinoin is an endogenous retinoid metabolite of Vitamin A that binds to intracellular receptors in 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 retinoic acid (RAR) nuclear receptors (RARα, RARβ, and RARγ) which may 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 such as irritation, or both.
The effect of tretinoin on skin with chronic photodamage has not been evaluated in animal studies. When hairless albino mice were treated topically with tretinoin shortly after a period of UVB irradiation, new collagen formation was demonstrated only in photodamaged skin. However, in human skin treated topically, adequate data have not been provided to demonstrate any increase in desmosine, hydroxyproline, or elastin mRNA. Application of 0.1% tretinoin cream to photodamaged human forearm skin was associated with an increase in antibody staining for procollagen I propeptide. No correlation was made between procollagen I propeptide staining with collagen I levels or with observed clinical effects. Thus, the relationships between the increased collagen in rodents, increased procollagen I propeptide in humans, and the clinical effects of tretinoin have not yet been clearly defined.
Tretinoin was shown to enhance UV-stimulated melanogenesis in pigmented mice. Generalized amyloid deposition in the basal layer of tretinoin-treated skin was noted in a two-year mouse study. In a different study, hyalinization at tretinoin-treated skin sites was noted at doses beginning at 0.25 mg/kg in CD-1 mice.
The transdermal absorption of tretinoin from various topical formulations ranged from 1% to 31% of applied dose, depending on whether it was applied to healthy skin or dermatitic skin. No percutaneous absorption study was conducted with RENOVA 0.02% in human volunteers. When percutaneous absorption of the oil-in-water emulsion formulation at 0.05% concentration was assessed in healthy male subjects with radiolabeled cream after a single application (n=7), as well as after repeated daily applications (n=7) for 28 days, the absorption of tretinoin was less than 2% and the extent of bioavailability was less after repeated application. No significant difference in endogenous concentrations of tretinoin was observed between single and repeated daily applications.
(To understand fully the indication for this product, please read the entire INDICATIONS AND USAGE section of the labeling.)
RENOVA (tretinoin cream) 0.02% is indicated as an adjunctive agent (see second bullet point below) for use in the mitigation (palliation) of fine facial wrinkles in patients who use comprehensive skin care and sunlight avoidance programs. RENOVA DOES NOT ELIMINATE WRINKLES, REPAIR SUN-DAMAGED SKIN, REVERSE PHOTOAGING, or RESTORE MORE YOUTHFUL or YOUNGER SKIN. In double-blinded, vehicle-controlled clinical studies, many patients in the vehicle group achieved desired palliative effects on fine wrinkling of facial skin with the use of comprehensive skin care and sunlight avoidance programs including sunscreens, protective clothing, and non-prescription emollient creams.
Four adequate and well-controlled multi-center trials and one single-center randomized, controlled trial were conducted involving a total of 324 evaluable patients treated with RENOVA 0.02% and 332 evaluable patients treated with the vehicle cream on the face for 24 weeks with a comprehensive skin care and sun avoidance program, to assess the effects on fine and coarse wrinkling, mottled hyperpigmentation, tactile skin roughness, and laxity. Patients were evaluated at baseline on a 10 unit scale and changes from that baseline rating were categorized as follows:
| Worsening: | Increase of 1 unit or more. |
| No improvement: | No change. |
| Minimal improvement: | Reduction of 1 unit. |
| Mild improvement: | Reduction of 2 units. |
| Moderate improvement: | Reduction of 3 units or more. |
In these trials, the fine and coarse wrinkling, mottled hyperpigmentation, tactile roughness, and laxity of the facial skin were thought to be caused by multiple factors which included intrinsic aging or environmental factors, such as chronic sunlight exposure.
Two of the five trials provided adequate demonstration of efficacy for mitigation of fine facial wrinkling. No two of the five trials adequately demonstrated efficacy for mitigation of coarse wrinkling, mottled hyperpigmentation, tactile skin roughness, and laxity. Data for fine wrinkling (the indication for which RENOVA 0.02% demonstrated efficacy) from all five trials (four studies in lightly pigmented subjects with Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-III and one study in darkly pigmented subjects with Fitzpatrick Skin Types IV-VI) is provided below:
| Subjects using | ||
| RENOVA 0.02% + | Vehicle + CSP* | |
| CSP* (N=279) | (N=280) | |
| Worsened | 1% | 3% |
| No Change | 40% | 58% |
| Minimal Improvement | 35% | 27% |
| Mild Improvement | 15% | 9% |
| Moderate Improvement | 10% | 3% |
A single-center study (N=107) in darkly pigmented, mostly African-American, subjects with Fitzpatrick Skin Types IV-VI demonstrated minimal or mild improvement in fine facial wrinkling in 43% of patients using Vehicle + CSP* compared to 29% of subjects using RENOVA 0.02% + CSP*. Although fewer darkly pigmented subjects improved with RENOVA 0.02% than with vehicle, these findings may reflect the small size of this study.
* CSP = Comprehensive skin protection and sunlight avoidance programs including use of sunscreens, protective clothing, and non-prescription emollient creams.
Self-assessment of fine wrinkles after 24 weeks of treatment with either RENOVA 0.02% or Vehicle from the four studies in lightly pigmented patients showed the following:

No studies have been conducted comparing the facial irritation or efficacy of RENOVA 0.02% to RENOVA 0.05% (older marketed formulation).
Patients may lose some of the mitigating effects of RENOVA 0.02% after 12 weeks of discontinuation of RENOVA 0.02% from their comprehensive skin care and sunlight avoidance program.
This drug is contraindicated in individuals with a history of sensitivity reactions to any of its components. It should be discontinued if hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients is noted.
Exposure to sunlight (including sunlamps) should be avoided or minimized during use of RENOVA because of heightened sunburn susceptibility. Patients should be warned to use sunscreens (minimum SPF of 15) and protective clothing when using RENOVA. Patients with sunburn should be advised not to use RENOVA until fully recovered. Patients who may have considerable sun exposure, e.g., due to their occupation, and those patients with inherent sensitivity to sunlight should exercise caution when using RENOVA and follow the precautions outlined in the Patient Package Insert.
RENOVA should be kept out of the eyes, mouth, angles of the nose, and mucous membranes. Topical use may cause severe local erythema, pruritus, burning, stinging, and peeling at the site of application. If the degree of local irritation warrants, patients should be directed to use less medication, decrease the frequency of application, discontinue use temporarily, or discontinue use altogether and consider additional appropriate therapy.
Tretinoin has been reported to cause severe irritation on eczematous skin and should be used only with caution in patients with this condition.
Application of larger amounts of medication than recommended has not been shown to lead to more rapid or better results, and marked redness, peeling, or discomfort may occur.
(See WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS sections.)
In double-blind, vehicle-controlled studies involving 339 patients who applied RENOVA 0.02% to their faces, adverse reactions associated with the use of RENOVA were limited primarily to the skin. Almost all patients reported one or more local reactions such as peeling, dry skin, burning, stinging, erythema, and pruritus. In 32% of all study patients, skin irritation was reported that was severe, led to temporary discontinuation of RENOVA 0.02%, or led to use of a mild topical corticosteroid. About 7% of patients using RENOVA 0.02%, compared to less than 1% of the control patients, had sufficiently severe local irritation to warrant short-term use of mild topical corticosteroids to alleviate local irritation. About 4% of patients had to discontinue use of RENOVA because of adverse reactions.
Approximately 2% of spontaneous post-marketing adverse event reporting for RENOVA 0.05% were for skin hypo- or hyperpigmentation. Other spontaneously reported adverse events for RENOVA 0.05% predominantly appear to be local reactions similar to those seen in clinical trials.
Application of larger amounts of medication than recommended has not been shown to lead to more rapid or better results, and marked redness, peeling, or discomfort may occur. Oral ingestion of the drug may lead to the same side effects as those associated with excessive oral intake of Vitamin A.
Patients require detailed instruction to obtain maximal benefits and to understand all the precautions necessary to use this product with greatest safety. The physician should review the Patient Package Insert.
RENOVA should be applied to the face once a day in the evening, using only enough to cover the entire affected area lightly. Patients should gently wash their faces with a mild soap, pat the skin dry, and wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying RENOVA. The patient should apply a small pearl-sized (about 1/4 inch or 5 millimeter diameter) amount of cream to cover the entire affected area lightly. Caution should be taken when applying the cream to avoid the eyes, ears, nostrils, and mouth.
Application of RENOVA may cause a transitory feeling of warmth or slight stinging.
Mitigation (palliation) of fine facial wrinkling may occur gradually over the course of therapy. Up to six months of therapy may be required before the effects are seen.
With discontinuation of RENOVA therapy, some patients may lose the mitigating effects of RENOVA on fine facial wrinkles. The safety and effectiveness of using RENOVA 0.02% daily for greater than 52 weeks have not been established.
Application of larger amounts of medication than recommended may not lead to more rapid or better results, and marked redness, peeling, or discomfort may occur.
Patients treated with RENOVA may use cosmetics but the areas to be treated should be cleansed before the medication is applied. (See PRECAUTIONS section.)
RENOVA® (tretinoin cream), 0.02% is available in tubes containing 40 grams (NDC 0062-0187-02).
Storage: Store at 25° (77°F), excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59°-86°F).
QUESTIONS: Physicians and Pharmacists can call 1-800-426-7762, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
Rx only.
Ortho Neutrogena
Division of Ortho-McNeil
Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Los Angeles, CA 90045
© OMP 2000
Revised January 2006
Printed in U.S.A.
U.S. Patents 4,603,146 and 4,877,805
653-10-856-2
RENOVA®(reh-NO-vah)
Generic Name: Tretinoin Cream (0.02%)
Use only on the Face
Read this leaflet carefully before you start to use your medicine. Read the information you get every time you get more medicine. There may be new information about the drug. This leaflet does not take the place of talks with your doctor. It is important for you to talk with your doctor about how to use RENOVA for the best results and how to reduce side effects.
What is the Most Important Information about RENOVA?
RENOVA is a serious medicine. Do not use RENOVA if you are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while using RENOVA, please contact your doctor immediately.
Avoid sunlight and other medicines that may increase your sensitivity to sunlight (See “Who should not use RENOVA?”).
RENOVA 0.02% does not remove wrinkles or repair sun-damaged skin. (See “What is RENOVA?” for more details.)
What is RENOVA?
RENOVA 0.02% is a prescription medicine that may reduce fine facial wrinkles. It is for patients who are using a total skin care and sunlight avoidance program. RENOVA does not remove wrinkles or repair sun-damaged skin. RENOVA does not work for everyone who uses it. It may work better for some patients than for others.
RENOVA should be used only under the guidance of your doctor as part of a sunlight avoidance and total skin care program. This program should include avoiding sunlight as much as possible, using clothing to protect you from sunlight, using sunscreens with a minimum SPF of 15, and using face creams that add moisture to the skin.
When you use RENOVA, you will not see improvement right away. Generally, you may notice some effects in 3 to 4 months. If RENOVA treatment is stopped, the improvement may gradually disappear.
The use of RENOVA 0.02% in patients for more than 52 weeks has not been studied. Therefore, it is not known if RENOVA 0.02% is safe or works if used longer than 52 weeks. In a study in people with medium to dark skin color, RENOVA 0.02% has not demonstrated a benefit over a sunlight avoidance and total skin care program. RENOVA 0.02% has not been studied in people with visible actinic keratoses or in people with a history of skin cancer.
Who should not use RENOVA?
Do not use RENOVA if:
RENOVA can cause increased skin irritation and increased chance of sunburn.
Tell your doctor if you have any skin condition. RENOVA may not be right for you.
Because RENOVA may make your skin more likely to burn from sunlight, tell your doctor if you are using other medicines that increase sensitivity to sunlight. You should not use RENOVA with such medicines. These include, but are not limited to:
If you are taking any prescription or non-prescription medicines, check with your doctor to make sure you can use RENOVA with them.
We do not know if RENOVA is passed to infants through breast milk. Therefore, tell your doctor if you are breast feeding.
How should I use RENOVA?
Use RENOVA as part of a total skin care and sun avoidance program. Follow your doctor's instructions on how to use RENOVA. RENOVA is usually applied to the face once a day in the evening, following the 3 steps uled below:
Be especially careful when applying RENOVA to avoid your eyes, ears, nostrils, angles of the nose, and mouth. RENOVA may cause severe redness, itching, burning, stinging, and peeling if used on these areas.
Using too much RENOVA may increase discomfort and skin redness and peeling.
You may use cosmetics one hour after applying RENOVA. If you do, be sure to clean your face before applying RENOVA again. Skin moisturizers should be used at least every morning to protect the treated areas from dryness.
Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing to protect the treated areas from sunlight. If you sunburn easily, or if you spend a lot of time exposed to sunlight, be especially careful to protect your skin.
What should I avoid while using RENOVA?
RENOVA can make your treated skin more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, keep out of the sunlight as much as possible and do not use sunlamps. Avoid as much as possible products that can increase skin irritation, such as:
What are the possible side effects of RENOVA?
You may feel brief warmth or stinging on your skin after you use RENOVA. Most patients report peeling, dry skin, burning, stinging, itching, and redness. These are usually mild to moderate and occur early in treatment. Contact your doctor if the side effects are a problem.
General advice about prescription medicines
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Only use RENOVA to treat the condition that your doctor has prescribed it for. Do not give RENOVA to other people. It may harm them.
This leaflet summarizes the most important information about RENOVA. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about RENOVA that is written for health professionals.
Storage: Store at 25° (77°F), excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59°-86°F).
Ortho Neutrogena
Division of Ortho-McNeil
Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Los Angeles, CA 90045
© OMP 2000
Revised January 2006
Printed in U.S.A.
U.S. Patents 4,603,146 and 4,877,805
653-10-856-2