Trifarotene Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 1, 2024.

Applies to trifarotene topical: topical application cream.

Precautions

It is important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to use it.

Skin reactions such as dryness, redness, scaling, burning, or stinging can occur when you use this medicine. Use a moisturizer as needed to lessen these skin problems.

Avoid exposing your skin to wind, cold weather, and sunlight, even on cloudy days. Your skin will be more prone to sunburn, dryness, or irritation. Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed. Use a sunscreen or sunblock lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 on a regular basis. Wear protective clothing and hats and stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

It is likely that your skin may become irritated with normal use of this medicine. You should not stop using trifarotene unless your skin becomes too red, dry, puffy, or otherwise irritated. If severe irritation occurs, contact your doctor.

Avoid the use of waxing as a hair removal method on the skin treated with this medicine.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you should avoid skin products that can dry or irritate the skin. Some examples are:

• Hair products that are irritating, such as hair removal products.
• Skin products that cause sensitivity to the sun, such as those containing spices or limes.
• Skin products containing a large amount of alcohol, such as astringents, shaving creams, or after-shave lotions.
• Skin products that are too drying or abrasive, such as some cosmetics, soaps, or skin cleansers.

Serious side effects of trifarotene topical

Along with its needed effects, trifarotene topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking trifarotene topical:

Other side effects of trifarotene topical

Some side effects of trifarotene topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to trifarotene topical: topical cream.

General adverse events

The most common side effects were sunburn, application site pruritus, and application site irritation.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Sunburn
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Skin irritation, acne, allergic dermatitis, erythema
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Asteatotic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, skin burning sensation, skin fissures, skin hyperpigmentation, urticaria
• Frequency not reported: Allergic dermatitis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Cheilitis

Cardiovascular

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Flushing

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Application site/local tolerability worsened (scaling, dryness, stinging/burning)
• Common (1% to 10%): Application site irritation, application site pruritus
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Application site pain, rash, dryness, discoloration, swelling, erosion
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Application site vesicles^[Ref]

Application site tolerability was evaluated by active assessment of erythema, scaling, dryness, and stinging/burning and collected separately. In the 12-week phase 3 clinical trials, these signs/symptoms were assessed at baseline and at least once postbaseline. On the face, local tolerability worsened for any of the signs/symptoms compared with baseline to a score of mild, moderate, and severe intensity for up to 39%, 30% and 6% of patients; on the trunk, local tolerability worsened for any of the signs/symptoms compared with baseline to a score of mild, moderate, and severe intensity for up to 33%, 19% and 5% of patients respectively. The scores reached maximum severity at week 1 and week 2 to 4 of therapy for the face and trunk, respectively, and decreased thereafter.^[Ref]

Ocular

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Eyelid exfoliation, eyelid edema

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Influenza

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache

See also:

Further information

Trifarotene topical side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer