Understanding Trifarotene (Aklief)

Trifarotene, which was first approved in 2019, is a prescription retinoid cream. This medication is often sold as the brand Aklief! Patients use this one once a day in the evening. Of course, patients must expect side effects when they start applying this medication, including dry, itchy skin and skin irritation. They need to tell their doctor when these are persistent or bothersome.

Trifarotene is a common cystic acne treatment! However, most patients will try an over-the-counter retinol cream or serum first. They are just not as strong! Trifarotene cream is also an excellent acne scar treatment. Of course, patients need to understand how this medication works first to evaluate it as the best acne treatment with their doctor!

How It Works

Trifarotene is a retinoid. Specifically, it is part of the medication class referred to as retinoic acid receptor agonists! Thus, it binds to these receptors in the body. The isoforms of these receptors are RAR-alpha, -beta, and -gamma. Trifarotene is the only retinoid that targets the last one! This is great for its effectiveness, since the gamma isoform is the most common one in the skin! Of course, this medication makes skin cells turn over much faster, thus healing the skin. It also clears acne breakouts and smoothes skin textures because of this effect.

Continue reading to discover the uses for this medication next!

Uses

This medication is approved to treat acne in the United States. Of course, patients have to be at least nine years old to use it! The cream is also an 'orphan drug' for congenital ichthyosis in Europe and the United States. Patients with that condition have dry and scaling skin. Their skin often thickens too!

Other retinoids treat acne on the patient's face. Trifarotene does this as well! However, this medication also treats acne on the trunk, such as the chest, back, and shoulders. It is the only retinoid that is effective at doing so! Clinical trials showed that patients saw significant improvement in acne on their face in two weeks. They saw the same level of improvement in four weeks for acne on their trunk!

Uncover the side effects of this medication next.

Side Effects

This medication causes several side effects. The most common ones are irritation and itchy skin where patients applied the medication. Sunburns are also common. The reason is that trifarotene makes individuals more sensitive to the sun! Other common side effects are redness, burning, and stinging around the application site. The latter two subside shortly after patients apply the product. Of course, patients must always monitor their skin for side effects! They need to tell their doctor right away if they see any significant redness. Other serious and rare side effects include discolored skin, pain, and swelling. Some individuals are allergic to trifarotene. The signs of this include a rash and hives! Both signs merit an immediate call to a doctor.

Thankfully, most of these side effects go away within a month. It takes time for a patient's skin to get used to the medication! There is also a way to minimize dry skin and skin irritation during this transition. Patients need to apply moisturizer regularly! It also helps if they slowly introduce trifarotene before using it every night.

Get the details on this medication's precautions next.

Precautions

Patients need to take precautions with this medication. This includes reviewing their medical history with their doctor! A history of skin conditions, such as eczema, mean they will need a different dose of trifarotene. Their doctor will also have to monitor them closer! Of course, some patients with a history of skin conditions will need a different medication. Pregnant women cannot use this medication. It is not often recommended when they are breastfeeding as well. If it is, women must use it for the shortest time possible. They also need to apply it to the smallest area, and never apply it to anywhere their baby's mouth will touch! All patients must avoid applying this medication to broken skin, open wounds, and eczema.

Patients will apply trifarotene once per day, in the evening. This is because it increases sun sensitivity! It is best if they apply it to clean and dry skin. A thin layer over the affected area works. When they are applying it to their face, the amount for a thin layer is approximately the size of a pea. Patients must rub the cream in completely! However, they have to avoid applying it to their nose, creases behind their nose, or lips. Individuals need to avoid using harsh skincare products when they are on this medication. They cannot use any hair removal creams either! It is also vital to wear sunscreen and avoid tanning beds. Trifarotene must be stored at room temperature, away from heat!

Reveal the medication interactions next.

Medication Interactions

Trifarotene interacts with several medications. These interactions increase the risk of severity of side effects! Thus, patients need to review their current medications with their doctor. They must mention all over-the-counter drugs and supplements in addition to their prescriptions. Mentioning the skincare products they use is vital as well!

This medication interacts with eleven other ones! Two examples are isotretinoin and porfimer. Other interactions exist with aminolevulinic acid, methoxsalen, resorcinol, sulfur, methyl aminolevulinate, and verteporfin. Of course, ingredients in certain skincare products also trigger interactions with trifarotene. Such ingredients include benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Thus, patients need to read the ingredient lists on every skincare product before they use them!