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Altreno (Tretinoin): Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

Updated:
Facts
Status:
Prescription (Rx)
Strength:
0.5 mg/g
Other brand names:
Drug class:
Active ingredient:
Similar drugs:

Source: FDA drug labeling via NLM DailyMed · About this document

Patient information: uses, side effects, how to take - Altreno

What is ALTRENO?

ALTRENO is a prescription medicine used on the skin (topical) to treat people with acne. Acne is a condition in which the skin has blackheads, whiteheads, and other pimples.

It is not known if ALTRENO is safe and effective in children under 9 years of age.

Before using ALTRENO, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:

  • are allergic to fish. ALTRENO contains fish proteins. Tell your healthcare provider if you get hives or itching while using ALTRENO.
  • have eczema or any other skin problems.
  • have a sunburn.

  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ALTRENO will harm your unborn baby.

  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if ALTRENO passes into your breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How should I use ALTRENO?

  • Use ALTRENO exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it.
  • Apply a thin layer of ALTRENO to cover the affected areas 1 time each day.

Applying ALTRENO:

  • ALTRENO comes in a tube and a pump. If you have been prescribed the:

Tube: Squeeze the lotion from the tube onto a fingertip. Apply a thin layer to cover the affected areas, as prescribed by your doctor. Spread ALTRENO evenly over the affected areas.

Pump: Fully depress the pump to dispense ALTRENO onto a fingertip. Apply a thin layer to cover the affected areas, as prescribed by your doctor. Spread ALTRENO evenly over the affected areas.

  • Wash your hands after applying ALTRENO.

What should I avoid while using ALTRENO?

  • You should avoid sunlamps, tanning beds, and ultraviolet light during treatment with ALTRENO.
  • Minimize exposure to sunlight.
  • If you have to be in the sunlight or are sensitive to sunlight, use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or more and wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to cover the treated areas.

What are the possible side effects of ALTRENO?

ALTRENO may cause serious side effects, including:

Skin irritation. ALTRENO may cause irritation including skin dryness, pain, redness, excessive flaking or peeling. If you develop these symptoms, your healthcare provider may tell you to use a moisturizer, decrease the number of times you apply ALTRENO, or completely stop treatment with ALTRENO. Avoid applying ALTRENO to skin that is affected by eczema or sunburned skin.

These are not all the possible side effects of ALTRENO.

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

How should I store ALTRENO?

  • Store ALTRENO at room temperature between 68° to 77°F (20° to 25°C).
  • Do not freeze.
  • Store ALTRENO pump upright.

Keep ALTRENO and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about the safe and effective use of ALTRENO

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use ALTRENO for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give ALTRENO to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about ALTRENO that is written for health professionals.

What are the ingredients in ALTRENO?

Active ingredient: tretinoin

Inactive ingredients: benzyl alcohol, butylated hydroxytoluene, carbomer copolymer type B (Pemulen TR-1), carbomer homopolymer type A (Carbopol 981), glycerin, methylparaben, mineral oil, octoxynol-9, purified water, sodium hyaluronate, soluble collagen and trolamine.

Distributed by:

Bausch Health US, LLC, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 USA

Manufactured by:

Bausch Health Companies Inc., Laval, Quebec H7L 4A8, Canada

For more information, call 1-800-321-4576.

Patented. See https://patents.ortho-dermatologics.com for US patent information.

ALTRENO is a registered trademark of Bausch Health Companies Inc. or its affiliates.

© 2026 Bausch Health Companies Inc. or its affiliates

This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

9650304 Revised: 09/2026

About this document

Source: FDA drug labeling via NLM DailyMed · Application number: NDA 209353 · View the label on DailyMed

Revision date stated in the text: September 2026

Found a mistake? Write to us via the contact page.

The information on this site does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.

Drug information for Altreno

Rx or OTC
Prescription (Rx)?
  • This drug is available only with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
  • Rx
Drug class Retinoid
Active ingredient Tretinoin 0.5 mg/g
Dosage form Lotion
Route Topical
Marketing status not in the current FDA NDC Directory
Company (applicant) DOW PHARM
FDA approval NDA 209353New Drug Application (NDA) Approved August 23, 2018
Reference listed drug This is the reference listed drug (RLD) that generics are compared with.
Manufacturers 1 labelers list this drug on DailyMed
Packages (NDC)
Package
0.5 mg/g – 45 g in 1 tube / 1 in 1 carton NDC 0187-0005-45
0.5 mg/g – 3 g in 1 tube / 6 in 1 carton NDC 0187-0005-03
0.5 mg/g – 50 g in 1 bottle, pump / 1 in 1 carton NDC 0187-0005-50
0.5 mg/g – 3 g in 1 tube / 10 in 1 carton NDC 0187-0005-04
0.5 mg/g – 20 g in 1 tube / 1 in 1 carton NDC 0187-0005-20

Source: FDA drug labeling via NLM DailyMed, data as of October 31, 2026. FDA data (DailyMed, Orange Book, Drug Shortages, enforcement reports). Not a substitute for the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.