Tri-Luma

(Fluocinolone Acetonide /Hydroquinone/Tretinoin)

The active ingredients in Tri-Luma are fluocinolone acetonide, hydroquinone, and tretinoin. This is how they work:

Fluocinolone is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce skin irritation and inflammation.

Hydroquinone is a melanin production inhibitor. It works by preventing skin cells from producing melanin, the substance that imparts color (pigment) to your skin. This helps to brighten the color of the skin.

Tretinoin is a retinoid. It's a type of vitamin A, which helps promote new skin growth.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Tri-Luma. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Tri-Luma:

• Do not take by mouth. Tri-Luma can only be used on the skin. If this medication goes into your eyes or mouth, rinse them with water.
• Tri-Luma is typically used once daily, at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Follow your doctor's directions.
• Before using this medicine, gently wash your face with a mild cleanser. Rinse and pat the skin dry. It's best to use a moisturizer in the morning after you wash your face to help with any dry skin from Tri-Luma.
• Apply a thin film of the medicine to the melasma-affected skin and roughly 1/2 inch of the surrounding normal skin. Avoid getting the medicine on your lips or into the creases of your nose.
• Do not use bandages to cover treated skin. Bandaging can increase the quantity of medicine absorbed through your skin, which may have negative consequences.
• Wash your hands after applying the medication.
• Tri-Luma is designed for short-term use until you achieve the desired outcomes. This medication should not be used regularly to prevent future skin discolouration.
• Using this medicine in bigger doses or more frequently than advised will not make it work faster, and it may exacerbate negative effects.
• Tri-Luma should be used as part of a comprehensive skin care regimen that includes limiting sun exposure, using sunlamps with an effective sunscreen (minimum SPF 30), and wearing protective clothes.

The most common side effects of Tri-Luma include:

• Dryness.
• Blistering or crusting.
• Skin redness or peeling.
• Acne.
• Darkening of the skin (ochronosis).

Some individuals may experience serious adverse events while using Tri-Luma. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reactions include swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, intense itching, skin rash, and hives.
• Severe skin reactions in the affected area include intense burning, swelling, and skin irritation.
• Since this cream is a topical corticosteroid, you can develop low adrenal gland levels.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Tri-Luma. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Tri-Luma, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Allergies to any of the ingredients.
• Asthma.
• Sulfite allergy.
• Other skin conditions.

There are no contraindications with Tri-Luma.

It can take between 1 and 2 months after starting Tri-Luma treatment to see some improvement in your skin. Because it can take some time to see results and the drug may create uncomfortable skin reactions, you should not give up too soon, if possible.

When Tri-Luma is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. There are very few medications that interact with Tri-Luma topical cream; however, it is still best to speak to a healthcare professional to avoid any negative drug interactions.

Apply a little layer of cream to the darker spots of skin on your face once a day, at least 30 minutes before going to bed. Cover roughly one-half inch of skin around each discolored region with Tri-Luma.

Store your cream at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

Galderma Laboratories is the company that manufactures Tri-Luma.

There are no lower-cost generic versions of Tri-Luma available.

Stop using Tri-Luma Cream and consult your doctor if you develop severe or persistent irritation, blistering, oozing, scaling, or crusting.

Using Tri-Luma when pregnant may harm the unborn child. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or become pregnant while using this medication.

Tretinoin in tablet form is known to cause birth abnormalities. Although your skin absorbs less tretinoin than if you took the medication orally, it may be better to avoid using Tri-Luma if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor first.

Hormonal contraception, including birth control tablets, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings, might exacerbate melasma. Consult your doctor about using a non-hormonal birth control method (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) instead.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.