Following are Frequently Asked Questions about RENOVA. If you do not see the answer to a product-related question you might have, please call us at 1-800-64-RENOVA or e-mail us.

How It Works/Product Benefits

Q: What is the mechanism of action of RENOVA? How does it work?

A: While not fully understood, researchers believe that tretinoin, the active ingredient in RENOVA, works in the skin to reduce certain clinical signs of aging.

Q: What causes fine facial wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation (brown spots), and surface roughness of facial skin?

A: Chronic sun exposure is believed to be responsible for 85 percent of the visible signs of aging skin. For more information about aging skin, click here.

Q: Does RENOVA stop or reverse the aging process?

A: RENOVA is the only prescription cream proven to reduce certain clinical signs of photodamage associated with chronic sun exposure and the natural aging process; however, RENOVA does not completely eliminate the signs of aging. Nor will it repair sun-damaged skin or reverse the aging process.

Q: Does RENOVA prevent the development of new wrinkles?

A: No, RENOVA treats, but does not prevent wrinkles, brown spots, or surface roughness.

Q: When will I begin to see benefits from RENOVA?

A: Patients who respond to RENOVA may begin to notice their skin becoming smoother and softer within the first month or two. Within two to three months, users may notice a reduction in fine facial wrinkles (note: RENOVA 0.05% users may also notice brown spots begin to fade). Additional benefits should be apparent within five to six months of therapy. Continued use of the product beyond six months can help maintain the visible improvements.

Q: What are the differences between RENOVA 0.02% Cream and RENOVA 0.05% Cream?

A: RENOVA 0.02% and RENOVA 0.05% are the only prescription creams proven to reduce certain clinical signs of photodamage associated with chronic sun exposure and the natural aging process (such as fine wrinkles), when used as part of a total skin care and sun protection regimen. Both formulations contain the active ingredient tretinoin but concentration levels and base formulations vary. RENOVA 0.02% contains tretinoin at a 0.02% concentration in a light, cosmetically elegant water-based cream. RENOVA 0.05% contains tretinoin at a concentration of 0.05% in a rich, oil-based cream. RENOVA 0.02% Cream, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August 2000, is proven to reduce fine facial wrinkles. RENOVA 0.05% Cream, approved in December 1995 by the FDA, is also proven to reduce fine facial wrinkles, as well as fade brown spots and smooth surface roughness.

Availability/Pricing

Q: Who markets RENOVA?

A: In the United States, RENOVA is marketed by Ortho Dermatological, headquartered in Skillman, NJ.

Q: How do I get RENOVA?

A: RENOVA is available by prescription only. If your dermatologist determines RENOVA is right for you, he or she will give you a prescription to get RENOVA from a pharmacy. Click here for more information on how to get started with RENOVA.

Q: How much does RENOVA cost?

A: RENOVA is priced comparably with many other over-the-counter skin care products. RENOVA costs approximately $10-$15 per month or $60 for the 40-gram tube, which lasts about six months when used as directed. Click here to receive a $5 RENOVA certificate and free information kit in the mail.

Use/Regimen

Q: How is RENOVA applied?

A: Patients will receive individual instruction from their doctor about how and when to apply the product. Generally, RENOVA is recommended to be used at night so it can remain undisturbed on the skin. Click here, for more information on how RENOVA is applied.

Q: Do RENOVA users need to avoid exposing their faces to sunlight?

A: When using RENOVA, as with any other therapy for the treatment of aging skin such as alpha hydroxy acids, patients should limit exposure to the sun (including sun lamps) and always use a sunscreen or moisturizer with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more. Patients who are currently taking drugs known to be photosensitizers should not use RENOVA because of the possibility of increased susceptibility to the sun. Also, patients with facial sunburn should not use RENOVA until they have fully recovered. In all cases, RENOVA should be used as part of a total skin care and sun protection program under a doctor's supervision.

Q: What is the daily skin care regimen for someone using RENOVA?

A: When RENOVA therapy is prescribed, your doctor will recommend an individualized, daily regimen for skin care that must be followed to ensure results. In all cases, RENOVA should be used as part of a total skin care and sun protection program.

Q: How long can a person use RENOVA?

RENOVA 0.05% Cream has been proven effective in clinical trials lasting 11 months, while RENOVA 0.02% Cream has been proven effective in clinical trials lasting 12 months. Consult your doctor on the use of RENOVA.

Q: What happens to the skin when use of RENOVA is stopped?

A: Continued use of RENOVA as part of a total skin care regimen, including moisturizer and sunscreen, helps maintain the results achieved during the initial course of RENOVA therapy. With discontinuation of RENOVA therapy, a majority of patients will lose most of the product's effects. Your doctor will determine the length of therapy right for you.

Q: Can RENOVA be used by adults of all ages?

A: Clinical studies for RENOVA 0.02% have been conducted in individuals up to the age of 70. Clinical trials in those over 50 have not been conducted for RENOVA 0.05% Cream. Consult your doctor on the use of RENOVA.

Q: Can RENOVA be used on skin other than facial skin?

A: Current labeling indicates the use of RENOVA on facial skin. You should consult your doctor.

Q: Are there other products to avoid when using RENOVA?

A: Patients using RENOVA should discuss the use of other facial skin products with their doctor. The following products should be used with caution because they may increase irritation: other topical medications; medicated or abrasive facial soaps or shampoos; cosmetics that have a strong drying effect; products with high concentrations of alcohol; astringents, spices or lime ingredients/scents; and products that may irritate the skin such as permanent waves, hair dye, and hair removal treatments including waxing and depilatories.

Q: Can a person being treated with RENOVA use makeup?

A: Yes, but all makeup should be removed and the face thoroughly cleansed before RENOVA is applied. RENOVA users should review their use of cosmetics with their doctors.

Safety/Side Effects

Q: What are the side effects of RENOVA?

A: While using RENOVA, patients may experience some redness, itching or flaking. This is most often mild, and most common when treatment is started. In some patients, irritation may be severe. When using RENOVA, as with any other anti-aging or skin care product, patients should limit exposure to the sun and always use a sunscreen.

Q: What should a patient do if side effects occur?

A: Patients should consult their doctor. Usually, side effects are well tolerated. In some cases, physicians will direct the patient to use less RENOVA, decrease the frequency of application, increase the use of moisturizers, discontinue use temporarily, or discontinue use altogether.

Q: Can a woman use RENOVA if she is pregnant? Is there a link between RENOVA, or tretinoin, and birth defects?

A: RENOVA should only be used under medical supervision as part of a total skin care and sun protection program. Current labeling for RENOVA states that it should not be used by pregnant women, or women attempting to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while using RENOVA, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Q: Can RENOVA be used by nursing mothers?

A: It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when RENOVA is administered to a nursing woman. Patients should consult with their doctor.

Q: Are there any other patients who should not use RENOVA?

A: RENOVA should only be used under medical supervision as part of a total skin care and sun protection program. It should not be used by individuals with a history of sensitivity reactions to any of its components, and should be discontinued if hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients is noted. RENOVA should not be used by people taking drugs known to be photosensitizers, or by pregnant women, women attempting to become pregnant, or in women at high risk of pregnancy.

RETIN-A/RETIN-A MICRO vs. RENOVA

Q: How is RENOVA different from RETIN-A® (tretinoin) and RETIN-A® MICRO® (tretinoin gel) microsphere, 0.1%?

A: RENOVA contains the same active ingredient as RETIN-A and RETIN-A MICRO. Tretinoin is a Vitamin A derivative like the one naturally occurring in your body (Vitamin A is an essential nutrient found in yellow and orange vegetables such as carrots and yams). But while RETIN-A and RETIN-A MICRO are indicated and formulated for acne-prone skin, RENOVA is an elegant cream developed specially for treating fine lines and fine wrinkles when used as part of a total skin care and sun protection program. (Note: RENOVA 0.05% has also been clinically proven to reduce brown spots).

Q: Are RETIN-A, RETIN-A MICRO, and RENOVA marketed by the same company?

A: Yes, Ortho Dermatological, the leader in tretinoin technology, markets all three products in the United States. To find out more about Ortho Dermatological, click here.

AHAs and Other Treatments vs. RENOVA

Q: How do the results of RENOVA compare with those of AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids)?

A: There are no controlled clinical trials comparing RENOVA and AHAs. RENOVA is the only prescription cream approved by the FDA to reduce fine lines, such as crow's-feet, when used as part of a total skin care and sun protection regimen (note: RENOVA 0.05% also reduces brown spots). RENOVA is believed to work on all layers of the skin, even the deeper portions of the skin.

Q: Can RENOVA be used as combination therapy with AHAs?

A: There are no clinical studies examining the use of RENOVA with alpha hydroxy acids. Patients should discuss the use of RENOVA with their doctor.

Q: Can RENOVA be used before or after a chemical peel? Cosmetic or laser surgery?

A: Patients should discuss the use of RENOVA with their doctor.

Q: What is the difference between RENOVA and retinol?

A: Both retinol and the active ingredient of RENOVA, tretinoin, are Vitamin A derivatives. However, retinol is considered a cosmetic ingredient and not a prescription drug.

If you do not see the answer to a product-related question you might have, please call Ortho Dermatological at 1-800-64-RENOVA or submit your question.

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