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Licensed to fill prescriptions for patients in RI, MA, CT, NJ, NH, FL, ME and PA. New York patients are served on a limited basis while nonresident registration is pending.
Prepared to a prescriber's order for one patient. Not FDA-approved.
Tretinoin is a topical retinoid, a vitamin A derivative, commonly compounded in creams, gels and solutions, often combined with other skin-active ingredients.
Tretinoin is all-trans-retinoic acid, a derivative of vitamin A. Applied to the skin, it activates retinoic acid receptors in skin cells, which changes how those cells grow and shed. In the hair follicle it decreases the cohesiveness of the lining cells and increases their turnover, which helps clear clogged pores. Studies of photodamaged skin have shown increased staining for a collagen precursor, although the Renova label notes this has not been correlated with collagen levels or clinical effect. Manufactured topical products include Retin-A cream and gel, FDA-approved for topical treatment of acne vulgaris, and Renova cream, FDA-approved as an adjunct for the mitigation of fine facial wrinkles; the Renova label states it does not eliminate wrinkles or reverse photoaging. Oral tretinoin capsules are a separate product with their own warnings.
A prescriber may order tretinoin compounded when a patient needs a strength or vehicle that is not manufactured, a preparation free of a specific preservative or allergen, or a combination with another active ingredient such as hydroquinone or a corticosteroid. Compounded tretinoin preparations are not FDA-approved and require a prescription.
Topical tretinoin labels carry no boxed warning; the boxed warnings for teratogenicity and differentiation syndrome belong to oral tretinoin capsules. The topical labels warn that tretinoin is a skin irritant: redness, peeling, dryness, burning, stinging and swelling are common, and temporary lightening or darkening of the skin has been reported. Tretinoin increases sensitivity to sunlight, so minimize sun and sunlamp exposure and use sunscreen; animal studies showed increased UV-related skin tumors, and the Renova label advises against use with other photosensitizing drugs. It can cause severe irritation on eczema-affected skin, and wind or cold can worsen irritation. Do not use tretinoin if you have had a sensitivity reaction to it. Tell your prescriber or pharmacist before combining it with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, resorcinol, hair removers or drying cosmetics. The Retin-A label advises use in pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the risk; the Renova label states it should not be used during pregnancy. It is not known whether topical tretinoin passes into breast milk; LactMed considers it low risk because it is poorly absorbed. If irritation is severe or you develop hives or rash, stop use and talk to your prescriber or pharmacist.
Tretinoin (all-trans-retinoic acid) is a first-generation retinoid that binds nuclear retinoic acid receptors alpha, beta and gamma, with transcriptional effects mediated particularly through RAR beta and gamma, and modulates gene expression governing keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, inflammation, collagen synthesis and melanin production. In acne, it reduces follicular epithelial cohesiveness and increases follicular cell turnover, promoting comedolysis. Percutaneous absorption is low: the Renova label reports less than 2 percent for a 0.05% oil-in-water cream, the Retin-A Micro label reports about 1 percent in vivo bioavailability, and a 2025 review characterizes systemic exposure as minimal at 1 to 2 percent. All adverse effects reported in the Retin-A label were reversible on discontinuation.
Labeled indications: Retin-A for acne vulgaris; Renova as an adjunct for mitigation of fine facial wrinkles. Prescribers have ordered compounded tretinoin, often with hydroquinone and a corticosteroid, for melasma and hyperpigmentation, and tretinoin alone or in combination for actinic keratosis, flat warts, striae distensae, acanthosis nigricans and pre- or post-procedure skin preparation; the review authors describe the evidence for several of these as low level (Balado-Simo et al., J Clin Med 2025). Strength, vehicle, frequency and titration are per prescriber; reviews suggest starting at lower strength and frequency with moisturizer and daily sunscreen. Monitor for irritant dermatitis, photosensitivity and hypersensitivity; counsel on pregnancy avoidance consistent with labeling. Tretinoin is not a controlled substance.
Wash your hands. Apply a thin layer to the affected area and rub in gently as your label directs. Do not cover with a bandage or wrap unless your prescriber tells you to. Keep it out of your eyes. Do not apply to open wounds or broken skin unless told to. Wash your hands after applying.
Ointments are usually nonaqueous, so a USP <795> default beyond-use date of up to 180 days may apply when no other data exist. Store in the closed container at room temperature, away from heat and direct light, keep from freezing, and keep out of reach of children. Discard after the beyond-use date on the label.
This formulation is compounded by Bayview Pharmacy on a prescriber's order for an individual patient. It is not an FDA-approved drug product, and the FDA has not evaluated it for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality.
A valid prescription is required. Availability depends on Bayview's licensure in your state. This page is general information, not medical advice. Discuss your situation with a licensed healthcare provider.
Search by NCPDP 4106882, or by name and ZIP: Bayview Pharmacy, Warwick, RI 02886. Select it as the destination pharmacy and save it as a favorite. Click any value to copy it.
Compounded preparations have no NDC, so this formula will not appear in your EHR's drug search. Use your system's compound, non-formulary, or free-text prescription entry and name the preparation exactly as written in step 3. If your EHR forces you to pick a listed drug, pick the closest entry for the active ingredient and put the full formula in the prescription body (the Sig or directions field), not in Notes to Pharmacy.
Compounded preparations have no NDC and will not appear in your drug search. For EPCS to validate, select a drug entry your EHR recognizes as controlled, usually the bulk powder entry for the active ingredient (for example Ketamine (bulk) powder, not a branded product), then put the full formula from step 3 in the prescription body. A free-text entry that does not validate as controlled will be rejected by your EPCS module.
Quantity and directions are starting points for this dose form, not treatment recommendations. Dosing remains the prescriber's responsibility.
Transmit from your EHR. For this non-controlled preparation we also accept fax to (401) 284-4506 and phoned orders at (401) 284-4505. Order forms are on the formulation pages and in the prescriber portal.
Transmit with two-factor authentication through your EPCS-enabled EHR. No order form is offered for this preparation; e-prescribing guides for our controlled preparations are on the formulation pages.
Licensed to dispense in RI, MA, CT, NJ, NH, FL, ME, and PA; New York is served on a limited basis while nonresident registration is pending. Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved. A valid prescription is required. Full guide, including steps by EHR: How to e-prescribe to Bayview. Questions about this formula: call (401) 284-4505.
Apply topically to affected area(s)
