How to get a Tretinoin prescription in the UK

acne treatment uk

Table of Contents

Tretinoin is a prescription only medication used to improve the appearance of skin. It effectively addresses problems such as acne, wrinkles, dark spots, sun damage and hyperpigmentation.

In the U.K tretinoin prescription uk is available in combination products such as Treclin or Aknemycin.

These products contain tretinoin and antibiotics such as clindamycin or eryhtromycin. The antibiotics plus Tretinoin make Treclin or Aknemycin highly effective treatments for Acne Vulgaris.

Is Tretinoin A Retinoid?

Yes, tretinoin prescription uk is indeed a retinoid.  It’s a specific type of retinoid and is more potent than other retinoids such as retinol.

To help you navigate the world of skincare, we’ve defined some key terms for you below:

Retinoid: This is a broad term used to describe medications which are vitamin A derivatives, used in dermatology. Tretinoin and retinol are both types of retinoids.

Retinol: Retinol is a type of retinoid. Retinol is usually found in over-the-counter skin care products. Whilst retinol is helpful for improving skin appearance, it is less potent than other Retinoids such as Tretinoin.  

Tretinoin: Tretinoin is a prescription-strength retinoid. It is more potent than Retinol and is typically found in prescription strength acne treatments such as Treclin or Aknemycin.

How Long For Tretinoin To Work?

Retinoids such as Tretinoin speed up the turnover of skin cells helping to shed old skin and grow new, healthy skin cells.

Initially this process brings dead skin and oils to the surface which can lead to breakouts in the early stages of treatment. This phase is sometimes referred to as the “Retinol Purge.”

A typical treatment plan with Tretinoin may look something like:

  • First 2-4 Weeks:  The ‘Retinol Purge’ – Some patients may experience increased frequency of breakouts, peeling, redness, dryness and irritation as the skin adjusts to tretinoin treatment.

  • Weeks 4-8: Patients should be able to see some noticeable changes in skin texture, acne, dark spots and wrinkles.     

  • 8 Weeks Plus: At this point, the medication should be working in full force. Patients should continue to see improvements in the appearance of their skin. Tretinoin is suitable for long-term use providing you’re tolerating the medication well and there have been no changes in your health status.

You should continue to check in with your doctor during Tretinoin treatment.

How To Get A Tretinoin Prescription In The UK?

In the U.K. you need a prescription for Tretinoin from a doctor or other healthcare professional. Tretinoin is available on the NHS however nowadays you can consult with a clinician safely and conveniently online.

At Meds for Less you can fill out a short questionnaire, which will be reviewed by a doctor. If you’re suitable for treatment with Tretinoin, your medication will be prescribed and shipped to your door.

Why Does Tretinoin Require A Prescription In The UK?

Tretinoin is an especially potent retinoid. Unlike other retinoids, a prescription is required in the U.K. for Tretinoin. The reasons for this are:

Safety: There are certain patient populations who are unsuitable for treatment with Tretinoin. These include (but are not limited to) pregnant women, those with hypersensitivity to the active ingredients, or those with high levels of UV exposure. The medicines prescription only status helps prevent usage in these higher risk patient populations.

Monitoring: There are more side effects and contraindication with Tretinoin tan other Retinoids such as Retinol. Maintaining Tretinoin’s prescription only status allows side effects and interactions with other medications to be properly managed.

Potential for Misuse: Without prescription individuals might self-diagnose and self-dose with Tretinoin. Keeping Tretinoin as a prescription treatment ensures it’s only given to those patients who require it, and means it’s provided with a clear dosage instruction. This prevents improper usage or over usage of Tretinoin.

Do I Need GP / Pharmacy Advice To Obtain A Prescription For Tretinoin in The UK?

Many people wonder how to get Tretinoin in the UK.

In the United Kingdom, a prescription from a doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional is required to obtain Tretinoin.

Prescribing professionals will ask you a series of questions regarding your Acne, and if appropriate write a prescription for you.

Nowadays, this process can be completed entirely online at Meds for Less.

Step 1 – Select your preferred treatment option. The two most popular Tretinoin products in the U.K are Treclin and Aknemycin.

Step 2 – Complete a short questionnaire regarding your symptoms and medical history.

Step 3 – A Meds for Less doctor will review your questionnaire, and if appropriate write a prescription request for you.

Step 4 – Once approved, your medication will be shipped to your door.

This entire process takes less than 24 hours, meaning you could have your tretinoin uk prescription the next day!

What Will MY GP Check Before Issues A Prescription For Tretinoin In The UK?

Topical Tretinoin is licenced to treat Acne in children over the age of 12 and adults in the U.K.

Before writing a tretinoin prescription, clinicians will first want to diagnose Acne Vulgaris. Once Acne has been diagnosed Clinician will want to check for contraindications and susceptibility to side effects.

Contraindications a doctor may check for include (but are not limited to):

  • Patients with hypersensitivity or allergy to any of the active ingredients.
  • Pregnant women.
  • Breast feeding women.
  • Patients with severe acne, rosacea or with a family history of non-melanoma skin cancers.
  • Patients with excessive exposure to ultra violet light (UV light.)vi)                
  • Patients who are using keratolytic agents (substances applied to the skin to soften keratin, such as salicylic acid.)

For further information on contraindications, side effects and other details on Tretinoin, you should visit the NICE website.

Can I Buy Tretinoin On Prescription In The UK?

Yes, in the United Kingdom you can buy prescription tretinoin online.

Tretinoin is available in products such as Treclin or Aknemycin.

You can buy Treclin or Aknemycin safely online at Meds for Less. 

At Meds for Less you’ll complete a short questionnaire regarding your symptoms and medical history.These details will be sent to a doctor, who will write a prescription for you if appropriate.

Tretinoin is also available on the NHS on prescription. 

At Meds for Less we also stock plenty of other drugs for acne, rosacea, eczema and other dermatological conditions. 

Manage your health in a modern and convenient way with Meds for Less.

Interesting To Read

No FAQs available.