What is Vitacid?
Vitacid is used to treat acne. It works partly by keeping skin pores clear.
One of the Vitacid creams is used to treat fine wrinkles, dark spots, or rough skin on the face caused by damaging rays of the sun. It works by lightening the skin, replacing older skin with newer skin, and by slowing down the way the body removes skin cells that may have been harmed by the sun. Vitacid works best when used within a skin care program that includes protecting the treated skin from the sun. However, it does not completely or permanently erase these skin problems or greatly improve more obvious changes in the skin, such as deep wrinkles caused by sun or the natural aging process.
Vitacid may also be used to treat other skin diseases as determined by your doctor.
Vitacid is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although this use is not included in product labeling, Vitacid is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
- Keratosis follicularis (skin disorder of small, red bumps)
- Verruca plana (flat warts)
Vitacid indications
(To understand fully the indication for this product, please read the entire INDICATIONS AND USAGE section of the labeling.)
RENOVA® (Vitacid cream) 0.02% is indicated as an adjunctive agent for use in the mitigation (palliation) of fine facial wrinkles in patients who use comprehensive skin care and sunlight avoidance programs. RENOVA® (Vitacid cream) 0.02% DOES NOT ELIMINATE WRINKLES, REPAIR SUN-DAMAGED SKIN, REVERSE PHOTOAGING, or RESTORE MORE YOUTHFUL or YOUNGER SKIN. In double-blinded, vehicle-controlled clinical studies, many patients in the vehicle group achieved desired palliative effects on fine wrinkling of facial skin with the use of comprehensive skin care and sunlight avoidance programs including sunscreens, protective clothing, and non-prescription emollient creams.
RENOVA® (Vitacid cream) 0.02% has NOT DEMONSTRATED A MITIGATING EFFECT on significant signs of chronic sunlight exposure such as coarse or deep wrinkling, tactile roughness, mottled hyperpigmentation, lentigines, telangiectasia, skin laxity, keratinocytic atypia, melanocytic atypia, or dermal elastosis.
RENOVA® (Vitacid cream) 0.02% should be used under medical supervision as an adjunct to a comprehensive skin care and sunlight avoidance program that includes the use of effective sunscreens (minimum SPF of 15) and protective clothing.
Patients with visible actinic keratoses and patients with a history of skin cancer were excluded from clinical trials of RENOVA® (Vitacid cream) 0.02%. Thus the effectiveness and safety of RENOVA® (Vitacid cream) 0.02% in these populations are not known at this time.
Neither the safety nor the effectiveness of RENOVA® (Vitacid cream) 0.02% for the prevention or treatment of actinic keratoses or skin neoplasms has been established.
Neither the safety nor the efficacy of RENOVA® (Vitacid cream) 0.02% daily for greater than 52 weeks has been established, and daily use beyond 52 weeks has not been systematically and histologically investigated in adequate and well-controlled trials.
How should I use Vitacid?
Use Vitacid emollient cream as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- An extra patient leaflet is available with Vitacid emollient cream. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
- Vitacid emollient cream is for external use only.
- Remove all cosmetics with a mild soap before applying Vitacid emollient cream. Gently dry the area. Wait 20 to 30 minutes to make sure that skin is completely dry.
- Squeeze a small amount (quarter inch or less) of the medicine onto the fingertip. This should be enough to cover the entire affected area. Wash your hands immediately after using Vitacid emollient cream.
- If you miss a dose of Vitacid emollient cream, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Vitacid emollient cream.
Uses of Vitacid in details
Use: Labeled Indications
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (remission induction): Induction of remission in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia, French American British (FAB) classification M3 (including the M3 variant) characterized by t(15;17) translocation and/or PML/RARĪ± gene presence
Off Label Uses
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (consolidation therapy)
Data from studies of combination chemotherapy in adults with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) support the use of Vitacid as part of the consolidation phase of treatment.
Vitacid description
Vitacid, also known as all-trans-Vitacid (ATRA), is a naturally occurring derivative of vitamin A (retinol). Retinoids such as Vitacid are important regulators of cell reproduction, proliferation, and differentiation and are used to treat acne and photodamaged skin and to manage keratinization disorders such as ichthyosis and keratosis follicularis. Vitacid also represents the class of anticancer drugs called differentiating agents and is used in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).
Vitacid dosage
The recommended dose is 45 mg/m/day administered as two evenly divided doses until complete remission is documented. Therapy should be discontinued 30 days after achievement of complete remission or after 90 days of treatment, whichever occurs first.
If after initiation of treatment of Vitacid (Vitacid) the presence of the t(15;17) translocation is not confirmed by cytogenetics and/or by polymerase chain reaction studies and the patient has not responded to Vitacid (Vitacid), alternative therapy appropriate for acute myelogenous leukemia should be considered.
Vitacid (Vitacid) is for the induction of remission only. Optimal consolidation or maintenance regimens have not been determined. All patients should, therefore, receive a standard consolidation and/or maintenance chemotherapy regimen for APL after induction therapy with Vitacid (Vitacid), unless otherwise contraindicated.
How supplied
Vitacid (Vitacid) is supplied as 10 mg capsules, two-tone (lengthwise), orange-yellow and reddish-brown and imprinted Vitacid (Vitacid) 10 ROCHE. Supplied in high-density polyethylene, opaque bottles of 100 capsules with child-resistant closure (NDC 0004-0250-01).
Store at 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). Protect from light.
Distributed by: Pharmaceuticals Roche Laboratories Inc. 340 kingsland street, Nutley, New Jersey 07110- 1199. Revised: July 2008. FDA Rev date: 7/1/2008
Vitacid interactions
See also:
What other drugs will affect Vitacid?
Limited clinical data on potential drug interactions are available.
Drugs Metabolized By the Hepatic P450 System
As Vitacid (Vitacid) is metabolized by the hepatic P450 system, there is a potential for alteration of pharmacokinetics parameters in patients administered concomitant medications that are also inducers or inhibitors of this system. Medications that generally induce hepatic P450 enzymes include rifampicin, glucocorticoids, phenobarbital and pentobarbital. Medications that generally inhibit hepatic P450 enzymes include ketoconazole, cimetidine, erythromycin, verapamil, diltiazem and cyclosporine. To date there are no data to suggest that co-use with these medications increases or decreases either efficacy or toxicity of Vitacid (Vitacid).
Agents Known to Cause Pseudotumor Cerebri/Intracranial Hypertension (Such as Tetracyclines)
Vitacid (Vitacid) may cause pseudotumor cerebri/intracranial hypertension. Concomitant administration of Vitacid (Vitacid) and agents known to cause pseudotumor cerebri/intracranial hypertension as well might increase the risk of this condition.
Vitamin A
As with other retinoids, Vitacid (Vitacid) must not be administered in combination with vitamin A because symptoms of hypervitaminosis A could be aggravated.
Anti-fibrinolytic Agents (Such as Tranexamic Acid, Aminocaproic Acid, or Aprotinin)
Cases of fatal thrombotic complications have been reported rarely in patients concomitantly treated with Vitacid (Vitacid) and anti-fibrinolytic agents. Therefore, caution should be exercised when administering Vitacid (Vitacid) concomitantly with these agents.
Effect of Food
No data on the effect of food on the absorption of Vitacid (Vitacid) are available. The absorption of retinoids as a class has been shown to be enhanced when taken together with food.
Vitacid side effects
See also:
What are the possible side effects of Vitacid?
Irritation Potential
Acne clinical trial results: In separate clinical trials for each concentration, acne patients treated with Vitacid (Vitacid gel) microsphere 0.1% or 0.04%, analysis over the twelve week period showed that cutaneous irritation scores for erythema, peeling, dryness, burning/stinging, or itching peaked during the initial two weeks of therapy, decreasing thereafter.
Approximately half of the patients treated with Vitacid (Vitacid gel), 0.04% had cutaneous irritation at Week 2. Of those patients who did experience cutaneous side effects, most had signs or symptoms that were mild in severity (severity was ranked on a 4-point ordinal scale: 0=none, 1=mild, 2=moderate, and 3=severe). Less than 10% of patients experienced moderate cutaneous irritation and there was no severe irritation at Week 2. In studies on Vitacid (Vitacid gel) microsphere, 0.04%, throughout the treatment period the majority of patients experienced some degree of irritation (mild, moderate, or severe) with 1% (2/225) of patients having scores indicative of a severe irritation rating; and 1.3% (3/225) of patients treated with Vitacid (Vitacid gel) microsphere, 0.04%, discontinued treatment due to irritation, which included dryness in one patient and peeling and urticaria in another.
In studies on Vitacid (Vitacid gel) microsphere, 0.1%, no more than 3% of patients had cutaneous irritation scores indicative of severe irritation rating; although, 6% (14/224) of patients treated with Vitacid (Vitacid gel) microsphere, 0.1% discontinued treatment due to irritation. Of these 14 patients, four have severe irritation after 3 to 5 days of treatment, with blistering in one patient.
Results in studies of subjects without acne
In a half-face comparison trial conducted for up to 14 days in women with sensitive skin, but without acne, Vitacid (Vitacid gel) microsphere, 0.1% was statistically less irritating than Vitacid cream, 0.1%. In addition, a cumulative 21 day irritation evaluation in subjects with normal skin showed that RetinA Micro (Vitacid gel) microsphere, 0.1%, had a lower irritation profile than Vitacid cream, 0.1%. The clinical significance of these irritation studies for patients with acne is not established. Comparable effectiveness of Vitacid (Vitacid gel) microsphere, 0.1% and Vitacid cream, 0.1%, has not been established. The lower irritancy of Vitacid (Vitacid gel) microsphere, 0.1% in subjects without acne may be attributable to the properties of its vehicle. The contribution of decreased irritancy by the MICROSPONGE System has not been established. No irritation studies have been performed to compare Vitacid (Vitacid gel) microsphere, 0.04%, with either Vitacid (Vitacid gel) microsphere, 0.1%, or Vitacid cream, 0.1%.
The skin of certain sensitive individuals may become excessively red, edematous, blistered, or crusted. If these effects occur, the medication should either be discontinued until the integrity of the skin is restored, or the medication should be adjusted to a level the patient can tolerate. However, efficacy has not been established for lower dosing frequencies.
True contact allergy to topical Vitacid is rarely encountered. Temporary hyper- or hypopigmentation has been reported with repeated application of Vitacid. Some individuals have been reported to have heightened susceptibility to sunlight while under treatment with Vitacid.
Vitacid contraindications
See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Vitacid?
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Vitacid topical can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use Vitacid topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using Vitacid topical.
Use this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you think it is not working. It may take weeks or months of use before you notice improvement in your skin. If you are using Vitacid topical to treat acne, your condition may get slightly worse for a short time when you first start using the medication. Call your doctor if skin irritation becomes severe or if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks.
Active ingredient matches for Vitacid:
Tretinoin in Brazil, Ethiopia, Indonesia.
Ascorbic Acid in Ethiopia.
Retinoic acid in Indonesia.
| Unit description / dosage (Manufacturer) | Price, USD |
| Vitacid 0.05 % x 50 mL x 1's | $ 4.34 |
| Vitacid 0.025 % x 20 g x 1's | $ 2.14 |
| Vitacid 0.025 % x 15 g x 1's | $ 2.14 |
| Vitacid 0.05 % x 20 g x 1's | $ 3.14 |
| Vitacid 0.1 % x 20 g x 1's | $ 4.03 |
List of Vitacid substitutes (brand and generic names): | |
| Vitacicol Forte (Taiwan) | |
| Vitacicol Forte 250 mg/1 mL x 2 mL | |
| Vitacid C (Egypt) | |
| Vitacimin (Indonesia, Japan, Peru) | |
| Vitacimin 500 mg x 20's (Takeda) | $ 1.75 |
| Vitacimin 500 mg x 100's (Takeda) | $ 5.90 |
| Sweets; Oral; Vitamin C / Ascorbic Acid 500 mg (Takeda) | |
| Vitacimin Sweetlets (Thailand) | |
| Vitacimin Sweetlets 100 mg x 200's | |
| Vitacimin-Cee (Thailand) | |
| Vitacimin-Cee 100 mg x 20 x 10's | |
| Vitacin (Japan, Taiwan) | |
| Vitacin 100 mg/1 mL x 2 mL | |
| Vitacin 10% (Japan) | |
| Vitacin 5% (Japan) | |
| VitaCNova (Colombia) | |
| Vitacor-C (Philippines) | |
| Vitacor-C oral drops 100 mg/mL 15 mL x 1's (AD-Drugstel) | $ 1.64 |
| Vitacor-C syr 100 mg/5 mL 60 mL x 1's (AD-Drugstel) | $ 1.56 |
| Vitacor-C syr 100 mg/5 mL 120 mL x 1's (AD-Drugstel) | $ 2.36 |
| Vitacyl (Ecuador) | |
| Vitadyn C (Venezuela) | |
| Vital C (Algeria) | |
| Vitala-C (New Zealand) | |
| Vitalene C (Italy) | |
| Vitalex C (Colombia) | |
| Vitalong C TRC (Indonesia) | |
| Vitalong C TRC 500 mg x 30's (Bernofarm) | $ 2.86 |
| Vitalong C TRC 500 mg x 25 x 4's (Bernofarm) | $ 12.28 |
| Vitamedi-C (Romania) | |
| Vitamex C (Indonesia) | |
| Vitamin A Acid | |
| Cream; Topical; Tretinoin 0.01% (Dermik) | |
| Cream; Topical; Tretinoin 0.025% (Dermik) | |
| Cream; Topical; Tretinoin 0.05% (Dermik) | |
| Cream; Topical; Tretinoin 0.1% (Dermik) | |
| Gel; Topical; Tretinoin 0.01% (Dermik) | |
| Gel; Topical; Tretinoin 0.025% (Dermik) | |
| Gel; Topical; Tretinoin 0.05% (Dermik) | |
| Vitamin A Acid Topical | |
| Vitamin A Acid Valeant (Canada) | |
| Vitamin C (Argentina, Australia, Bosnia & Herzegowina, Bulgaria, Ethiopia, Greece, Hungary, India, Japan, Latvia, Myanmar, Oman, Peru, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Slovakia) | |
| Tablet; Oral; Vitamin C / Ascorbic Acid 1 g (Acichem Laboratories) | |
| Tablet; Oral; Vitamin C / Ascorbic Acid 250 mg (Acichem Laboratories) | |
| Tablet; Oral; Vitamin C / Ascorbic Acid 500 mg (Acichem Laboratories) | |
| Tablet, Extended Release; Oral; Vitamin C 1 g (Acichem Laboratories) | |
| Tablet; Oral; Vitamin C 1 g (Acichem Laboratories) | |
| Tablet; Oral; Vitamin C 500 mg (Acichem Laboratories) | |
| Tablet, Extended Release; Oral; Vitamin C 500 mg (Acichem Laboratories) | |
| Tablet; Oral; Vitamin C 1000 mg (Acichem Laboratories) | |
| Tablet; Oral; Vitamin C 250 mg (Acichem Laboratories) | |
See 2429 substitutes for Vitacid | |
References
- DailyMed. "FLUOCINOLONE ACETONIDE; HYDROQUINONE; TRETINOIN: DailyMed provides trustworthy information about marketed drugs in the United States. DailyMed is the official provider of FDA label information (package inserts).". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailyme... (accessed September 17, 2018).
- PubChem. "Retinoic acid". https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/com... (accessed September 17, 2018).
- DrugBank. "Retinoic acid". http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00755 (accessed September 17, 2018).
Reviews
The results of a survey conducted on ndrugs.com for Vitacid are given in detail below. The results of the survey conducted are based on the impressions and views of the website users and consumers taking Vitacid. We implore you to kindly base your medical condition or therapeutic choices on the result or test conducted by a physician or licensed medical practitioners.User reports
Consumer reported useful
No survey data has been collected yetConsumer reported price estimates
No survey data has been collected yetConsumer reported time for results
No survey data has been collected yet4 consumers reported age
| Users | % | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-29 | 1 | 25.0% | |
| 46-60 | 1 | 25.0% | |
| 30-45 | 1 | 25.0% | |
| > 60 | 1 | 25.0% | |
Consumer reviews
There are no reviews yet. Be the first to write one! |
Information checked by Dr. Sachin Kumar, MD Pharmacology
