Solage

Solage (Tretinoin 2%, Mequinol) is used  to whiten dark or pigmented areas of the skin. Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A that works to renew cells in the skin that lightens dark areas. Meanwhile, Mequinol is a phenol that also removes darkareas of the skin.

Solage can be used to lighten age spots, liver spots, and age spots.       

In most places, you can only purchase Solage with a prescription. Solage is highly contraindicated in women who are pregnant or who wants to become pregnant soon. Solage should be used only with doctor’s supervision to prevent worsening of skin problems. 

The doctor will consider the following first before prescribing Solage.

Allergies

It is important you do not have allergies to Solage or to preparations with Tretinoin or Mequinole. If you experienced sensitivities to these preparations before, tell them to your doctor.

Skin conditions  

Solage should not be applied to irritated, broken, or sunburned skin.

Health conditions

Tell all your health problems to the doctor before using Solage. Some conditions like eczema, vitiligo, sunburn, vitiligo or frequent sun exposure (like when at work) can cause worsened skin problems if you use Solage or if you used it improperly.

Use on children

The safety and effectiveness of Solage is not established. Do not use it on children without doctor’s advice.

Pregnancy

Tretinoin preparations such as Solage is highly contraindicated in pregnant women. Tretinoin can cause serious birth defects in the fetus. Make sure you are not pregnant before using Solage.

Breastfeeding

It is not well known if active ingredients in Solage can be passed into breastmilk.If you are using Solage, make sure to ask your doctor first before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions

Despite being a medication applied on the skin, Solage may interact with certain drugs and cause increased risk of irritation or sunburn. These drugs include:

• Sulfa antibiotics such as Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim, and Sulfisoxazole
• Water pills or diuretics such as Chlorthiazide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorthalidone,Indapamide, and Metolazone
• Tetracycline antibiotics such as Doxycycline, Minocycline, and Tetracycline
• Fluoroquinolones such as Enoxacin, Lomefloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, or Orfloxacin
• Phenothiazines such as Chlorpromazine, Fluphenazine, Mesoridazine, Prochlorperazine, Thioridazine, or Trifluperazine

It is important to apply Solage properly for maximum benefits. Read the included instruction leaflet in the package and follow doctor’s instructions in using Solage.

Solage is usually applied at least 8 hours apart. Using the applicator tip, apply Solage to the dark skin areas only. Make sure you do not wash or bathe treated areas of the skin for at least 6 hours after applying Solage. For this reason, it is best to apply Solage after bathing or washing the skin. You can apply cosmetics or skin cream 30 minutes after applying Solage.

Application of Solage may cause momentary stinging, burning, or irritating discomfort. If this sensation does not go away or worsens over time, stop using Solage and call the doctor right away.

Solage is meant to be used only on the skin of the face and body. It should not be applied to underarms, creases around the nose, genital or vaginal area. Take care not to apply Solage on the eyes, nose, mouth, or mucous membranes.

Solage usually produces results within 24 weeks of use. However, some treated areas may darken again after discontinuing use of Solage.

If you missed a dose of Solage, apply as soon as you remember. Just make sure to space applications by at least 8 hours apart. Do not apply larger amounts of Solage.

Make sure not to swallow Solage. If this happens, call emergency hotlines right away.

Store Solage at room temperature away from moisture, heat and light. Note that Solage is flammable so keep it away from open flame.

Make sure to apply Solage only to the affected skin areas only.

Skin treated with Solage is very sensitive to sunlight and sun’s radiation. You must avoid sun exposure or using tanning beds or sun  lamps.

Using too muich Solage does not improve results. Applying too much Solage can cause marked redness, irritation and undesirable lightened areas of the skin.

Do not apply Solage on broken, sunburned or irritated skin.

Skin treated with Solage is very sensitive. You must protect treated skin against sunlight, coldness, and wind. Avoid exposing the treated skin to harshsoaps, shampoos, skin cleansers,hair coloring, waxes, astringents, lime, spices, or skin products with alcohol.

If you accidentally applied Solage on unaffected skin areas, or the eyes, nose, mouth or mucous membranes, wash the affected area with running water for at least 5 minutes.

Make sure not to get pregnant while and shortly after using Solage (use effective birth control). If you became pregnant while using Solage, call your doctor right away.

Solage may cause side effects that require medical attention. Call the doctor if you experienced the following while using Solage:

• Severe allergic reaction such as hives, skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat.

Solage may cause minor skin irritation, swelling, dryness, or itching, especially if used in larger amounts. If these symptoms do not go away, call the doctor right away.