Aklief (trifarotene) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for acne in adults and some children. Aklief comes as a cream that’s typically applied once per day.
Aklief belongs to a drug class called retinoids. Aklief isn’t available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosages of Aklief, including its strength and how to use the medication. For a comprehensive look at Aklief, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Aklief provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When applying Aklief, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
The typically recommended dosages for Aklief are described below.
Aklief form
Aklief comes as a topical cream that you apply to your skin. Aklief cream comes in a pump that gives a specific dosage amount of cream with each pump.
Aklief strength
Aklief comes in one strength of 0.005%. This means that each gram of Aklief cream has 50 micrograms (mcg) of the active ingredient trifarotene.
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly recommended in adults. However, be sure to apply the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for acne
Doctors may prescribe Aklief to treat acne.
If your doctor prescribes Aklief for acne, your starting dose will depend on where you have your acne and how much acne you have. Typically, you’ll apply a dose of Aklief once per day in the evening.
The table below shows the typical dosages. Your doctor will choose the dose that suits your needs.
| Location of acne | Aklief dose |
|---|---|
| face (chin, cheeks, nose, forehead) | one pump |
| upper back, shoulders, or chest | two pumps |
| middle back and lower back | one pump |
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Children’s dosage
Aklief is approved to treat acne in children ages 9 years and older. The Aklief dosage in children is the same as the dosage in adults.
The table below lists the typical dosing schedule for children using Aklief.
| Location of acne | Aklief dose |
|---|---|
| face (chin, cheeks, nose, forehead) | one pump |
| upper back, shoulders, or chest | two pumps |
| middle back and lower back | one pump |
Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about their dosage.
Long-term treatment
Aklief is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Aklief is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it in the long term. Acne may go away with time, so your doctor may stop treatment if they feel Aklief is no longer needed.
Before you start using Aklief, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
Aklief comes as a topical cream that you apply to your skin. Aklief cream is supplied in a pump. When you use Aklief, your doctor will likely recommend that you apply a thin layer of cream on your acne once per day in the evening. Make sure to apply the cream on clean and dry skin. Avoid getting Aklief cream in your eyes, lips, nose creases, or cuts in your skin.
It may be helpful to apply Aklief around the same time every evening.
If you have questions about how to use Aklief, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you miss a dose of Aklief, apply it as soon as you remember in the evening. If it’s the next day, skip the missed dose and apply the next scheduled evening dose at the regular time. Do not apply two doses to make up for the missed one. If you’re not sure whether you should apply a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
It’s important that you don’t apply more Aklief than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Aklief
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve applied too much Aklief. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are some frequently asked questions about Aklief.
Is the dosage of Aklief similar to the dosage of Tazorac?
Yes, the forms and how often you use each drug are similar. Aklief and Tazorac (tazarotene) are both topical creams applied once per day. They are also both used for treating acne.
The dose in milligrams for each drug differs because they have different active ingredients. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you.
To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.
How long does it take for Aklief to start working?
Aklief starts to work after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. But your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Aklief treatment.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Aklief for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Aklief without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Aklief that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Aklief. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Aklief: For information about other aspects of Aklief.
- Side effects: To learn about the side effects of Aklief, see the Aklief prescribing information.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.