Aklief (trifarotene) is a brand-name cream that’s prescribed for acne in adults and certain children. As with other drugs, Aklief can cause side effects, such as irritated and dry skin.

Aklief can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Aklief in clinical trials:

These side effects occurred on areas on the skin where Aklief was applied.

* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect specifics” section.

Mild side effects can occur with Aklief use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Aklief’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects occurred on areas of the skin where Aklief was applied. These include:

  • sunburn
  • dry skin
  • red, purple, or discolored skin
  • itchy skin
  • skin rash
  • skin swelling
  • mild skin irritation*

The above side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Aklief and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect specifics” section.

Aklief may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Aklief’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Aklief, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects occurred on areas of the skin where Aklief was applied. These include:

For more information, see the “Side effect specifics” section.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Aklief can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s clinical trials.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Aklief, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Aklief may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Aklief.

Skin irritation

Skin irritation is a common side effect reported in clinical trials of Aklief. This side effect occurs over areas of skin where you apply Aklief. Symptoms can include stinging, burning, redness or discoloration, and scaling of your skin.

In studies of Aklief, skin irritation was most likely to be severe during the first four weeks of treatment. The severity of this side effect decreased over time as treatment with Aklief continued.

What you can do

Using a skin moisturizer can help treat skin irritation caused by Aklief. Your doctor can recommend the right moisturizer for you. This works best if you begin using the moisturizer when you start Aklief treatment, rather than waiting for irritation to occur.

If this doesn’t help, your doctor may suggest applying Aklief less often. And if your symptoms remain severe or still bother you, they may suggest stopping Aklief and exploring a different acne treatment.

Be sure to avoid waxing to remove hair on skin where you’ll apply Aklief. You should also avoid getting Aklief into your eyes or onto your lips or other mucous membranes. Do not apply Aklief to skin that has cuts or abrasions or skin that is affected by eczema or sunburn.

Another tip to reduce skin irritation while using Aklief is to avoid other skin products that can irritate or dry the skin. Examples include skin products that contain a high concentration of alcohol, as well as medicated soaps or cleansers. Your doctor or pharmacist can help identify products that are safe to use with Aklief.

Increased sensitivity to UV light

Treatment with Aklief increases the sensitivity of your skin to UV light. UV light includes sunlight and sunlamps, such as those found in tanning beds.

Increased sensitivity to UV light raises your risk of sunburn, which was a common side effect reported by people using Aklief in clinical trials.

What you can do

While using Aklief, it’s best to avoid tanning beds. You’ll also want to lower your exposure to sunlight. If you’ll be exposed to sunlight, be sure to wear sunscreen that is at least sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher or wear protective clothing. For example, wearing a wide-brim hat can protect your face from sun exposure.

If you’re unable to avoid sun exposure or this side effect bothers you, let your doctor know. They may recommend stopping Aklief and exploring other acne treatments.

Before taking Aklief, discuss your health history with your doctor. Aklief may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

  • skin conditions other than acne, such as eczema
  • previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding
  • alcohol consumption

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.