Altreno (tretinoin) Lotion, 0.05%, is now available exclusively for physician dispensing in a 20-gram size. Launched last year, Altreno Lotion from Ortho Dermatologics is the first and only tretinoin available in a lotion for the treatment of acne that has been shown to be effective and generally well tolerated.  

Dispensing through dermatologists’ offices allows dermatologists to provide patients Altreno Lotion right at the time of their appointment, avoiding issues with prescriptions not get filled due to cost or inconvenience.

“We like having a derm-dispensed option in our office,” says Florida-based dermatologist Leslie Baumann, MD.  “I believe there is a link between an office visit and compliance when the patient can leave with the recommended medication in hand. Life is full of distractions and making a drug available in the office helps to ensure that the patient will use it in the way it has been prescribed. And, there is an enhanced possibility that use of the drug will begin that day. This means the patient will be able to see results sooner. We dispense several brands in our office, specifically for this reason and I suspect it is a strong trend.”

Another benefit to having a derm-dispensed product in the office is the convenience factor cited by dermatologists. “Dispensing in the office helps ensure patients are getting the formulations and products that we believe are right for them and their skin-care goals,” says Joel L. Cohen, MD, dermatologist and director of AboutSkin Dermatology, in Colorado. “With the more recent addition of Rx product sales in the office, patients find this to be convenient for them, because it helps them avoid a trip, and lines, at the pharmacy and prior authorization delays. Our staff appreciates this as well, with the hope that it will minimize the time spent on prior authorization hassles and help with overall efficiency.”