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Overview: Aklief is cream applied to the skin to treat acne. The most common side effects are skin irritation, itching, and sunburn. Use a moisturizer on your skin as often as you need to while using this medicine. This may help reduce your risk of skin reactions. Aklief can make your skin more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin.

Uses

What is Aklief used for?

Aklief (trifarotene) is commonly used to treat acne. 

Aklief may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Aklief work (mechanism of action)?

Aklief belongs to a group of medicines called retinoids. It seems to help reduce inflammation and slow down skin cell growth to improve acne. 

How is Aklief supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Aklief

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.005% topical cream

How should I store Aklief?

Aklief should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Do not expose it to heat.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Aklief?

The most common side effects of Aklief are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Skin reactions, such as irritation and itching (see below)
  • Sunburn (see below)

There may be other side effects of Aklief that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Aklief?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Aklief are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Aklief may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Aklief and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Skin Reactions. Aklief can cause skin-related side effects, such as irritation and itching. Sometimes skin reactions can be more serious. The more severe skin reactions seem more common within the first four weeks of use. They usually improve even if you keep using the medicine. Using a moisturizer may help reduce the severity of these reactions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following skin reactions.

  • Redness
  • Scaling
  • Dryness
  • Stinging/burning

Sensitivity to Sunlight. Your skin may be very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, while you are using Aklief. This is called photosensitivity. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in the sunlight. Exposure to this kind of light, even for a short time, can cause your skin to be severely sunburned, blistered, or swollen. Tell your health care provider right away if any of these happen.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Aklief?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Aklief.

  • Aklief
  • Trifarotene
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Aklief.

What should I know about Aklief before using it?

Do not use Aklief unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. Follow the directions that come with your medicine about using it, including cleaning the skin, when to use it, and how much to use. 

Do not share Aklief with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Aklief out of the reach of children.

While using Aklief, avoid using skin products that can irritate your skin, such as medicated or abrasive soaps or cleansers, other skin products that dry your skin out, or skin products that have high amounts of alcohol or astringents in them. These products can increase the risk of having a severe skin reaction with Aklief.

Aklief should only be used on your skin. It should not be used on or in your eyes, mouth, or vagina. Do not use it on any skin where you have cuts, abrasions, eczema, or a sunburn. Do not use waxing hair removal on the skin areas treated with Aklief. Talk to your health care provider if you have any concerns or questions.

While using Aklief, use a moisturizer on your skin as often as needed to reduce your risk of skin reactions.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Aklief?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Aklief is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Aklief may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Aklief, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Skin Problems. Tell your health care provider if you have any other skin problems, including eczema, cuts, or sunburn.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Aklief could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Aklief while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Aklief passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Aklief while breastfeeding. If you use Aklief while you are breastfeeding, use the smallest amount of medicine, only use it as much as you need to, and avoid using it on or near your nipples. This will help to limit the amount of medicine your baby could be exposed to. 

How can I get more information about Aklief?

For more information about Aklief, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.aklief.com or call them at 866-735-4137.

Interactions

Does Aklief interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Aklief and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Aklief.

Does Aklief interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Aklief.

  • Any other medication for acne
  • Any medicine that dries out or irritates your skin

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Aklief. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Aklief?

If you or someone else has used too much Aklief, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Aklief?

If you miss your dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next one. Do not use double or extra doses. Do not use Aklief more often than prescribed.