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Frequently asked questions about AKLIEF (trifarotene) Cream, 0.005%.

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Learn more about treatment expectations, application tips, possible side effects, and support resources to help you feel confident throughout your acne treatment journey.

What is AKLIEF Cream and who can use it?

AKLIEF (trifarotene) Cream, 0.005%, is an FDA-approved prescription acne treatment that has been available since 2019.¹˒² It is used on the skin to treat acne in adults and children 9 years of age and older.¹ab It can be used on the face, chest, shoulders, and back.¹ab AKLIEF Cream is used once a day as part of your acne treatment routine.¹

AKLIEF Cream helps clear pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.³ab It has been studied in 2,787 people with a range of skin tones and skin types.³˒⁴ Clinical studies have also shown that AKLIEF Cream may help reduce the visible effects acne can leave behind, including acne scars and dark marks called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).5,6cd

 How does AKLIEF Cream work?

AKLIEF Cream contains the active ingredient trifarotene. Trifarotene is a retinoid, a type of acne medicine that works on the skin.⁷ It is the first new retinoid molecule approved for acne in more than 25 years.⁷

Trifarotene is made to target a specific receptor in the skin involved in acne.⁷ With once-daily use, AKLIEF Cream helps increase skin cell turnover, unclog pores, clear pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads, reduce inflammation, and help prevent new breakouts.1,3,7abcd

How soon will I see results?

Results can vary, but many patients began to see improvement as early as 2 weeks when using AKLIEF Cream once a day.³ab

  • Acne on the face, chest, back, and shoulders: Acne may start to clear in as little as 2 weeks.³ab
  • Acne and acne scarring: Patients with acne scars may notice improvements in acne and acne scars as early as Week 2, with continued treatment.5c
  • Acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)*: In a clinical study, dark marks left behind after acne improved within 12 weeks. Improvement continued with ongoing use.6cd 

For best results, keep using AKLIEF Cream exactly as prescribed, even if you do not see results right away.¹

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How do I apply AKLIEF Cream?

Apply AKLIEF Cream once a day in the evening to clean, dry skin, exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.¹

For the recommended amount of AKLIEF Cream:

  • Face: Use 1 pump to cover the whole face.
  • Chest, shoulders, and upper back: Use 2 pumps.
  • Middle and lower back: Use 1 more pump, if needed.

Avoid getting AKLIEF Cream in your eyes, lips, mouth, or the corners of your nose.¹ To help reduce dryness and irritation, use a moisturizer regularly and use sunscreen during the day.¹

What can I expect when starting AKLIEF Cream?

When starting AKLIEF Cream, it is normal for your skin to go through an adjustment period. During the first 2 weeks, some people may have dryness, redness, peeling, mild irritation, or mild burning or stinging.¹˒⁴ These effects are usually temporary and often get better as your skin adjusts to treatment.¹

To help your skin adjust:

  • Use a moisturizer regularly, starting on day one.¹
  • Apply AKLIEF Cream once a day in the evening, as prescribed.¹
  • Wear sunscreen every day and limit unnecessary sun exposure.¹
  • Keep using AKLIEF Cream as prescribed. Many patients begin to see acne on the face, chest, back, and shoulders improve in as little as 2 weeks.³ab

What precautions should I take while using AKLIEF Cream?

Limit time in the sun while using AKLIEF Cream. Avoid sunlamps, tanning beds, and other ultraviolet light.¹ If you must be in the sun, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat, to cover treated skin.¹

Avoid skin products that may dry or irritate your skin. These may include medicated or rough soaps and cleansers, products with a strong drying effect, or products with a lot of alcohol.¹

Do not use waxing to remove hair from skin treated with AKLIEF Cream.¹ Do not apply AKLIEF Cream to cuts, scrapes, eczema, or sunburned skin.¹

Should I continue using AKLIEF Cream if my acne improves?

Yes. Even if your skin starts to clear, it is important to keep using AKLIEF Cream exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.¹ Many patients begin to see improvement as early as 2 weeks, but acne treatment takes time. Your skin may keep improving with regular use.³ab

AKLIEF Cream is safe for long-term daily use and has been studied in both short-term and long-term clinical studies.3,4 Talk with your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan.

How can I incorporate AKLIEF Cream into my skincare routine?

Adding AKLIEF Cream to your routine is simple. Apply AKLIEF Cream once a day in the evening to clean, dry skin. Use the amount recommended by your healthcare provider.¹

For best results:

  • Cleanse with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser.¹
  • Apply AKLIEF Cream as directed.¹
  • Use a moisturizer to help reduce dryness and irritation.¹
  • Use sunscreen every morning and limit too much sun exposure.¹
  • Choose non-comedogenic or oil-free skincare and makeup products that will not clog pores.⁸

Using AKLIEF Cream every day as prescribed can help clear existing acne and help prevent new breakouts.¹˒³

AKLIEF Cream Daily Routine

Where can I get AKLIEF Cream, and how much does it cost?

AKLIEF Cream is a prescription medication, so you'll need a prescription from a healthcare provider. Once prescribed, it can be filled at all major retail pharmacies as well as many local independent pharmacies. 

AKLIEF Cream is broadly accessible, and most insurance plans cover AKLIEF Cream. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs may vary depending on your individual insurance plan. 

Eligible commercially insured patients may be able to lower their prescription costs with the Galderma CAREConnect Patient Savings Card, which can provide savings on Aklief Cream prescriptions and refills.† 

For specific coverage and pricing information, check with your insurance provider, pharmacist, or visit the AKLIEF Cream Savings Page.

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*PIH, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

†Galderma CareConnect Patient Savings Card is only available for commercially insured or uninsured patients. Patients who are enrolled in a government-run or government-sponsored healthcare plan with a pharmacy benefit are not eligible to use the Galderma CareConnect Patient Savings Card.

a. Studied in acne patients from 9 to 58 years of age with diverse skin types and moderate-to-severe acne. Nodulocystic acne was excluded from the trials.

b. Significant improvement seen as early as Week 1 in the pivotal clinical trials.

c. Secondary to clearing acne.

d. The primary endpoint was the overall disease severity score (ODS). No statistical significance between AKLIEF Cream and vehicle at Week 24 was seen.

References

  1. AKLIEF® (trifarotene) Cream, 0.005% [Prescribing Information]. Dallas, TX: Galderma Laboratories, L.P.
  2. Tan J, Thiboutot D, Popp G, et al. Randomized phase 3 evaluation of trifarotene 50 μg/g cream treatment of moderate facial and truncal acne. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;80(6):1691–1699.
  3. Blume-Peytavi U, et al. Long-term safety and efficacy of trifarotene 50 μg/g cream, a first-in-class RAR-γ selective topical retinoid, in patients with moderate facial and truncal acne. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020;34(1):166–173.
  4. Schleicher S, et al. Trifarotene reduces risk for atrophic acne scars: Results from a phase 4 controlled study. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2023;13(12):3085–3096.
  5. Alexis A, et al. Efficacy and safety of trifarotene in acne-induced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Int J Dermatol. 2024;63(6):806–815.
  6. Aubert J, et al. Trifarotene: Development of a potent and selective RAR-γ agonist for topical treatment of acne. Br J Dermatol. 2018;179(2):442–456.
  7. Thoreau E, et al. Retinoic acid receptor-γ selective agonists: medicinal chemistry and pharmacology. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2018;28(10):1736–1741.
  8. Reynolds RV, et al. Updated guidelines of care for acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024;90(5):1006.e1–1006.e30.
  9. Galderma CAREConnect Program terms and conditions. Available at: www.aklief.com/savings.

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Indication: AKLIEF® (trifarotene) Cream, 0.005% is a retinoid indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older. Adverse Events: The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 1%) in patients treated with AKLIEF Cream were application site irritation, application site pruritus (itching), and sunburn. Warnings/Precautions: Patients using AKLIEF Cream may experience erythema, scaling, dryness, and stinging/burning. Use a moisturizer from the initiation of treatment, and, if appropriate, depending upon the severity of these adverse reactions, reduce the frequency of application of AKLIEF Cream, suspend or discontinue use. Avoid application of AKLIEF Cream to cuts, abrasions or eczematous or sunburned skin. Use of “waxing” as a depilatory method should be avoided on skin treated with AKLIEF Cream. Minimize exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and protective clothing over treated areas when exposure cannot be avoided.