Adapalene

Adapalene is used to treat acne. It may decrease the number and severity of acne pimples and promote quick healing of pimples that do develop. Adapalene belongs to a class of medications called retinoids. It works by affecting the growth of cells and decreasing swelling and inflammation.

• Adapalene is available under the following different brand names: Differin.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Topical cream

• 0.1% (Rx)

Topical gel

• 0.1% (OTC)
• 0.3% (Rx)

Topical lotion

• 0.1% (Rx)

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Acne Vulgaris

• Adults: Apply a thin film to the entire face and other affected areas of the skin at bedtime after washing gently with non-medicated soap
• Children 12 years and older: Apply a thin film to the entire face and other affected areas of the skin at bedtime after washing gently with non-medicated soap
• Children under 12 years: Safety and efficacy not established

Common side effects of adapalene include:

• Dryness
• Scaling
• Mild burning/stinging
• Skin redness
• Skin discomfort
• Itching
• Peeling
• Sunburn
• A brief sensation of warmth immediately after applying the medication

Less common side effects of adapalene include:

• Acne flare
• Contact dermatitis
• Eczema
• Rash

Serious side effects of adapalene include:

• Very red or irritated skin
• An intense burning sensation
• Eye redness and watering (conjunctivitis)
• Eyelid swelling
• Skin discoloration

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

Adapalene has no known severe interactions with other drugs.

Adapalene has no known serious interactions with other drugs.

Adapalene has no known moderate interactions with other drugs.

Adapalene has no known mild interactions with other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns or for more information about this medicine.

Warnings

This medication contains adapalene. Do not take Differin if you are allergic to adapalene or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to adapalene or any of its components

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Adapalene?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Adapalene?"

Cautions

• Avoid eyes, lips, and mucous membranes
• For external use only
• Minimize UV light exposure; use sunscreen and protective clothing
• Extreme weather (e.g., wind, cold) may cause skin irritation
• Adverse reaction risk higher during first month of treatment; generally subsides with use
• Do not apply product to abrasions or cuts or to eczematous or sunburned skin
• Skin irritation: Apply moisturizer, reduce application frequency, or discontinue
• Do not wax treated area or apply topical products that may further irritate skin (e.g., astringents, abrasive soaps and cleansers, exfoliants, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid)
• Discontinue immediately and consult physician if any anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions occur

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use adapalene with caution during pregnacy if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies are not available or neither animal nor human studies were done.
• Adapalene excretion in breast milk is unknown; use with caution if breastfeeding.