Adapalene

Differin (adapalene) works well for treating mild-to-moderate acne. Differin (adapalene) can cause skin irritation, burning, and itching right after using it, so make sure you have moisturizer with you to help with this side effect. This acne treatment has different strengths and formulations (e.g., cream, gel, lotion). But only the lower strength gel is available over the counter.

What is Differin (adapalene) used for?

• Acne

How Differin (adapalene) works

Differin (adapalene) is a retinoid. It prevents acne and pimples from forming by replacing your old skin cells with new skin cells. This helps unclog your pores that are plugged with dead skin and excessive oil. It also lowers the amount of inflammation on the skin.

Pharmacist tips for Differin (adapalene)

• Take care of your skin by following a skin care routine that includes gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection while you're using Differin (adapalene).
• Use a gentle, non-medicated cleanser to clean the areas where you'll be applying Differin (adapalene). Make sure your skin is completely dry before using the medication.
• You might notice side effects, such as redness, dryness, stinging, and burning, are worse during the first 4 weeks of using Differin (adapalene). Some people might also notice that their acne gets worse when first using Differin (adapalene). This is common and expected, but your skin should start to improve with time. Let your healthcare provider know if these side effects get worse or don't calm down after a month or so of using the medication.
• It's important to use moisturizers while you're using Differin (adapalene), as dry skin is a common side effect. Apply this medication first, wait until your skin is dry to the touch after rubbing it in, and then apply your moisturizer of choice. Avoid using other topical products containing alpha hydroxy, salicylic, or glycolic acid.
• Differin (adapalene) makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, which means you might sunburn very easily. This is true even during the winter and on overcast days. Make sure to avoid sun exposure, wear protective clothing like a wide-brimmed hat, and use a moisturizing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 while you're using Differin (adapalene).
• Differin (adapalene) is intended to be used on the skin only. Keep the medication out of your mouth, nose, and eyes. If you do accidentally get it in any of these areas, rinse them well with water.
• If you're breastfeeding, make sure to use Differin (adapalene) on the smallest area of skin for the shortest period of time possible while nursing. Avoid applying the medication to areas where your baby could potentially ingest it or come into contact with it. Talk to your healthcare provider before using Differin (adapalene) if you're breastfeeding to make sure it's safe to do so.

What are the risks and warnings for Differin (adapalene)?

Differin (adapalene) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Allergic reactions

Differin (adapalene) can cause allergic reactions, including severe itchiness; facial, eyelid, or lip swelling; and anaphylaxis. If these happen to you, stop using Differin (adapalene) and get medical help right away. These reactions require immediate medical treatment.

Sunburn

Differin (adapalene) can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause you to get a sunburn more easily. Make sure to wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when you go outside, even on overcast days and during the winter. You should also avoid tanning beds while you're using Differin (adapalene).

Skin irritation

• Risk factors: Soaps and cleansers with skin-drying effects | Products containing alcohol, astringents, spices, or lime

Differin (adapalene) can cause skin reactions where you apply it, including redness, scaling, dryness, stinging, and burning. These symptoms typically happen during the first 4 weeks of use and get milder or go away as you continue to use the medication. Your skin also might get irritated when the weather is very windy or cold.

Talk to your healthcare provider if these side effects become too bothersome. You'll probably need to use a moisturizer, apply Differin (adapalene) less often, or stop using it. Don't apply Differin (adapalene) to cuts, scrapes, or sunburned skin. Avoid using Differin (adapalene) at the same time as other potentially irritating topical products, such as soaps and cleansers that have a strong skin-drying effect and products containing alcohol, astringents, spices, or lime.

Bottle of lotion

59ml of 0.1%

Bottle of topical solution

60ml of 0.1%
120ml of 0.1%

Gel pump

45g of 0.3%

Package

14 swabs of 0.1%

Tube of cream

45g of 0.1%

Tube of gel

45g of 0.1%
45g of 0.3%

• Cream, gel, and topical solution: Apply a thin layer to the affected areas of skin once a day at bedtime. Gently rub it into the skin.
• Lotion: Apply a nickel-sized amount (3 to 4 pumps) to the affected areas of skin once a day. Gently rub it into the skin to form a thin layer.
• Swabs: Use 1 swab to apply a thin layer to the affected areas of skin once a day at bedtime. A single swab should be enough to cover all areas. Throw the swab away after you're done.

Differin (adapalene) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Differin (adapalene). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

• Dry skin (up to 45%)
• Scaling or peeling (up to 44%)
• Stinging or burning (up to 29%)
• Skin redness (up to 26%)

Other Side Effects

• Itchy skin
• Sunburn
• Skin discomfort
• Rash
• Eczema
• Eyelid swelling

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

• Allergic reactions: facial, eyelid, or lip swelling; hives; skin rash; trouble breathing
• Severe redness or swelling of treated area
• Severe burning or stinging of the skin
• Severe skin irritation or skin dryness

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

especially during the first month of use

• Burning sensation or stinging of skin
• Dryness and peeling of skin
• Itching of skin
• Redness of skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Rare

more common during the first month of use

• Worsening of acne