Adapalene skin cream, gel, or solution

What is adapalene?

ADAPALENE (Differin™) is applied to the skin as a cream, gel, or pledget to treat mild to moderate acne. Generic adapalene is not available.

What should my health care professional know before I use adapalene?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• eczema

• seborrheic dermatitis

• skin abrasions

• sunburn

• an unusual or allergic reaction to adapalene, vitamin A, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Adapalene is for external use only, do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Make sure the skin is clean and dry. Apply just enough to cover the affected area. Rub in gently.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip that dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not use extra doses, or use for a longer period of time than directed by your prescriber or health care professional.

What drug(s) may interact with adapalene?

• benzoyl peroxide

• topical antibiotics such as clindamycin (Cleocin-T®) or erythromycin (EryDerm®, Erygel®, Erythrostatin®, Staticin®)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other skin preparations, prescription and non-prescription, you are using. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or staring any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking adapalene?

Your acne may get worse during the first treatment period, and should then start to improve. It may take 2 to 12 weeks before you see the full beneficial effect.

Do not wash your face more than 2 or 3 times a day, unless told to by your prescriber or health care professional. Do not use the following products on the same areas that you are treating with adapalene, unless otherwise directed by your prescriber or health care professional: medicated cosmetics, cosmetics that dry the skin (especially products that contain alcohol), abrasive soaps or cleaners, and any other acne preparation or skin treatment. If you use these products in combination with adapalene they can cause severe skin irritation.

Adapalene can increase sensitivity of the skin to sun or UV light. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

Do not get adapalene in the eyes, inside the nose, on wounds, or any other sensitive areas of skin.

What side effects may I notice from using adapalene?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• severe burning, itching, reddening, crusting, or swelling of the treated areas

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• increased sensitivity to the sun

• mild burning or stinging

• red, inflamed, and irritated skin, the skin may peel after a few days

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the gel at controlled room temperature between 20 degrees—25 degrees C (68 degrees—77 degrees F).