Differin

Generic name: Adapalene Topical
Drug class: Topical acne agents

Usage of Differin

Differin is a topical medicine (a medication that is applied to the surface of the skin) similar to vitamin A. It helps the skin to renew itself.

Differin is used to treat severe acne in people who are at least 12 years old. It works by decreasing acne formation.

Differin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Differin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Differin: hives, itching; chest pain, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

skin redness, stinging, burning, or peeling after sun exposure.

Some side effects may occur during the first 4 weeks of using this medicine. These side effects should become less noticeable with continued use.

Common Differin side effects may include:

dry, red, or scaly skin;

feeling of warmth and mild stinging or burning;

peeling skin; or

skin pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Differin

You should not use Differin if you are allergic to adapalene.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions.

It is not known whether adapalene passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

It is not known whether Differin will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

Differin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Differin

Usual Adult Dose for Acne:

Differin 0.1% cream, 0.1% gel, 0.3% gel: Apply to the affected area once a day at bedtime after washing. A thin film should be applied, avoiding eyes, lips, angles of the nose, and mucous membranes. Lotion: Apply a thin film of lotion to the entire face and other affected areas of the skin once daily, after washing gently with a mild soapless cleanser. Dispense a nickel size amount of lotion (3 to 4 actuations of the pump) to cover the entire face. Avoid application to the areas of skin around eyes, lips and mucous membranes.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Acne:

Differin 0.1% cream, 0.1% gel, 0.3% gel: 11 years or less: Safety and efficacy have not been established. 12 to 18 years: Apply to the affected area once a day at bedtime after washing. A thin film should be applied, avoiding eyes, lips, angles of the nose, and mucous membranes. Safety and effectiveness of the lotion formulation in pediatric patients under the age of 12 have not been established.

Warnings

Avoid getting Differin in your eyes, in the creases of your nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use this medicine on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using Differin.

Do not use skin products that contain alpha hydroxy or glycolic acid while you are also using Differin.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medication skin products unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Differin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

What other drugs will affect Differin

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied adapalene. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Disclaimer

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