Adapalene (Topical Route)

US Brand Names

Differin

Description

Adapalene is used to treat acne. It works partly Tadora by keeping skin pores clear.

Adapalene is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before Using

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies of this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of adapalene in children up to 12 years of age with use in other age groups. In teenagers, adapalene is not expected to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of adapalene in the elderly with use in other age groups. Older adults are not likely to develop acne.

Pregnancy

	Pregnancy Category	Explanation
All Trimesters	C	Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

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.

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Eczema or
• Seborrheic dermatitis—Use of this medicine may cause or increase the irritation associated with eczema or seborrheic dermatitis

Proper Use

It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause irritation of the skin.

Do not apply this medicine to windburned or sunburned skin or on open wounds.

Do not use this medicine in or around the eyes, lips, or inside of the nose. Spread the medicine away from these areas when applying. If the medicine accidently gets on these areas, wash with water at once.

Apply the medicine to clean, dry areas of the skin affected by acne. Rub in gently and well. Wash your hands afterwards to remove any medicine that may remain on them.

To help clear up your acne completely, it is very important that you keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment , even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a short time. If you stop using this medicine too soon, your acne may return or get worse.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage form (gel):
  • For acne:
    • Adults and teenagers—Apply a small amount as a thin film once a day, at least one hour before bedtime. Apply the medicine to dry, clean areas affected by acne. Rub in gently and well.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Differin (Adapalene)

Differin Basics:

Adapalene, more commonly known by the brand Tazalis name Differin, is a retinoid-like topical medication used to treat mild to moderate acne. It comes in either cream (0.1%) or gel (0.1% and 0.3%). Many people find Differin cream is less irritating than topical retinoids. Differin is available by prescription.

How it Works:

Pimples begin when the hair follicle, or pore, becomes obstructed with skin cells and excess oil. Differin works beneath the skin's surface, keeping pore blockages or comedones, from forming.

Differin also can reduce hyperpigmentation. This can be a plus if pimples leave tell-tale dark spots behind on your skin. For those with darker skin tones prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, Differin may be a good treatment choice. It also can help reduce oiliness of the skin.

Common Usage Directions:

Typical use directions call for applying adapalene once per day, usually just before bed. First, cleanse the face and dry thoroughly. Then, smooth a pea-sized amount over the skin. You will probably experience a slight stinging or burning after applying. Don't worry; this feeling is normal and will go away after a few minutes.

It can take several weeks before you really notice a difference in your skin, so try to be patient. Don't give up too soon and stop using your treatment. Continue with your treatment for at least 12 full weeks before judging its effectiveness.

Possible Side Effects:

Differin is less irritating than topical retinoids, but can still cause side effects. Most often:

• dryness, peeling and flaking
• redness and irritation
• burning, stinging, or itching
• photosensitivity

These side effects are usually at their worst during the first few weeks of treatment, and diminish somewhat over time. If any of these side effects become severe, tell your doctor right away.

Similar medications have caused tumors in lab animals when they were exposed to UV light. Although it's not known if it has the same effect in humans, you should protect yourself by using a sunscreen every day.

Tips for Using Differin:

• Since Differin works by stopping pimples from forming under the skin's surface, just spot-treating existing pimples won't be effective. It must be applied over the entire area affected by acne.
• Don't be surprised if your acne gets worse before getting better, as pimples under the skin make their way to the surface. Although this is frustrating, don't stop using your medication. Once the initial breakout period is over, you should notice a steady improvement of your skin.
• Drying skin care products can increase skin irritation. Stay away from scrubs, medicated cleansers, medicated makeup, aftershave, astringents, or products containing alpha hydroxy acids or alcohol.
• You shouldn't use other acne treatments, especially those containing
  benzoyl peroxide, while using Differin (unless your doctor recommends it). This includes OTC products and acne-fighting skin care products.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you get pregnant while using Differin.
• Using Differin can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Always wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 15. Stay out of the sun when possible, and don't use tanning lamps or tanning beds.
• Do you get your eyebrows or lips waxed? You'll want to stop these beauty treatments while using Differin, or risk serious irritation and possible injury to the skin.