DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Adapalene Cream and Gel (a-DAP-a-leen)
Brand Name: Differin

Adapalene Cream is used for:

Treating severe acne. It may also be used to treat certain conditions as determined by your doctor.

Adapalene Cream is a retinoid-like compound. The exact way Adapalene Cream works is unknown. However, it helps the skin cells renew quicker and decreases blackhead formation.

Do NOT use Adapalene Cream if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Adapalene Cream

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Adapalene Cream:

Some medical conditions may interact with Adapalene Cream. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have eczema or sunburn

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Adapalene Cream. Because little, if any, of Adapalene Cream is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Adapalene Cream may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Adapalene Cream:

Use Adapalene Cream as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Adapalene Cream comes with an additional patient leaflet. Read it carefully and reread it each time you get Adapalene Cream refilled.
• Do not use other medicines on your skin without first discussing it with your doctor.
• Adapalene Cream is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, lips, angles of the nose, and mucous membranes. Exposure of Adapalene Cream to the eye may cause swelling, redness, and irritation.
• Do not apply Adapalene Cream to cuts, abrasions, eczematous skin, or sunburned skin.
• Use Adapalene Cream in the evening before bedtime unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
• Before applying Adapalene Cream, clean the area to be treated with mild soap or soapless cleanser and gently dry.
• Apply a thin film of Adapalene Cream to the affected and surrounding area. Rub in gently. Wash your hands immediately after using Adapalene Cream.
• A mild sensation of warmth or slight stinging may occur shortly after using Adapalene Cream.
• If you miss a dose of Adapalene Cream, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once. If several applications are missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Adapalene Cream.

Important safety information:

• Adapalene Cream may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Adapalene Cream. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.
• Adapalene Cream may be harmful if swallowed. If you or someone you know may have taken Adapalene Cream by mouth, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
• Acne may worsen in the early stages of taking Adapalene Cream. This is due to the action of Adapalene Cream on unseen lesions. The benefits of Adapalene Cream may be seen after 2 weeks but at least 8 weeks are needed to see consistent benefits.
• Skin moisturizers may be used if necessary. Do not use moisturizers that contain alpha hydroxy or glycolic acids.
• Certain cosmetic procedures, such as waxing, should not be performed on treated skin due to possible irritation.
• Cosmetics may be used while using Adapalene Cream. After using cosmetics, thoroughly wash and dry the affected area before applying Adapalene Cream.
• Wind and cold temperatures can also irritate the affected skin.
• Adapalene Cream is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 12 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Adapalene Cream during pregnancy. It is unknown if Adapalene Cream is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Adapalene Cream, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Adapalene Cream:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Temporary burning and stinging; dry skin; feeling of warmth; irritation; itching; peeling; redness; scaling.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blistering; crusting; excessive redness or peeling; swelling.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Adapalene Cream may be harmful if swallowed.

Proper storage of Adapalene Cream:

Store Adapalene Cream at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Protect from freezing. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Adapalene Cream out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Adapalene Cream, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Adapalene Cream is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Adapalene Cream. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.