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)?
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.
Drug Facts
More on Differin (adapalene) essentials
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What are the side effects of Differin (adapalene)?
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
- 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
Source: DailyMed
More on Differin (adapalene) side effects
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:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Differin (adapalene)
Pros
A first-choice option for treating acne
Only need to apply once a day
Safe to use for acne in children 12 and older
The 0.1% gel is available without a prescription.
Cons
Can get sunburns more easily
Can make skin dry, itchy, and flaky
Can take up to 12 weeks to see full effects
Skin might look worse before it starts looking better
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.
Frequently asked questions about Differin (adapalene)
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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.
Differin (adapalene) dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59ml of 0.1% | 1 bottle | $420.08 | $420.08 |
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45g of 0.3% | 1 pump | $30.00 | $30.00 |
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 swabs of 0.1% | 2 packages | $289.02 | $144.51 |
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45g of 0.1% | 1 tube | $75.99 | $75.99 |
Typical dosing for Differin (adapalene)
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.
Interactions between Differin (adapalene) and other drugs
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.
How much does Differin (adapalene) cost?
What are alternatives to Differin (adapalene)?
Acne - 0.1% strength only
Plaque psoriasis - 0.05% and 1% strengths
What is the latest news about Differin (adapalene)?
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References
Best studies we foundAlembic Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2023). Adapalene gel [package insert]. DailyMed.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Acne clinical guideline.
Bagatin, E., et al. (2018). Comparable efficacy of adapalene 0.3% gel and tretinoin 0.05% cream as treatment for cutaneous photoaging. European Journal of Dermatology.
Call Inc., doing business as Rochester Pharmaceuticals. (2022). Adapalene swab [package insert]. DailyMed.
Call Inc., doing business as Rochester Pharmaceuticals. (2022). Adapalene topical solution solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
Galderma Laboratories, L.P. (2023). Differin- adapalene lotion [package insert]. DailyMed.
Mayne Pharma Inc. (2022). Adapalene cream [package insert]. DailyMed.
Motamedi, M., et al. (2021). A clinician’s guide to topical retinoids. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery.
Piskin, S., et al. (2007). A review of the use of adapalene for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management.
Shalita, A., et al. (1996). A comparison of the efficacy and safety of adapalene gel 0.1% and tretinoin gel 0.025% in the treatment of acne vulgaris: A multicenter trial. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Tolaymat, L., et al. (2023). Adapalene. StatPearls.
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