Differin
This page contains drug information on Differin.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Differin
the possible side effects of Differin
what happens if you miss a dose of Differin
what happens if you overdose with Differin
the most important information about Differin
how to use Differin
other drugs that may affect Differin
what to avoid while using Differin
 

 
 
 
Generic Name: differin (a DAP a leen)
Brand Names: Differin

What is the most important information I should know about differin?
 •  Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Differin may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when sun exposure is unavoidable.
 •  Do not use adapalene on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin or on open wounds.
 •  Avoid abrasive, harsh, or drying soaps and cleansers while using differin.

What is differin?
 •  Adapalene is a compound similar to vitamin A. It helps the skin to renew itself more quickly and therefore reduces pimple and blackhead formation.
 •  Differin is used to treat acné
 •  Differin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not use differin?
 •  Do not use differin on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. It could make these conditions much worse. Also avoid using differin on wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication.
 •  Differin is the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether differin will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
 •  It is not known whether differin passes into breast milk. Do not use differin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use differin?
 •  Use differin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  Wash your hands before and after applying this medication.
 •  Clean and dry the area to which you will apply differin. Apply the medication to the affected area.
 •  When applying differin, avoid your eyes, the inside of your nose and mouth, your lips, and areas where the skin is broken to prevent excessive irritation. If you get medication in any of these areas, rinse it off with water.
 •  Do not cover the affected area after applying differin. Doing so could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by your body and could be harmful.
 •  Differin is usually applied once daily at bedtime.
 •  It may take 8 to 12 weeks or more to see the effects of this drug. Do not stop using differin if you do not see results immediately. During the early weeks of therapy, your acné may appear worse as previously unseen lesions begin to erupt. This is a temporary effect.
 •  If you experience excessive burning, dryness, or irritation ask your doctor about using adapalene every other day or only a few days a week.
 •  If you have dark skin and you notice a change in your skin color, contact your doctor.
 •  Store differin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the dose you missed and apply only your next regularly scheduled dose.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  An overdose of differin is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, or if differin has been ingested, call a poison control left or emergency room for advice.

What should I avoid while using differin?
 •  Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Differin may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when sun exposure is unavoidable.
 •  Do not use differin on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin or on open wounds.
 •  Avoid using other topical products on the same area at the same time unless directed to do so by your doctor. They may interfere with the effects or absorption of differin.
 •  Do not cover the area after applying differin. Doing so could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by your body and could be harmful.
 •  Avoid using harsh, abrasive, or irritating cleansers, perfumes, or cosmetics on the area you are treating.

What are the possible side effects of differin?
 •  Serious side effects are not likely to occur. Stop using differin and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath closing of your throat swelling of your lips, face, or tongue or hives).
 •  You may experience some burning, warmth, stinging, tingling, itching, redness, dryness, peeling, or irritation while you are using differin. If these side effects are excessive, ask your doctor about using adapalene every other day or only several days a week. These side effects should decrease after the first few weeks of treatment.
 •  If you notice a change in your skin color, contact your doctor.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect differin?
 •  Do not use other topical prescription or over-the-counter preparations unless directed to do so by your doctor. They may interfere with your treatment or increase irritation to your skin.
 •  Avoid using harsh, abrasive, or irritating cleansers, perfumes, or cosmetics on the area you are treating.
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with differin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.