Differin

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Prescription Drug Information, Side Effects & Interactions for Differin

Uses
This medication is used to treat acne.

Notes

Storage

Store at room temperature between 58 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from sunlight and moisture.

Differin

How To Use

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION: Apply the gel usually once a day to affected areas after washing in the evening before bedtime.
A thin film is adequate, while avoiding the eyes, lips, angles of the nose and mucous membranes (such as the mouth).
To avoid contaminating the container do not touch the tip while withdrawing medicine.
During the early weeks of use, the acne may appear to worsen.
This is due to the medicine working on unseen pimples and is expected to occur.
Results should be obvious after 8-12 weeks.

Side Effects

Redness, dryness, scaling, burning and itching of the skin can occur.
The effects usually lessen as you continue to use the medicine.
If these continue or are bothersome, notify your doctor.
Unlikely but report if your skin becomes very red/irritated or the burning sensation is very intense and prolonged.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor of any allergies or sunburn you may have.
Exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps, should be minimized while using this medicine.
Use of sunscreen and protective clothing will allow more sun exposure.
Adapalene should not be applied to cuts, scrapes, sunburned or eczema-affected skin.
Particular caution is advised when you have used products containing sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid.
Wait until the effects of such products on the skin have decreased before using adapalene gel.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether adapalene is excreted into human milk.
Discuss the risks of breast-feeding with your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all nonprescription or prescription medication you may take or use, especially medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers, soaps and cosmetics that have a strong drying effect, and products with significant amounts of alcohol, astringents (drying agents), spices or lime.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.