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Adapalene
Adapalene (active ingredients) Pronounced - a-dap'-a-leen
Differin ® (brand names)
Adapalene is a synthetic retinoid (substances that are man made). Adapalene is used to treat acne. Adapalene is in a class of medications called retinoid-like compounds. It works by stopping pimples from forming under the surface of the skin. Adapalene may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Adapalene comes as a gel, a solution (liquid), and a cream to apply to the skin. The solution comes in a glass bottle with an applicator and as individual pledgets (medicated wipes for one time use).
Adapalene controls acne but does not cure it. Your acne may get worse during the first few weeks of treatment, and it may take 8 to 12 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of adapalene. Pimples can take 6 to 8 weeks to form under the skin, and during the first weeks of your treatment, adapalene may bring these pimples to the skin surface. Continue to use adapalene even if your acne worsens or you do not see much improvement at first. Do not stop using adapalene without talking to your doctor.
You may feel a slight warmth or stinging in the place where you applied adapalene. This feeling is normal and should go away by itself in a short time.
Adapalene Side Effects
Adapalene may cause side effects. The following symptoms are likely to affect your skin during the first 2 to 4 weeks of treatment. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- Redness
- Scaling
- Dryness
- Burning or stinging
- Itching
Adapalene may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html or by phone 1-800-332-1088.
IMPORTANT WARNING:
Medications that are similar to adapalene have caused tumors in laboratory animals who were given the medications and exposed to real or artificial sunlight. It is not known whether adapalene increases the risk of tumors in humans. Protect yourself from sunlight and sunlamps while taking adapalene, and talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication.
References:
National Library of Medicine (NLM)
April 2004
http://medlineplus.gov
This summary does not include everything there is to know about the medicine mentioned above. Do not use this medicine without first talking to your doctor. Other brand names or generic forms of this medicine may also be available. Side effects other than those listed above may occur. This medicine may be prescribed for other uses. If you have questions or concerns, or want more information, your doctor or pharmacist has the complete prescribing information about this medicine and possible drug interactions.