Differin Cream (Adapalene)

Do’s

• Use Differin Cream as directed by your healthcare provider or the product package, typically once daily at bedtime.
• During the first few weeks of using Differin Cream, your acne might appear worse because the medication is working on pimples forming inside the skin. It may take 8 to 12 weeks to notice results from this medication.
• Use this cream regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. 
• Before using, gently clean the affected skin with a mild or soapless cleanser and pat dry.
• Wash your hands before and after applying the cream. Use your fingertips to apply a small amount of cream in a thin layer. If you are using the medicated swab, unwrap the swab and apply a thin layer to the affected area(s).
• Use this cream on the skin only. If the cream gets into your eyes, flush with large amounts of water. Call your healthcare provider if eye irritation develops.

Don’ts

• Do not use a larger amount or use this cream more often than directed.
• Avoid getting the cream in your eyes or on your lips. 
• Do not apply to the inner lip area or inside the nose/mouth.
• Do not apply to cut, scraped, or sunburned areas, or to skin affected by eczema (a skin condition).
• Since this drug is absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle Differin Cream.

Common Side Effects:

• Brief sensation of warmth, stinging, tingling, or irritation immediately after applying the cream
• Skin redness, dryness, itching, scaling, mild burning, or worsening of acne may occur during the first 2-4 weeks of using the cream 

Rare Side Effects:

• Shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or other parts of the body
• Rash, itching, or hives of the skin and dizziness, which could be a sign of angioedema or a severe allergic reaction 

Serious side effects are very rare, and if experienced, urgent medical attention may be necessary. Additionally, if a reaction suggesting sensitivity or severe irritation occurs, the use of the cream should be discontinued.

Patients should also consult a healthcare provider if they are concerned about any side effects or if there is no improvement in acne after three months of daily use.

Differin Cream should not be administered to individuals who are hypersensitive to adapalene or any of the components in the cream vehicle.

Certain cutaneous signs and symptoms of treatment such as erythema, dryness, scaling, burning, or pruritus may be experienced with the use of Differin Cream. These are most likely to occur during the first two to four weeks of treatment, are mostly mild to moderate in intensity, and usually lessen with continued use of the medication. Depending upon the severity of these side effects, patients should be instructed to reduce the frequency of application or discontinue use.

As Differin Cream has the potential to produce local irritation in some patients, concomitant use of other potentially irritating topical products (medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers, soaps and cosmetics that have a strong drying effect, and products with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, spices or lime rind) should be approached with caution. Particular caution should be exercised in using preparations containing sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid in combination with Differin Cream.

If a reaction suggesting sensitivity or severe irritation occurs, the use of the Differin Cream should be discontinued. If the degree of local irritation warrants, patients should be directed to use the medication less frequently, to discontinue use temporarily until symptoms subside, or to discontinue use altogether.

The information provided is a summary of the warnings and precautions for Differin Cream. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and specific instructions tailored to your individual needs and medical history.