Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
What Is Differin?
Differin (adapalene) Gel, 0.1% is a retinoid used to treat acne. Differin Gel is available in generic form. Common side effects of Differin Gel include a brief sensation of warmth, stinging, tingling, or irritation immediately after applying the medication. Skin redness, dryness, itching, scaling, mild burning, or worsening of acne may occur during the first 2-4 weeks of using Differin Gel.
What Are Side Effects of Differin?
Side effects of Differin Gel usually decrease with continued use. Tell your doctor if you experience unlikely but serious side effects of Differin Gel including:
- very red or irritated skin,
- an intense burning sensation,
- eye redness and watering (conjunctivitis),
- eyelid swelling, or
- skin discoloration
Dosage for Differin
Differin Gel should be applied in a once a day dose to affected areas after washing in the evening before retiring. A thin film of the gel should be applied, avoiding eyes, lips, and mucous membranes.
What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Differin?
Differin may interact with products containing alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, alcohol/lime/menthol, sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid. It may also interact with hair perming products, medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers, soaps and cosmetics with a strong drying effect, other drugs that may increase sensitivity to sunlight including antibiotics, diuretics, sulfa drugs, and phenothiazines. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.
Differin During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Differin should be used only when prescribed during pregnancy. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Additional Information
Our Differin (adapalene) Gel Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
SLIDESHOW
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Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching; chest pain, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- skin redness, stinging, burning, or peeling after sun exposure.
Some side effects may occur during the first 4 weeks of using this medicine. These side effects should become less noticeable with continued use.
Common side effects may include:
- dry, red, or scaly skin;
- feeling of warmth and mild stinging or burning;
- peeling skin; or
- skin pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Read the entire detailed patient monograph for Differin Gel .1 (Adapalene Gel)
QUESTION
Acne is the result of an allergy. See AnswerSIDE EFFECTS
Some adverse effects such as erythema, scaling, dryness, pruritus, and burning will occur in 10-40% of patients. Pruritus or burning immediately after application also occurs in approximately 20% of patients. The following additional adverse experiences were reported in approximately 1% or less of patients: skin irritation, burning/stinging, erythema, sunburn, and acne flares. These are most commonly seen during the first month of therapy and decrease in frequency and severity thereafter. All adverse effects with use of DIFFERIN® (adapalene gel) Gel during clinical trials were reversible upon discontinuation of therapy.
Read the entire FDA prescribing information for Differin Gel .1 (Adapalene Gel)
© Differin Gel .1 Patient Information is supplied by Cerner Multum, Inc. and Differin Gel .1 Consumer information is supplied by First Databank, Inc., used under license and subject to their respective copyrights.