Adapalene

DEA Class; Rx, OTC

Common Brand Names; Differin

• Acne Agents, Topical

Topical agent for the tx of acne vulgaris; causes less skin irritation and is more effective than the highest concentration of tretinoin gel (0.025%).

Indicated for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Hypersensitivity to adapalene or any of its components

• Dryness (1-45%)
• Scaling (1-44%)
• Burning/stinging (4-29%)
• Erythema (0.5-26%)
• Skin discomfort (6%)
• Pruritus (2%)
• Desquamation (2%)
• Sunburn (1%)
• <1%
• Acne flare
• Conjunctivitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Eczema
• Erythema
• Eyelid edema
• Rash
• Skin discoloration

Avoid eyes, lips, and mucous membranes

For external use only

Minimize UV light exposure; use sunscreen and protective clothing

Extreme weather (eg, wind, cold) may cause skin irritation

Adverse reaction risk higher during first month of treatment; generally subsides with use

Do not apply product to abrasions or cuts or to eczematous or sunburned skin

Skin irritation: Apply moisturizer, reduce application frequency, or discontinue

Do not wax treated area or apply topical products that may further irritate skin (eg, astringents, abrasive soaps, and cleansers, exfoliants, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid)

Anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, face edema, eyelid edema, lip swelling, and pruritus sometimes requiring medical treatment have been reported during postmarketing use of adapalene; advise patients to stop using medication and seek medical attention if experiencing allergic or anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions during treatment

Available data from clinical trials with DIFFERIN Lotion use in pregnant women are insufficient to establish a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes

There are no data on presence of topical adapalene lotion or metabolite in human milk, effects on breastfed infant, or on milk production

Adapalene

topical cream

• 0.1% (Rx)

topical gel

• 0.1% (OTC)
• 0.3% (Rx)

topical lotion

• 0.1% (Rx)