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Adapalene Cream (widely known as Differin) is an acne treatment used on the face, chest or back. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, aiming to reduce blackheads, soreness and irritation. Adapalene works by unblocking pores, reducing inflammation, mild spots as well as blackheads and whiteheads. It is often prescribed in early acne.
Adapalene belongs to a group of medicines called retinoids; it helps to reduce inflammation and black and white head formation on the outer layer of the skin. Adapalene is an advanced third generation retinoid which exhibits many of the same effects as previous generation medicines like tretinoin but is often tolerated better.
Adapalene will reduce redness and inflammation for many, however, you may have to wait four weeks before you start seeing the effectiveness of the gel in clearing up acne. Acne is likely to flare up after stopping treatment, to avoid this you may have to apply a lighter dose of the acne treatment for some years after to keep the condition under control.
After removing any makeup and washing the face, a thin film of the gel should be applied to a clean and dry skin on the acne affected area once a day before going to bed. Wash your hands thoroughly after application as the gel can bleach fabrics and hair. Avoid any contact with the eyes, mouth, lips and nostrils and do not apply to broken skin. The gel will not work more effectively or any faster if it is applied more times than it is prescribed.
In the event you miss a dose, it is safe to apply the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if enough time has passed that you should be applying your next dose instead, simply skip the missed dose and resume your typical application schedule.
Always use this medication exactly as your clinician has told you. Check with our clinical team or your GP or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Adapalene can cause irritation to the skin, dryness, a burning sensation and redness. In rare cases the gel can cause a local skin reaction, discomfort, itchiness or peeling skin. It can also make the skin more sensitive to the sun so it's important you don't expose the affected area to too much sunlight or use sunbeds.
For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, or you are experiencing any of the side effects mentioned in the patient information leaflet whilst taking this medication, please contact our clinical team or speak to your GP.
While Adapalene is absorbed into the body in very small quantities it is not safe to apply the gel whilst pregnant or breastfeeding.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to this medication. These include:
It is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are currently taking. You must also tell us about any other medical conditions that you currently have (or had in the past). This will help us ensure the prescribed medication is safe and appropriate for you to take.
For full information on warnings, medication interactions and contraindications, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet. Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform our clinical team or your GP of medicines you are taking or intend to take.
