Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who uses Differin (Adapalene). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Differin (Adapalene) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people using Differin (Adapalene). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• burning or stinging
• discomfort
• dry skin
• itchiness
• peeling
• redness
• skin irritation
• Sunburn

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• excessively dry, red, swollen, or blistered skin

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Differin (Adapalene).

Cream
Each g of topical cream contains Differin (Adapalene) 0.1% (1 mg). Nonmedicinal ingredients: carbomer 934P, cyclomethicone, edetate disodium, glycerin, methyl gluceth-20 sesquistearate, methyl glucose sesquistearate, methylparaben, phenoxyethanol, propylparaben, purified water, squalane, and trolamine.

Gel
Each g of topical gel contains Differin (Adapalene) 0.1% (1 mg). Nonmedicinal ingredients: carbomer 940, edetate disodium, methylparaben, poloxamer 182, propylene glycol, purified water, and sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment.

Lotion
Each g of topical lotion contains Differin (Adapalene) 0.1% (1 mg). Nonmedicinal ingredients: carbomer 941, disodium edetate, medium chain triglycerides, methylparaben, phenoxyethanol, poloxamer 124, polyoxyl-6-polyoxyl-32 palmitostearate, PPG-12 / SMDI copolymer, propylene glycol, propylparaben, sodium hydroxide, stearyl alcohol, and purified water.

Do not use Differin (Adapalene) if you:

• are allergic to Differin (Adapalene) or any other ingredients of the medication
• have eczema or seborrheic dermatitis
• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant

There are no known interactions with other medications when Differin (Adapalene) is used as directed. However, Differin (Adapalene) can irritate the skin, so other products such as harsh or abrasive cleansers, strong drying agents or other products that may be irritating should be avoided in the areas of the skin where Differin (Adapalene) is applied. Many over-the-counter acne medications contain sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid. It is best to stop using these before starting Differin (Adapalene) therapy. When using other topical acne medications (e.g., erythromycin topical solution, clindamycin phosphate topical solution or benzoyl peroxide), it is best to use Differin (Adapalene) at night and the others in the morning.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Differin (Adapalene).

Area of use: Differin (Adapalene) is for external use only. Do not apply to areas near the eyes, lips, angles of the nose, mucous membranes, and open wounds.

Cosmetics: Avoid the use of certain cosmetics that might make your skin worse. Ask a cosmetician for non-comedogenic cosmetics or use water-based makeup. Remove any makeup before applying Differin (Adapalene).

Sunlight: Avoid exposure to excessive sunlight (outdoors, sunlamps, and tanning beds). If sun exposure cannot be avoided, use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 30). Waxing as a hair removal method should be avoided.

Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy should not use Differin (Adapalene). Women who use Differin (Adapalene) should ensure that they are using adequate birth control while they are using Differin (Adapalene).

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Differin (Adapalene) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Differin (Adapalene), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Differin (Adapalene) have not been established for children under the age of 12.

Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of using Differin (Adapalene) have not been established for people over the age of 65.