What is Differin?
Differin can be described as a topically applied medication (a drug that is applied to the surface of the skin) like vitamin A. It helps the skin rejuvenate itself. Differin is a treatment for severe acne for those with a minimum age of 12 years old. It reduces the development of acne. Differin can also be employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline for medication.
Warnings
Beware of getting Differin around your eyes, within the lines of your nose, as well as on the lips. If it does end up in one of these spots, clean it off with water. Avoid using this medication on sunburned, windburned, chapped, dry, irritated, or broken skin. Be sure to avoid using this medication on areas of wounds or eczema. It is best to wait until the conditions have been healed before applying Differin.
Avoid using skin care products containing alpha-hydroxy or glycolic acid if you're also taking Differin.
Avoid using skin care products that can cause irritation, for example, harsh shampoos, soaps, or skin cleansers; hair coloring chemicals; hair removers and waxes; or products for the skin made of alcohol, spices, lime, or astringents. Don't use any other medication or skin care products unless your physician has advised you to.
Avoid exposure to artificial UV rays (sunlamps as well as tanning beds). Differin could make your skin more prone to sunburn, and sunlight may result. Apply UV sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear a protective outfit when you are outdoors in the sunlight.
Before you take this drug
Do not take Differin in case you have an allergy to the chemical adapalene. Consult a pharmacist or doctor about whether it is safe to take this medicine when you suffer from other medical health conditions. It is unclear if adapalene is absorbed into breast milk or whether it can harm breastfeeding babies. Don't use this medication without seeking a doctor's advice if breastfeeding the baby. It isn't clear if Differin could harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medicine without consulting a physician's guidance if you are expecting Differin is not a product that has been approved for use by anyone less than 12 years old.
How to take Differin?
Utilize Differin precisely as the physician has prescribed it to you. Follow the directions on the product's label. Don't use in greater quantities or for longer than suggested. If you use Differin in greater quantities than recommended, it won't help it work faster and could cause undesirable adverse effects. Do not consume by mouth. Differin can be used only on the skin.
Differin is generally used once a day at night. Cleanse your hands prior to applying this treatment. Cleanse your face with an unmedicated, mild cleanser prior to applying the medication. Apply a dry towel to the skin. the help of a towel. Spread a small amount of the cream on your entire face or any other affected skin areas. Be careful not to apply the medication to the wrinkles of your nose or your lips.
Avoid applying to open wounds or sunburned, windburned, chapped, or irritated skin. Don't apply any other products to your skin unless your doctor has advised you to. Beware of getting this medication in your nose, eyes, or mouth.
You can use the skin moisturizer if you notice your skin gets dry when applying Differin. Avoid using lotions or creams that contain alpha-hydroxy glycolic acids. It could take a few weeks before your acne gets better, and it could get a little bit worse for a short duration when you begin using Differin. Continue to use the medication according to instructions, even if it's not working.
Consult your physician if the skin problems do not start to improve in 8–12 weeks after the use of this medication. Do not take Differin for the treatment of any illness that hasn't been examined by your physician. Storage at room temperature is free of heat and moisture. Don't freeze.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Acne:
Differin 0.1% cream, 0.1% gel, and 0.3% gel:
Apply the cream to the area every day before going to bed after washing. A thin layer is recommended, keeping it away from lips, eyes, and nasal angles, as well as mucous membranes.
Lotion Application: Apply a thin layer of lotion on the entire face and any other areas of the skin every day, after cleansing gently with a mild soap-free cleanser. Distribute a nickel-sized quantity of the lotion (3 to 4 times the pump) to cover your entire face. Do not apply it to areas around the eyes, mouth, lips, and mucous membranes.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Acne:
Differin 0.1% cream, 0.1% gel, and 0.3% gel:
11.01 years and less. Safety or effectiveness have not been proven.
12–18 years old 12 to 18 years old: Apply to the area affected once each day before bedtime, after washing. A thin layer of cream should be applied, keeping it away from the lips, eyes, angle of the nose, and mucous membranes.
The safety and efficacy of the lotion's formulation for children under 12 have not been proven.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Apply the medication as quickly as you can remember. If it's almost time to take the next dose, avoid this missed dosage, and then wait until you have your next scheduled dose. Don't apply any additional medicine to replace the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Contact emergency medical assistance. If you believe you've taken excessive amounts of this medication, Signs of an overdose can include redness on the skin, swelling, or irritation.
What should be avoided?
Beware of exposure to sunlight as well as tanning beds. Differin can cause sunburn more quickly. Make sure you wear protective attire and apply sunblock (SPF 30 or more) while you're outdoors.
Beware of other skin treatments that contain sulfur, resorcinol, and salicylic acid (common in topical acne medication or in skin cleansers).
Avoid using products for your skin that may cause irritation, like harsh shampoos, soaps, or skin cleansers, hair coloring chemical hair removers, waxes, as well as skin products that contain alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.
Side effects of Differin
See a doctor immediately in the event that you exhibit symptoms of an allergic reaction to Differin, such as itching, hives, and chest pain; difficulty breathing; and swelling of your lips, face, and throat.
Stop taking this medicine and consult your physician immediately if you are suffering from:
- Skin burns, redness, burning, or peeling following exposure to the sun.
A few side effects could be experienced during the initial 4 weeks of taking this medication. These adverse effects should be less prominent with the use of more medication.
Common Differin side effects could include:
- Dry skin, red, or scaly skin;
- Sensation of warmth and a mild burning or stinging sensation;
- Peeling skin; or
- Skin discomfort
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
It is unlikely that other medications you take by mouth or inject will affect the application of adapalene topically. However, many medications can interfere with one another. Inform your health care professionals about any medications you take, including prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, and herbs.
