Adapalene (Differin) Drug for Acne: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Adapalene
(Differin, Canada)

Use:

Adapalene or Differin is a topical retinoid used for acne.

How It Works:

Adapalene or Differin exfoliates the skin, in effect "removing" the acne. Several weeks are required to see improvement.
Adapalene or Differin is related to other retinoids such as tretinoin.

Side Effects:

Skin irritation is a common side effect of all retinoids, however Adapalene or Differin is less likely to cause this skin irritation.
Adapalene or Differin like all retinoids does increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun. Wear sun screen. Applying it at night will reduce sun sensitively.
If skin irritation does occur, stopping Adapalene or Differin will resolve it, or even applying it less often.

Cautions for People:

People with sensitive skin should avoid Adapalene or Differin as well as all retinoids.

Drug Interactions:

Concurrent use of drugs which increase skin sensitivity should be avoided.

Further Reading:

Skin Pharmacol 1993;6(Suppl1):61
FDC Reports 1996;58(8):21

Added to Virtual Drugstore August 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.