Differin

Note: This document contains side effect information about adapalene topical. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Differin.

Applies to adapalene topical: topical cream, topical gel/jelly, topical lotion

Along with its needed effects, adapalene topical (the active ingredient contained in Differin) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

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

More common

• Burning sensation or stinging of skin
• dryness and peeling of skin
• itching of skin
• redness of skin

Some side effects of adapalene topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Rare

• Worsening of acne

Applies to adapalene topical: topical cream, topical gel, topical lotion, topical solution, topical swab

Pruritus, erythema, scaling, dryness, irritation, sunburn, and acne flares usually occurred during the first month of therapy and decreased thereafter. These side effects were reversible when treatment was discontinued.

Skin exfoliation was associated with skin exposed to mechanical abrasion (e.g., waxing).

Very common (10% or more): Persistent pruritus (up to 74%), persistent burning/stinging (up to 71%), erythema (up to 60%), scaling (up to 60%), pruritus (up to 60%), dryness (up to 48%), pruritus immediately after administration (up to 30%), skin stinging or burning (up to 22%)

Common (1% to 10%): Skin irritation, sunburn

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Contact dermatitis/eczema, dermatitis, skin discomfort/pain, skin exfoliation, acne/acne flares, skin swelling

Postmarketing reports: Allergic dermatitis/allergic contact dermatitis, rash, eczema, skin discoloration

Very common (10% or more): Burning (up to 60%); burning immediately after application (up to 30%)

Frequency not reported: Burning/stinging

Burning and stinging usually occurred during the first month of therapy and decreased thereafter. These side effects were reversible when treatment was discontinued.

Common (1% to 10%): Pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis

Common (1% to 10%): Dysmenorrhea

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Eyelid irritation, eyelid erythema, eyelid pruritus, eyelid swelling/edema

Postmarketing reports: Conjunctivitis

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tooth anomaly, tooth disorder

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Allergic reaction

Postmarketing reports: Allergic contact dermatitis/allergic dermatitis

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Lack of drug effect

Frequency not reported: Flu syndrome

Frequency not reported: Headache