GENERIC NAME: ADAPALENE - TOPICAL (a-DAP-a-leen)
BRAND NAME(S): Differin
USES: This medication is used to treat acne. It may decrease the number and severity of acne pimples and promote quick healing of pimples that do develop. Adapalene
belongs to a class of medications called retinoids. It works by
affecting the growth of cells and decreasing swelling and inflammation.
HOW TO USE: Wash your hands before applying this medication. Gently clean the affected skin with a mild or soapless cleanser and pat dry. Use your fingertips to apply a small amount of medication in a thin layer, usually once daily at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor. A gauze pad or cotton swab can be used to apply the solution.Use this medication on the skin only. Do not apply to the inner lip area or inside the nose/mouth. Do not apply to cut, scraped, sunburned, or eczema-affected skin.Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this medication gets into your eyes, flush with large amounts of water. Call your doctor if eye irritation develops. Wash your hands after using the medication to avoid accidentally getting it in your eyes.During the first few weeks of using adapalene, your acne might appear worse because the medication is working on pimples forming inside the skin. It may take up to 8-12 weeks to notice results from this medication.Use it regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not use a larger amount or use it more frequently than recommended. Your skin will not improve any faster, and it will increase the risk of developing redness, peeling and pain.This medication is available in different strengths and forms (e.g., gel, cream, solution). The best type of medication for you to use will depend on the condition of your skin and your response to therapy. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
HOW TO USE: Wash your hands before applying this medication. Gently clean the affected skin with a mild or soapless cleanser and pat dry. Use your fingertips to apply a small amount of medication in a thin layer, usually once daily at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor. A gauze pad or cotton swab can be used to apply the solution.Use this medication on the skin only. Do not apply to the inner lip area or inside the nose/mouth. Do not apply to cut, scraped, sunburned, or eczema-affected skin.Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this medication gets into your eyes, flush with large amounts of water. Call your doctor if eye irritation develops. Wash your hands after using the medication to avoid accidentally getting it in your eyes.During the first few weeks of using adapalene, your acne might appear worse because the medication is working on pimples forming inside the skin. It may take up to 8-12 weeks to notice results from this medication.Use it regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not use a larger amount or use it more frequently than recommended. Your skin will not improve any faster, and it will increase the risk of developing redness, peeling and pain.This medication is available in different strengths and forms (e.g., gel, cream, solution). The best type of medication for you to use will depend on the condition of your skin and your response to therapy. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: A brief sensation of warmth or stinging may occur immediately after applying the medication. Skin redness, dryness, itching, scaling, mild burning, or worsening of acne
may occur during the first 2-4 weeks of using the medication. These
effects usually decrease with continued use. If any of these effects
persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Your
doctor may want you to decrease how often you use adapalene, change the
strength, or have you stop using it.Remember that your doctor has
prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit
to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this
medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor
immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
very red/irritated skin, an intense burning sensation, eye redness and watering (conjunctivitis), eyelid swelling, skin discoloration.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This
is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US
-Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report
side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for
medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health
Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using adapalene, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: eczema.This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Weather extremes such as wind or cold may also be irritating to the skin. Use a sunscreen daily and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Wait until your skin has completely recovered from a sunburn before using adapalene.Avoid electrolysis, waxing and chemical depilatories for hair removal on the treated areas while using this product.If you have recently used products containing sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid, use adapalene with caution. Wait until the effects of such products on the skin have decreased before using adapalene.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also Precautions section.Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: products containing alpha hydroxy acids, products containing glycolic acid, hair perming solutions, alcohol/lime/menthol-containing products (such as astringents, toners, shaving lotions), medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers, products containing sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid, soaps and cosmetics with a strong drying effect, other drugs that may increase your sensitivity to sunlight (e.g., fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin, tetracyclines, thiazide water pills such as hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs such as sulfamethoxazole, phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine).
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. This medication may be harmful if swallowed.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Cosmetics may be used, but clean skin thoroughly before applying the medication.Some cosmetics and soaps may worsen your acne. Moisturizers may be safe to use. When buying cosmetics, moisturizers or other skin care products, check the label for "non-comedogenic" or "non-acnegenic." These products are unlikely to worsen your acne. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which products are safe to use. Remember, acne is not caused by dirt. Cleaning your skin too often or too vigorously can irritate your skin and worsen acne.
MISSED DOSE: If you forget to use this medication, use it as soon as you remember if you remember the same day. If you don't remember until morning, wait until your next dose is scheduled.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Different forms of this medication may have different storage requirements. Read the package labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements for the product you are using. Gel preparations are flammable. Do not expose to heat or fire sources. Do not smoke during use. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using adapalene, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: eczema.This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Weather extremes such as wind or cold may also be irritating to the skin. Use a sunscreen daily and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Wait until your skin has completely recovered from a sunburn before using adapalene.Avoid electrolysis, waxing and chemical depilatories for hair removal on the treated areas while using this product.If you have recently used products containing sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid, use adapalene with caution. Wait until the effects of such products on the skin have decreased before using adapalene.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also Precautions section.Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: products containing alpha hydroxy acids, products containing glycolic acid, hair perming solutions, alcohol/lime/menthol-containing products (such as astringents, toners, shaving lotions), medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers, products containing sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid, soaps and cosmetics with a strong drying effect, other drugs that may increase your sensitivity to sunlight (e.g., fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin, tetracyclines, thiazide water pills such as hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs such as sulfamethoxazole, phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine).
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. This medication may be harmful if swallowed.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Cosmetics may be used, but clean skin thoroughly before applying the medication.Some cosmetics and soaps may worsen your acne. Moisturizers may be safe to use. When buying cosmetics, moisturizers or other skin care products, check the label for "non-comedogenic" or "non-acnegenic." These products are unlikely to worsen your acne. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which products are safe to use. Remember, acne is not caused by dirt. Cleaning your skin too often or too vigorously can irritate your skin and worsen acne.
MISSED DOSE: If you forget to use this medication, use it as soon as you remember if you remember the same day. If you don't remember until morning, wait until your next dose is scheduled.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Different forms of this medication may have different storage requirements. Read the package labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements for the product you are using. Gel preparations are flammable. Do not expose to heat or fire sources. Do not smoke during use. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
No comments:
Post a Comment