Differin Special Precautions

If a reaction suggesting sensitivity or severe irritation occurs, use of the medication should be discontinued. If the degree of local irritation warrants, the patient should be directed to use the medication less frequently, should be instructed to either use a moisturizer, to discontinue use temporarily until symptoms subside or to discontinue use altogether. Once daily application may be resumed if it is judged that the patient is able to tolerate the treatment.
Adapalene (Differin) products should not come into contact with the eyes, mouth, angles of the nose or mucous membranes. If product enters the eye, wash immediately with warm water. The product should not be applied to either broken (cuts and abrasions), sunburn or eczematous skin.
Adapalene (Differin) products should not be used in patients with severe acne involving large areas of the body. As with other retinoids, use of "waxing" as a depilatory method should be avoided on skin treated with adapalene.
As Adapalene (Differin) products have the potential to induce local irritation in some patients, concomitant use of other potentially irritating topical products (medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers, soaps and cosmetics that have a strong drying effect and products with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, spices, or lime) should be considered with caution. Particular caution should be exercised in using preparations containing sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid in combination with Adapalene (Differin) products. If these preparations have been used, it is advisable not to start therapy with Adapalene (Differin) products until the effects of such preparations have subsided.
Exposure to sunlight and artificial UV irradiation, including sunlamps, should be minimized during use of adapalene. Use of sunscreen products and protective clothing over treated areas is recommended when exposure cannot be avoided.
Weather extremes, such as wind or cold, also may be irritating to patients under treatment with Adapalene (Differin) products.
Allergic/hypersensitivity reactions have been reported during postmarketing use of adapalene. A patient should stop using Adapalene (Differin) products and consult a doctor if allergic or anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions (e.g., skin rash, pruritus, hives, chest pain, edema, and shortness of breath) occur during treatment.
Adapalene (Differin) 0.1% and 0.3% Gel contain: methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218). It may cause allergic reactions which can possibly be delayed.
Adapalene (Differin) 0.1% Cream contains: methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216) that can cause allergic reactions (can arise after the treatment is completed).
Cream: General: If a reaction suggesting sensitivity or severe irritation occurs, use of the medication should be discontinued. If the degree of local irritation warrants, patients should be directed to use the medication less frequently, to discontinue use temporarily until symptoms subside, or to discontinue use altogether. Differin Cream should not come into contact with the eyes, mouth, angles of the nose or mucous membranes.
If product enters the eye, wash immediately with warm water. The product should not be applied to either broken (cuts and abrasions), sunburn or eczematous skin, nor should it be used in patients with severe acne.
Effects on ability to drive and use machines: Adapalene (Differin) products have no influence on the ability to drive and use machines.