Adapalene

What is Adapalene?

Adapalene is used to treat acne. Adapalene is in a class of medications called retinoid-like compounds. It works by stopping pimples from forming under the surface of the skin.

How

Be careful not to get adapalene in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you do get adapalene in your eyes, wash them with plenty of water and call your doctor. Your eyes may become irritated, swollen, or infected.

Gently wash the affected skin with a mild soap or soapless cleanser and pat dry with a soft towel. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleansers, and do not scrub your skin vigorously. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a gentle cleanser.

If you are using the gel or cream, use your fingers to spread a thin film of medication over the affected area. If you are using a pledget, remove it from the foil pouch and gently wipe the entire affected area. If you are using the glass bottle of solution, apply a thin layer to the affected area using the applicator provided.

You may feel a slight warmth or stinging in the place where you applied adapalene. This feeling is normal and should go away by itself in a short time.

If you used a pledget, throw it away after use. Do not save it to use again.

Side Effects

redness

scaling

dryness

burning or stinging

itching

Adapalene may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html

Precautions

Before taking adapalene,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to adapalene or any other medications.

tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or using. Be sure to mention all skin care products including soaps, cleansers, moisturizers, and cosmetics. Many skin care products can irritate your skin if you use them with adapalene. This is especially likely if you use products that are harsh, dry out the skin, or contain alcohol, spices, lime rind, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acid. If you have been using these products, your doctor may want you to wait for your skin to return to normal before you begin using adapalene.

tell your doctor if you have or have ever had eczema or cancer.

tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using adapalene, call your doctor.

plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to real and artificial sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, especially if you sunburn easily. Also avoid prolonged exposure to cold or wind. Adapalene may make your skin sensitive to sunlight or extreme weather.

do not use hot wax to remove unwanted hair during your treatment with adapalene.

Overdose

You should not swallow adapalene. If you regularly take adapalene by mouth, you may experience an overdose. If you swallow adapalene, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

What If I Forget

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Storage

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). If you are using a bottle of adapalene solution, be sure to store it upright. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Dietary Restrictions

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Miscellaneous

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Other Uses

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

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