Adapalene Topical

Tell your doctor about all prescription, nonprescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking, especially other skin care products, including soaps, cleansers, moisturizers, and cosmetics (particularly those that contain alpha hydroxy or glycolic acid).

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).

It is very important that you use adapalene only as directed. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause irritation of the skin.

Do not apply adapalene to windburned or sunburned skin or on open wounds.

Do not use adapalene in or around the eyes, lips, or inside of the nose. Spread the medicine away from these areas when applying. If the medicine accidently gets on these areas, wash with water at once.

Apply the medicine to clean, dry areas of the skin affected by acne. Rub in gently and well. Wash your hands afterwards to remove any medicine that may remain on them.

To help clear up your acne completely, it is very important that you keep using adapalene for the full time of treatment , even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a short time. If you stop using adapalene too soon, your acne may return or get worse.

Dosing

The dose of adapalene will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of adapalene. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage form (gel):
  • For acne:
    • Adults and teenagers—Apply a small amount as a thin film once a day, at least one hour before bedtime. Apply the medicine to dry, clean areas affected by acne. Rub in gently and well.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of adapalene, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Usual Adult Dose for Acne:

Usual dose: Apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day at bedtime

Comments:
-The affected area should be thoroughly washed and dried before application.
-Patients may experience a transient warming sensation after application of the cream formulation.
-An apparent exacerbation of acne may occur during the first weeks of treatment, and should not be a reason to discontinue treatment.

Use: Topical treatment of acne vulgaris

Usual Pediatric Dose for Acne:

12 years and older:
-Usual dose: Apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day at bedtime

Comments:
-The affected area should be thoroughly washed and dried before application.
-Patients may experience a transient warming or stinging sensation after application of the cream formulation.
-An apparent exacerbation of acne may occur during the first weeks of treatment, and should not be a reason to discontinue treatment.

Use: Topical treatment of acne vulgaris

Before using adapalene, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to vitamin A-related drugs (other retinoids such as isotretinoin); 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. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Weather extremes such as wind or cold may also be irritating to the skin. Use sunscreen daily and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. 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.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. 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.