Differin: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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The drug Differin (Adapalene) is used to treat acne. This medication can reduce the number and severity of these conditions and speed up the healing process of acne breakouts. Adapalene belongs to the group of retinoids, which work by affecting the growth of cells and reducing swelling and inflammation.

1. How to use Differin

Read and follow all directions on the product packaging before using the medication if you are using an over-the-counter medication for self-treatment. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, use it as directed.
Use this medication as directed by your doctor or the product package, usually once daily at bedtime. Before use, gently clean affected skin with a mild or soap-free cleanser and pat dry.
If you are using a gel or lotion, wash your hands before and after applying this medicine. Use your fingertips to apply a small amount of the medication in a thin layer. If you are using medicated gauze, open the gauze and apply a thin layer to the affected area.
Use this medicine externally only. Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes or on your lips. Do not apply Differin to the inner lip area or the inside of the nose/mouth. If this medicine gets into eyes, rinse with large amounts of water. Call your doctor if eye irritation occurs. Do not apply to injured, scratched, or sunburned skin, or to areas with eczema.
During the first few weeks of using adapalene, acne may appear worse because the medicine is working on acne nodules that form inside the skin. It may take 8 to 12 weeks to notice results from this medication.
Use Differin medicine regularly to get the most benefit from it. Do not use a larger amount or use the medicine more often than directed by your doctor. Your skin won't improve any faster, and your risk of developing side effects (such as redness, peeling, or pain) will increase.
This medicine is available in different concentrations and forms (such as gel, cream, lotion). The best medicine for you to use will depend on your skin condition and response to treatment. In case your condition does not improve or it gets worse, contact your doctor.
Because this medicine is absorbed through the skin and can harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or suspect to be pregnant should not use this medicine.

2. Side effects

A brief warm or stinging sensation may occur shortly after adapalene is applied. Skin redness, dryness, itching, scaling, mild burning or worsening of acne may occur during the first 2-4 weeks of use. With continued use of the drug, these effects should gradually subside. If any of these effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor right away. Your doctor may want you to reduce how often you use adapalene by changing the strength or telling you to stop using it.
If there are symptoms such as: Red/irritated skin, an intense burning sensation, red eyes, conjunctivitis , swollen eyelids, skin discoloration.
Rarely, a serious allergic reaction has occurred after using differin. However, call 911 right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), trouble breathing, dizziness serious.
Tell your doctor right away if you develop any unusual symptoms after using adapalene.

3. Precautionary measures

Before using adapalene, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it; or vitamin A-related drugs (other retinoids such as isotretinoin); or allergic reaction in the past.
Before using this medicine, your doctor should know your medical history, especially of: Eczema.
Differin may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit time in direct sunlight. Skin can be irritated by extreme weather such as wind or cold. Use sunscreen daily and wear protective clothing when outdoors. If your skin is sunburned or red, tell your doctor right away. Wait until your skin has completely recovered from a sunburn before using adapalene.
Avoid matting, waxing and chemical use when using this product.
If you have recently used products containing sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid, use adapalene with caution. Wait until the effects of these products on the skin have subsided before using adapalene.
Because this medicine is absorbed through the skin and can harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or suspect that they may be pregnant should not use adapalene.
You should not become pregnant while using adapalene. If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor. Adapalene can harm an unborn baby.

4. Interaction

The risk of serious side effects as well as the mechanism of action can be affected by drug interactions. Therefore, share with your doctor all the products you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines. Without your doctor's approval, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
Differin may interact with a number of drugs, including: Products containing alpha hydroxy acids, products containing glycolic acid, hair conditioners, products containing alcohol/menthol (such as astringents) skin, skin tightening, shaving cream), cleaning soaps and soaps with strong detergents, soaps and cosmetics with a strong drying effect.
If you experience serious symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing from a differin overdose, call 911 right away. Differin can be harmful if you swallow it.
Cosmetics can be used, but must clean the skin thoroughly before applying the medicine.
Acne can be aggravated when you use some soap cosmetics. You can use moisturizer. When buying cosmetics, moisturizers, or other skin care products, check the product labels. "Non-comedogenic" products are unlikely to aggravate your existing acne. Consult your doctor for safe products to use. Remember, acne is not caused by dirt. Skin can become irritated and acne worse if you clean your skin too often or too vigorously.
If you forget to use this medicine, use it as soon as you remember if you remember the same day.
Store Differin at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Avoid keeping the medicine in the freezer compartment. Different forms of this medicine may have different storage requirements. Therefore, carefully read the product information you are using. Flammable gel preparations. Do not expose to heat or fire. Do not smoke during use. To medicines out of reach of children.

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Reference source: webmd.com