Note: This document contains side effect information about adapalene topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Differin.
Applies to adapalene topical: topical cream, topical gel/jelly, topical lotion, topical solution, topical swab.
Serious side effects of Differin
Along with its needed effects, adapalene topical (the active ingredient contained in Differin) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking adapalene topical:
More common
- especially during the first month of use- Burning sensation or stinging of skin
- dryness and peeling of skin
- itching of skin
- redness of skin
Other side effects of Differin
Some side effects of adapalene topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Rare
- more common during the first month of use- Worsening of acne
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to adapalene topical: topical cream, topical gel, topical lotion, topical solution, topical swab.
Dermatologic
Pruritus, erythema, scaling, dryness, irritation, sunburn, and acne flares usually occurred during the first month of therapy and decreased thereafter. These side effects were reversible when treatment was discontinued.
Skin exfoliation was associated with skin exposed to mechanical abrasion (e.g., waxing).[Ref]
Very common (10% or more): Persistent pruritus (up to 74%), persistent burning/stinging (up to 71%), erythema (up to 60%), scaling (up to 60%), pruritus (up to 60%), dryness (up to 48%), pruritus immediately after administration (up to 30%), skin stinging or burning (up to 22%)
Common (1% to 10%): Skin irritation, sunburn
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Contact dermatitis/eczema, dermatitis, skin discomfort/pain, skin exfoliation, acne/acne flares, skin swelling
Postmarketing reports: Allergic dermatitis/allergic contact dermatitis, rash, eczema, skin discoloration[Ref]
Local
Very common (10% or more): Burning (up to 60%); burning immediately after application (up to 30%)
Frequency not reported: Burning/stinging[Ref]
Burning and stinging usually occurred during the first month of therapy and decreased thereafter. These side effects were reversible when treatment was discontinued.[Ref]
Respiratory
Common (1% to 10%): Pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis[Ref]
Genitourinary
Common (1% to 10%): Dysmenorrhea[Ref]
Ocular
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Eyelid irritation, eyelid erythema, eyelid pruritus, eyelid swelling/edema
Postmarketing reports: Conjunctivitis[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tooth anomaly, tooth disorder[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Allergic reaction
Postmarketing reports: Allergic contact dermatitis/allergic dermatitis[Ref]
Other
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Lack of drug effect
Frequency not reported: Flu syndrome[Ref]
Nervous system
Frequency not reported: Headache[Ref]
