Adapalene

About Adapalene

Adapalene, a retinoid-like medicine, normalizes how the cells lining the pores grow and shed, which stops pimples forming under the skin, and also acts on inflammation. It goes on once a day, usually in the evening, as a thin layer over the whole affected area. The over-the-counter label warns that acne may look worse at first and results can take up to three months; the prescription labels call for a review if there is no improvement after 12 weeks.

Redness, scaling, dryness, burning and stinging are common, mostly in the first two to four weeks. The labels advise limiting sun and sunlamp exposure and using sunscreen, and wind and cold can irritate treated skin. It is kept off cuts, eczema and sunburn and away from the eyes, lips and corners of the nose, and waxing is avoided on treated skin. Swelling of the face or lips, hives or trouble breathing need urgent care.

The over-the-counter label says to ask a doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding, and to stop and ask if you become pregnant or plan to. The prescription labels say human data are too limited to establish a risk, note birth defects in animals given high oral doses, and advise using the smallest area for the shortest time while breastfeeding. Adapalene with benzoyl peroxide (Epiduo and its generics) is a separate product.

Taking Adapalene

How to take it

Once a day, usually in the evening. Wash gently with a mild, non-medicated cleanser, pat dry, and spread a thin layer over the whole affected area, avoiding the eyes, lips, corners of the nose and broken or sunburned skin. Wash your hands afterwards. Do not use more, or more often, than directed; a moisturizer can help with dryness.

If you miss a dose

Apply it as soon as you remember, unless the next application is nearly due; then skip it. Do not apply extra to make up.

Storage

At room temperature, closed, protected from freezing and out of reach of children.

Interactions to know about

Other acne medicines and harsh skin products add to irritation. Medicated or abrasive cleansers, products high in alcohol, astringents, and products with sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid need caution, and MedlinePlus adds spices and lime. Ask before adding another acne product.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Adapalene differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

The 0.1 percent gel is a shelf product with no dispensing fee, sold as Differin and as store brands with their own FDA approvals.

The prescription gel and cream are priced per tube or pump. The 0.3 percent gel has several generic makers, so quotes differ mainly by markup; the cream has fewer, and a prescription for brand Differin without substitution is priced as a brand.

Ways to pay less for Adapalene without insurance

• If the prescription is for the 0.1 percent gel, ask the prescriber whether the over-the-counter gel, the same strength, would suit you.
• For the 0.3 percent gel, make sure a generic is allowed, and ask for quotes on the tube and the pump.
• If a lotion was prescribed, ask for another form, since Differin Lotion is discontinued.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Adapalene

1. 1.Is the over-the-counter gel the same as my prescription?
2. 2.How much should I use, and when?
3. 3.Which of my other acne or skin products should I stop or space out?
4. 4.What should I do if my skin gets very irritated?
5. 5.Is it safe if I am pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding?

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