Adapalene topical

Topical adapalene is a synthetic retinoid (a man-made form of vitamin A) widely used in dermatology to help manage acne. Adapalene works by balancing healthy skin-cell growth and turnover, which helps prevent pores from clogging and acne from forming. Adapalene also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and swelling associated with acne.

Adapalene is prescribed often because it is effective for treating acne and has a lower irritation potential than other retinoids, such as tretinoin. Short-term side effects include dryness, redness, scaling, and mild burning sensations, particularly in the first few weeks of use as the skin builds tolerance.

Although generally considered safe for most people, topical adapalene is not recommended during pregnancy due to the risk of potential birth defects. Overall, though, topical adapalene remains a cornerstone in acne management due to its high tolerability and ability to address both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne.

Adapalene is the active ingredient in the brand-name medication Differin^®, which is the focus of the information below. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “Generic medicines use the same active ingredients as brand-name medicines and work the same way, so they have the same risks and benefits as the brand-name medicines.”

Differin (adapalene) is indicated:

• For the topical treatment of acne vulgaris

Retinoid

Common side effects include:

• Redness

• Scaling

• Dryness

• Persistent itching

• Persistent burning/stinging

The cost of prescription adapalene (0.3% strength) varies depending on factors such as your insurance plan and where you buy it. Without insurance, adapalene costs about $255 per 45-gram tube (about a three-month supply), but coupons and discount cards are available to bring down the price as low as about $32. Brand-name Differin^®, which contains the active ingredient adapalene, costs about $607 for the same amount, but coupons may bring down the price as low as $383. Insurance may cover all or some of the cost of this medication.

Lower-strength (0.1%) adapalene is also available without a prescription. Over-the-counter adapalene may cost between $10 and $40 per tube depending on the brand and where you buy it.

You can buy 0.1% strength topical adapalene over-the-counter at various pharmacies and online retailers. Higher-strength (0.3%) adapalene is only available by prescription from a healthcare provider.

• Differin should not be administered to individuals who are hypersensitive to adapalene or any of the components in the cream vehicle

• Drug interactions: As Differin has the potential to produce local irritation in some patients, concomitant use of other potentially irritating topical products (medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers, soaps and cosmetics that have a strong drying effect, and products with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, spices or lime rind) should be approached with caution. Particular caution should be exercised in using preparations containing sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid

• This medication is to be used only as directed by the physician

• It is for external use only

• Avoid contact with the eyes, lips, angles of the nose, and mucous membranes

• Cleanse area with a mild or soapless cleanser before applying this medication

• Moisturizers may be used if necessary; however, products containing alpha hydroxy or glycolic acids should be avoided

• Exposure of the eye to this medication may result in reactions such as swelling, conjunctivitis, and eye irritation

• This medication should not be applied to cuts, abrasions, eczematous or sunburned skin

• Wax epilation should not be performed on treated skin due to the potential for skin erosions

• During the early weeks of therapy, an apparent exacerbation of acne may occur

• Pregnancy: Adapalene should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus

• Breastfeeding: It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk

There are other medications prescribed to treat acne, some of which may be better suited to you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to topical adapalene, talk with your provider to learn more about other medications that may work well for you.

Prescription acne treatment options include:

• Clascoterone (Winlevi^®)

• Hormonal birth control pills, including Beyaz^®, Ortho Tri-Cyclen^®, and Yaz^®

• Oral retinoids such as isotretinoin (Absorica^®) 

• Other topical prescription retinoids, including tazarotene (Tazorac^®) and tretinoin (Retin-A^®)

• Spironolactone (Aldactone^®, CaroSpir^®)

• Topical medications that include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or azelaic acid 

• Topical or oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline, minocycline, sarecycline

• Combination medications

Medical procedures that may be used instead of or in addition to medications to help manage acne include:

• Acne surgery

• Chemical peels

• Corticosteroid injections

• Laser or light treatments

Over-the-counter acne treatments may include one or more of the following active ingredients:

• Alpha hydroxy acids, including glycolic acid and lactic acid

• Azelaic acid

• Benzoyl peroxide

• Retinol 

• Salicylic acid

*This information is from the label for brand name Differin^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Adapalene, the active ingredient in Differin, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient adapalene.