Differin

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How does it work?

Adapalene has actions similar to vitamin A (retinol). It stimulates cell division in the skin and reduces the production of keratin. It aids skin peeling and prevents the formation of acne lesions (comedones). Acne is caused by blockage of sebaceous glands. This leads to an accumulation of the skins natural oils (sebum). Bacteria on the skin feed on sebum and produce waste products which further inflame the sebaceous glands, causing acne. Irritant substances can leak into the surrounding skin causing further inflammation. The action of adapalene combats the changes that take place in acne. Adapalene is used in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. It is best suited to dry and fair skin.

What is it used for?

- Acne

Warning!

- Avoid exposure to sunlight or sunlamps while using this medicine, as it increases the sensitivity of your skin. If exposure to sunlight cannot be avoided, use protective measures such as sun-creams or protective clothing.
- Avoid contact with eyes
- Avoid contact with mouth and mucous membranes.
- Avoid use on broken or inflamed skin.
- Avoid use of this product on large areas of skin, as this may result in absorption of sufficient quantities to cause adverse effects.
- This medicine may be harmful to an unborn baby. Women of child-bearing age should use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while using this medicine.

Use with caution in

- Eczema
- Limit exposure to sunlight
- Sensitive areas such as the neck

Not to be used in

- Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids and all other mucosal surfaces
- Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient
- Pregnancy

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Local skin reaction e.g. redness, itchiness, burning
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight
- Skin peeling
- Eye irritation and swelling

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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