patient information leaflet differin cream

PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET DIFFERIN® CREAM 0.1% W/W

(Adapalene 0.1% w/w)

What You Should Know About Differin® Cream

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to use Differin Cream. Don't throw this leaflet away. You might want to read it again while you are using Differin Cream.

This leaflet has been prepared to help you use this medicine correctly. However, this leaflet does not tell you everything about your medicine. So, if you do have any questions please ask your doctor.

What Is In Your Differin® Cream

The name of your medicine is Differin Cream.

Differin Cream contains the active ingredient adapalene 0.1% w/w and also contains Carbomer 934P, Macrogol-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate, Glycerol (E422), Natural Squalane, Methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), Propyl Parahydroxybenzoate (E216), Disodium Edetate, Methyl glucose sesquistearate, Phenoxyethanol, Cyclomethicone, Sodium Hydroxide & Purified Water.

Differin Cream is available in tubes of 30g or 45g on prescription from your doctor.
Adapalene is a retinoid-like medicine which is used on the skin for the treatment of acne.

What Does Differin® Cream Do?

The active ingredient in Differin Cream is adapalene which has an anti-inflammatory effect reducing soreness and irritation.
It is used on the face, chest or back for acne, where the skin may have lots of blackheads, spots and pimples.
Adapalene is only absorbed into the body in very small amounts, and has little effect, except on the surface of the skin.

Advice When Using Differin® Cream For The First Time

If you answer YES to any of the following questions, or are not sure, talk to your doctor before using this medicine;

Have you had a reaction to Differin Cream or any of its ingredients? Please check by reading the list of ingredients above.
Are you or could you be pregnant?

What To Avoid When Using Differin® Cream

DON'T apply Differin Cream on to your chest, if you are breastfeeding. Do not let your baby come into contact with any other areas of your body which have been treated with this cream.
DON'T use this product in children.
DON'T use Differin Cream on areas where you have cuts or scrapes or on sunburnt skin.

Helpful Advice When Using Differin® Cream

If you are a woman capable of having children i.e. you have not gone through the menopause, then you must use effective contraception whilst using Differin Cream.
When using Differin Cream on the face, don't get it into your eyes, mouth or angles of the nose, and avoid other very sensitive areas of your body.
Avoid exposure to strong sunlight and artificial UV light. Use of sunscreen products and protective clothing over the treated area is recommended.
Other acne products (containing benzoyl peroxide, erythromycin or clindamycin) may be used with Differin Cream, but they MUST be applied in the morning and Differin Cream at night.
Cosmetics may be used but they must be non-comedogenic and non-astringent, i.e. they should not cause blackheads or dry the skin.
Using more than the recommended amount of Differin Cream may result in very red and sore skin.
Differin Cream is best applied to your skin after washing and drying.

If you are using other medicines make sure you tell your doctor.

How To Use Your Differin® Cream

Differin Cream is applied at night before going to bed, unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
Thoroughly wash the areas to be treated with water. Make sure the skin is clean and dry before using Differin Cream.
Put a thin film of the cream with your fingertips on to the affected areas and rub in gently.
Do not forget to wash your hands afterwards.
How long you will have to use Differin Cream will depend on how quickly your acne improves. After you have used Differin Cream for 3 months, it is important that you see your doctor. He or she can then check the improvement of your acne.
Don't worry if you forget to apply your Differin Cream at the right time. When you remember, start using the product again, in the same way as before.

While You Are Using Differin® Cream

Like many medicines, Differin Cream may occasionally cause unwanted effects, such as irritation of the skin. Occasionally stinging or a burning sensation at the application site may be experienced. Other effects may include red, dry or peeling skin. Rarely eye irritation and swelling.

If you have any of these or any other unusual effects, and they are bad enough to trouble you, consult your doctor.
If you experience sensitivity or irritation when applying Differin Cream, stop using it and tell your doctor. You may be asked to use the cream less often, or to stop using it for a short time.
If you put too much Differin Cream on your skin, you will not get rid of your acne any quicker, but your skin may become irritated and red. Some peeling or discomfort could also occur.
The ingredients: methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216) may cause allergic reactions which can possibly be delayed.
If you follow the instructions for use it should not be possible to use too much or overdose. If, in the rare event that Differin Cream is accidentally swallowed, you should seek medical advice.

How To Store Your Differin® Cream

KEEP YOUR DIFFERIN CREAM IN A SAFE PLACE WHERE CHILDREN CANNOT SEE OR REACH IT. YOUR MEDICINE COULD HARM THEM.

Keep the medicine in its original container. Do not store above 25°C. Do not freeze.
Always check the 'Use Before' date which is shown on the tube and carton at the time of receipt. Do not use it if it is out of date.

Further Information

Always keep your medicine in a safe place out of sight and reach of children.
We suggest you return any unused medicine to your pharmacist.
Further information is available from your doctor.

REMEMBER: Your doctor has prescribed this product for you. Never give it to other people to use, even if they appear to have or tell you that they have acne.

POM

Differin Cream® is a Prescription Only Medicine

Medicine: differin cream