PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET

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

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 or pharmacist.

What is in your Differin® Gel

What Does Differin® Gel Do?

The active ingredient in Differin® Gel 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 has 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® Gel 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® Gel or any of its ingredients? Please check by reading the list of ingredients above.
• Might you be pregnant or planning a family?

How to use your Differin® Gel

• Differin® Gel 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® Gel.
• Put on a thin film of the gel with your fingertips to the affected areas.
• Don’t forget to wash your hands afterwards.
• How long you will have to use Differin® Gel will depend on how quickly your acne improves. After you have used Differin® Gel for three 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® Gel at the right time. When you remember, start using the product again, in the same way as before.

While you are using Differin® Gel

• Like many medicines, Differin® Gel may occasionally cause some unwanted effects. As with other skin gels, occasionally some people have a slight stinging or burning sensation when applying the gel. Other effects may include red, itchy, dry or peeling skin. Rarely eye irritation and swelling, blistering or crusting of the skin.
• The ingredient propylene glycol (E1520) may cause skin irritation and methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).
• If you have any of these effects 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® Gel, stop using it and tell your doctor. You may be asked to use the gel less often or to stop for a short time.
• If you put too much Differin® Gel 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.
• 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® Gel is accidentally swallowed, you should seek medical advice.

How to store your Differin® Gel

Keep your Differin® Gel 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.
• Check the use before date shown on the tube/carton at the time of receipt. Do not use if out of date.

Further Information

• This medicine has been prescribed for you.
• You should never give it to anyone else, even if they appear to have acne or tell you they have.
• Always keep your medicine in a safe place out of sight or reach of children.
• We suggest that you return any unused medicine to your pharmacist.

Further information is available from your doctor and pharmacist.