Differin 0.1% Cream

Acne Doctor Service

Differin 0.1% Cream 45g is mainly used to treat symptoms of mild to moderate acne sufferers and can be used on the face, neck and back areas, where the skin has lots of blackheads, spots and pimples. 

This gel contains the active ingredient Adapalene 0.1% which is a Retinoid and has an anti-inflammatory effect reducing soreness and irritation. It increases the turnover of skin cells hence keeping pores clear, as acne spots and pimples are often caused by pore blockages getting infected.

Differin reduces the incidence of blocked pores and in turn, the occurrence of spots and pimples.

Differin is only absorbed into the body in very small amounts and has little effect, except on the surface of the skin.

Suitable for adults and adolescents over 12 years of age and over. Under twelve years of age it is not known if it works or if it is safe for them.

You can order Differin Cream or Gel online from our UK registered online pharmacy and doctor service. To see if you are suitable for this treatment, complete the online assessment and checkout. Our UK registered doctors will review the order and after approval pass the prescription to the Pharmacy team. We will then dispense and dispatch your order to your chosen address.

Effectiveness

Differin Cream (like many acne treatments) can take between four to six weeks before you see noticeable results. it should not be used for more than 3 months consecutively.

The effectiveness of the treatment can vary from patient to patient. If you don't feel like differin is working for you after six weeks, speak to your GP about alternatives. There are combination treatments available which may be more suited to your acne.

A good self care guide and information for acne is available from the British Skin foundation and on the NHS websites. 

NHS - Acne

What is Differin?

Differin is a treatment gel for acne. It contains Adapalene, which works to clear pores and reduce inflammation. Adapalene is classed as a Retinoid.

How does Differin work?

Differin works by increasing the shedding of skin cells on the area it is applied to. This reduces the chance that pores will become blocked, which often can result in acne spots and pimples.

How long will it take Differin to work?

This can vary, however, most people will see results within 4-5 weeks. It may take up to 8 weeks for some people, however. Most acne treatments take time for you to see the full benefits due to the shedding cycle of your skin.

How long should I use Differin for?

If after 3 months there is no improvement in your acne, you should discontinue treatment. After three months of use, you should review treatment with your GP.

How long does it take to see results from adapalene?

Several months of treatment may be needed to see the best results.

Do I need to wash off Differin gel?

You do not need to wash Differin gel off. Apply it in the evening and leave it overnight. However, always remember to wash your hands after application.

Is Retin A the same as Differin? They are very similar. They have different ingredients but from the same class of medicine. Retin A contains tretinoin which is a retinoid which has anti-inflammatory effects. Differing contains adapalene which is a “retinoid like” drug and therefore acts in a very similar way.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Possible side effects of Differin 0.1% Cream 45g

Differin Cream may cause the following side effects at the site of application.

Contact a doctor right away if you notice any of the following symptoms-you may need urgent medical treatment:

Swelling of the face, lips or throat which makes it difficult to swallow or breathe, rash, itching, hives and dizziness. This could be a sign of angioedema or a severe allergic reaction.

Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people

• dry skin
• irritation of the skin
• burning sensation of the skin
• redness of the skin

Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people

• local skin reaction (contact dermatitis)
• skin discomfort
• sunburn
• itching of the skin (pruritus)
• peeling skin (exfoliation)
• flare up of acne

Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data

• allergic contact reaction
• pain or swelling of the skin
• irritation, redness, itching or swelling of the eyelids
• darkening of fair skin
• lightening of darker skin
• application site burn

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, our Rightdose pharmacists or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.

You can help to make medicines safer by reporting any side-effects to the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

For a full list of side effects, please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.

Patient Information Leaflet Differin 0.1% Cream 45g

How to store Differin

• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the tube and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
• Keep the medicine in its original container. Do not store above 25°C. Do not freeze.
• Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet.

How to use Differin Cream

Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Differin is only intended for use in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over.

This medicine is for EXTERNAL USE ONLY.
Differin is applied at night before going to bed, unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

Directions:

1. Completely remove any make-up.

2. Wash the affected area of skin well. Then rinse with warm water and gently pat dry.

3. Put a thin film of cream on the entire area of affected skin, using your fingertips. Rub in gently.

4. Wash your hands after using the cream.

5. After it has dried, you can use a non-greasy make-up.

How long you will have to use this medicine will depend on how quickly your acne improves. After you have used this medicine for 3 months, it is important that you see your doctor. He or she can then check the improvement of your acne.

If you use moreDifferin than you should or accidentally swallow the gel

• If you put too much Differin 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.
• In the rare event that you accidentally swallow any of this medicine, seek medical advice.

If you forget to useDifferin

Don’t worry if you forget to apply your Differin at the right time. When you remember, start using this medicine again, in the same way as before.

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Other medicines and Differin

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. Other acne products (containing benzoyl peroxide, erythromycin or clindamycin) may be used with Differin but they must be applied in the morning and Differin at night.
• Cosmetics may be used but they must not cause blackheads or dry the skin.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility

• DO NOT use Differin if you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. Your doctor can give you more information.
• If you fall pregnant while using Differin, the treatment must be discontinued and you should inform your doctor as soon as possible for a further follow-up.
• Differin can be used during breastfeeding. To avoid contact exposure of the infant, application of Differin to the chest should be avoided.

It is important to continue to use the cream as prescribed by your doctor. If you stop too soon, your acne may return.

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not use Differin Cream 

• If you are allergic to adapalene or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• If you are pregnant
• If you are planning a pregnancy

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this medicine on areas where you have cuts or scrapes or if you have a skin condition called eczema.
• Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth or nostrils, and avoid other very sensitive areas of the body. If accidental contact does occur, immediately wash with warm water.
• If you experience sensitivity or irritation when applying this medicine, stop using it and tell your doctor. You may be asked to use the cream less often, or to stop using it until symptoms subside.

Differin Cream can make your skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of the sun.

• You should avoid exposure to sunlight and artificial UV light whilst using Differin.
• You should use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while using it.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

For a full list of side effects, precautions and warnings, please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

What Differin 0.1% Cream 45g contains:

The active substance is adapalene. Differin contains 0.1 % w/w of adapalene.

The other ingredients are carbomer 934P, macrogol-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate, glycerol (E422), natural squalane, methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), disodium edetate, phenoxyethanol, cyclomethicone, sodium hydroxide and purified water.

What Differin looks like and contents of the pack

Differin is a white cream. It is available in tubes of 5 g 30 g, 45 g or 50 g on prescription from your doctor.