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The product code for this leaflet is: PL 10590/0029

 

Differin Cream

Company Details

Galderma (U.K) Ltd


Meridien House69-71 Clarendon RoadWatfordHertfordshireWD17 1DS
Telephone:
Fax:
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Differin Cream 0.1% w/w

adapalene

CREAM

PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER

Differin 0.1% Cream

Adapalene

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine.

  • Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
  • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  • This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
  • If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

In this leaflet:

  • 1. What Differin is and what it is used for
  • 2. Before you use Differin
  • 3. How to use Differin
  • 4. Possible side effects
  • 5. How to store Differin
  • 6. Further information
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1. What Differin is and what it is used for

  • The active substance in Differin 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.
  • Differin is only absorbed into the body in very small amounts, and has little effect, except on the surface of the skin.
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2. Before you use Differin

Do not use Differin if you are:

  • Allergic (hypersensitive) to adapalene or any of the other ingredients of Differin (see section 6 for other ingredients).

Take special care with Differin

  • Do not use this product in children.
  • Do not use Differin on areas where you have cuts or scrapes or on sunburnt skin or if you have a skin condition called eczema.
  • Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth or angles of the nose, and avoid other very sensitive areas of your body. If accidental contact does occur, immediately wash with warm water.
  • Avoid exposure to strong sunlight and artificial UV light. Use of sunscreen products and protective clothing over the treated area is recommended.
  • 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.
  • If you experience sensitivity or irritation when applying Differin, 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.

Using 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.

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

  • If you are or may be pregnant or are breast-feeding, do not use this product unless your doctor has told you that you must.
  • Do not apply Differin 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.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

Important information about some of the ingredients of Differin

The ingredients: methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216) may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).

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3. How to use Differin

Always use Differin exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

  • Differin is for EXTERNAL USE ONLY.
  • Differin 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.
  • 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 will depend on how quickly your acne improves. After you have used Differin 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 more Differin than you should or accidentally swallow any of the cream

  • 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 product, seek medical advice.

If you forget to use Differin

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

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

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4. Possible side effects

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

Occasionally irritation of the skin, 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 may be experienced when the product comes into contact with the eye.

If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

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5. How to store Differin

  • Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Do not use Differin 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.

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.

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6. Further information

What Differin contains

The active substance is adapalene. Differin contains 0.1% w/w of adapalene and the other ingredients are 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 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.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer

Marketing Authorisation Holder:

Galderma (UK) Limited
Meridien House
69-71 Clarendon Road
Watford
Herts
WD17 1DS
UK

(PL 10590/0029)

Manufacturer:

Laboratoires Galderma
ZI-Montdésir
74540 Alby-sur-Chéran
France

Differin is a Prescription Only Medicine.

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This leaflet was last approved in 12/2007.

P22892-5


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