Adapalene Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 24, 2024.

Applies to adapalene topical: topical cream, topical gel/jelly, topical lotion, topical solution, topical swab.

Precautions

During the first 3 weeks you are using adapalene, your acne may seem to get worse before it gets better. Full improvement should be seen within 12 weeks, especially if you use the medicine every day. You should not stop using adapalene if your acne seems worse at first, unless irritation or other symptoms become severe. Check with your doctor if your acne does not improve within 8 to 12 weeks.

Do not apply any topical product to the same area where you are using adapalene, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If applied to the same area treated with adapalene, the following products may cause mild to severe irritation of the skin:

• Hair products that irritate the skin, such as permanents or hair removal products
• Skin products for acne (such as clindamycin or erythromycin) or other skin products containing a peeling agent (such as benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or sulfur)
• Skin products that cause one to be more sensitive to the sun, such as those containing spices or lime
• Skin products that are too drying or that contain a large amount of alcohol, such as astringents, cosmetics, shaving creams, or after-shave lotions
• Skin products that are abrasive, such as some soaps or skin cleansers

Your doctor may ask you to use other topical products, such as benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, or erythromycin, during your treatment with adapalene. Applying the products at different times of the day will lessen the chance of causing skin irritation.

If your skin becomes too dry or red at any time, discuss with your doctor whether you should continue using adapalene. Applying creams, lotions, or moisturizers as needed helps lessen these skin problems.

During treatment with this medicine, avoid getting too much sun on treated areas and do not use sunlamps. Since your skin may be more prone to sunburn or skin irritation, use sunscreen or sunblocking lotions regularly with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more. Wear protective clothing against sun, wind, and cold weather.

Serious side effects of adapalene topical

Along with its needed effects, adapalene topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking adapalene topical:

Other side effects of adapalene topical

Some side effects of adapalene topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to adapalene topical: topical cream, topical gel, topical lotion, topical solution, topical swab.

Dermatologic adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Persistent pruritus (up to 74%), persistent burning/stinging (up to 71%), erythema (up to 60%), scaling (up to 60%), pruritus (up to 60%), dryness (up to 48%), pruritus immediately after administration (up to 30%), skin stinging or burning (up to 22%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Skin irritation, sunburn
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Contact dermatitis/eczema, dermatitis, skin discomfort/pain, skin exfoliation, acne/acne flares, skin swelling
• Postmarketing reports: Allergic dermatitis/allergic contact dermatitis, rash, eczema, skin discoloration^[Ref]

Pruritus, erythema, scaling, dryness, irritation, sunburn, and acne flares usually occurred during the first month of therapy and decreased thereafter. These side effects were reversible when treatment was discontinued.

Skin exfoliation was associated with skin exposed to mechanical abrasion (e.g., waxing).^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Burning (up to 60%); burning immediately after application (up to 30%)
• Frequency not reported: Burning/stinging^[Ref]

Burning and stinging usually occurred during the first month of therapy and decreased thereafter. These side effects were reversible when treatment was discontinued.^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Dysmenorrhea^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Eyelid irritation, eyelid erythema, eyelid pruritus, eyelid swelling/edema
• Postmarketing reports: Conjunctivitis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tooth anomaly, tooth disorder^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Allergic reaction
• Postmarketing reports: Allergic contact dermatitis/allergic dermatitis^[Ref]

Other

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Lack of drug effect
• Frequency not reported: Flu syndrome^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Headache^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What are the most common skin conditions? (with photos)
• Does doxycycline work for acne?
• Can Tazorac and Differin be used together?

Further information

Adapalene topical side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer