During the first 3 weeks you are using adapalene, your acne may seem to get worse before it gets better. Full improvement must be seen within 12 weeks, especially if you use the drug every day. You must not stop using adapalene if your acne seems worse at first, unless irritation or other symptoms become severe. Check with your family 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 family doctor. If applied to the same area treated with adapalene, the following products may cause mild to severe irritation of the skin:
Your family doctor may ask you to use other topical products, such as benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, or erythromycin, during your treat with adapalene. Applying the products at various times of the day will lessen the risk of causing skin irritation.
If your skin becomes too dry or red at any time, discuss with your family doctor whether you must continue using adapalene. Applying creams, lotions, or moisturizers as needed helps lessen these skin problems.
During treat with this drug, 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.