Adapalene Gel

This treatment plan outlines the application, dosage, expected results, and potential side effects of adapalene gel for acne treatment. Please read this plan carefully, along with the manufacturer’s information provided with your medication, for complete details regarding precautions, drug interactions, and other important safety information.

Adapalene is a topical retinoid used to treat acne by preventing clogged pores, reducing inflammation, and promoting clearer, healthier skin over time. It is often well tolerated and may cause less irritation than other prescription retinoids.

For treatment of acne, you have been prescribed:

Adapalene gel, to be applied once daily, typically at night.

Apply a thin layer (about a pea-sized amount) to clean, completely dry skin over the affected areas. Do not use adapalene as a spot treatment, it works best when applied evenly to acne-prone areas.

Allow skin to dry for 20-30 minutes after washing before applying the medication to minimize irritation.

Adapalene works gradually. Mild dryness, redness, or peeling may occur during the first few weeks of treatment. Acne may temporarily worsen at the beginning (“purging”) before improvement occurs.

Visible improvement is typically seen after 8-12 weeks of consistent daily use.

• Do not apply more than prescribed. Using extra medication will not speed results and may increase irritation.
• Avoid harsh exfoliants, scrubs, alcohol-based toners, and strong chemical peels while using adapalene.
• Use gentle skincare products and apply moisturizer as needed to reduce dryness.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure, tanning beds, and unprotected UV exposure.
• For your comfort and safety, avoid applying adapalene to broken, sunburned, or severely irritated skin.
• If severe irritation, swelling, blistering, or crusting develops, stop the medication and seek medical advice.
• Daily sunscreen use (SPF 30 or higher) is strongly recommended, as adapalene increases sensitivity to sunlight.

This medication contains the following active ingredient. If you are allergic to this ingredient or any components listed in the manufacturer’s pamphlet, do not use it.

• Adapalene

This medication may cause an allergic reaction if you are allergic to adapalene or similar topical retinoids.

Stop this medication and seek in-person care if you experience any of the following:

• Severe rash or hives
• Facial swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Intense burning, blistering, or peeling

We review your health history based on the information you provide. If any of the following apply or develop during treatment, discontinue use and seek in-person evaluation:

• Pregnancy or planned pregnancy (discuss with your provider)
• Severe eczema or rosacea
  
• Significant skin barrier disruption
• Active sunburn
• Unexplained severe skin reaction

Common (especially in first 4–8 weeks):

• Dryness
• Peeling / flaking
• Redness
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Skin tightness
• Increased sensitivity

Acne “Purging” Phase:

• Temporary increase in breakouts
• Brings clogged pores to the surface faster
• Usually lasts 2–6 weeks

We evaluate the specific health information you provide and make our recommendations based on it. If you incorrectly provide that information, we may misdiagnose or fail to diagnose conditions that you may have which could affect our recommendation for treatment.

This treatment is not 100% effective. It may not work or may only partially resolve the condition for which you are seeking treatment. If it is an emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical help in person.

There is also a risk that we will misdiagnose or fail to diagnose conditions that you may have which could affect our recommendation for treatment. This risk exists with a doctor in person as well but they may have additional signs and symptoms to aid their evaluation. We use an evidence-based practice and guidelines as well as clinical decision support to try to minimize these risks.

We recommend this treatment because the potential benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. You should evaluate this information as well as the manufacturer’s pamphlet, and any input from your in-person healthcare team, or other information to decide if this treatment plan is appropriate for you. You are free to decline our treatment recommendations although, doing so may prolong symptoms and be associated with negative outcomes.

We have based our recommendation on your specific case and medical guidelines, but there may be alternative treatments or strategies that may be helpful to you. Some may be more or less effective than what we provide. Some treatments may require an in-person exam or procedure which we can’t provide.

You can access your records anytime. We strongly recommend that you update your in-person doctor, pharmacist, and the rest of your healthcare team to let them know about any new medicines you are taking or other changes in your health.