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Important: This site presents data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). A report does not mean the drug caused the event. Full disclaimer.

ADAPALENE: 181,442 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

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181,442
Total FAERS Reports
6
Deaths Reported
68
Hospitalizations
181,442
As Primary/Secondary Suspect
6
Life-Threatening
10
Disabilities
Jan 14, 2022
FDA Approved
Galderma Laboratories, L.P.
Manufacturer
Discontinued
Status
Yes
Generic Available

Drug Class: Retinoid [EPC] · Route: TOPICAL · Manufacturer: Galderma Laboratories, L.P. · FDA Application: 020338 · HUMAN OTC DRUG · FDA Label: Available

Patent Expires: Sep 15, 2026 · First Report: 1996 · Latest Report: 20250822

What Are the Most Common ADAPALENE Side Effects?

#1 Most Reported
Drug ineffective
52,181 reports (28.8%)
#2 Most Reported
Dry skin
46,228 reports (25.5%)
#3 Most Reported
Skin burning sensation
42,360 reports (23.3%)

All ADAPALENE Side Effects by Frequency

Side Effect Reports % of Total Deaths Hosp.
Drug ineffective 52,181 28.8% 3 5
Dry skin 46,228 25.5% 0 8
Skin burning sensation 42,360 23.4% 0 6
Acne 40,188 22.2% 0 7
Erythema 38,965 21.5% 0 12
Skin irritation 26,669 14.7% 0 4
Skin exfoliation 21,882 12.1% 0 6
Inappropriate schedule of product administration 16,473 9.1% 0 5
Rash 15,709 8.7% 1 10
Overdose 13,263 7.3% 2 3
Pain of skin 12,654 7.0% 0 8
Pruritus 12,072 6.7% 0 9
Hypersensitivity 8,356 4.6% 0 22
Underdose 5,192 2.9% 0 2
Condition aggravated 5,084 2.8% 0 3
Product use in unapproved indication 4,282 2.4% 0 0
Rash papular 4,217 2.3% 0 1
Rash macular 3,987 2.2% 0 1
Urticaria 3,319 1.8% 0 4
Sensitive skin 2,908 1.6% 0 1

Who Reports ADAPALENE Side Effects? Age & Gender Data

Gender: 78.5% female, 21.5% male. Average age: 24.3 years. Most reports from: US. View detailed demographics →

Is ADAPALENE Getting Safer? Reports by Year

YearReportsDeathsHosp.
2000 1 0 0
2002 2 0 0
2004 1 0 0
2006 1 0 0
2007 1 0 0
2008 1 0 0
2009 3 0 0
2010 4 0 0
2011 6 0 0
2012 7 0 0
2013 16 0 0
2014 32 0 0
2015 38 0 3
2016 50 0 1
2017 7,273 0 1
2018 29,421 0 14
2019 27,287 1 14
2020 11,404 0 3
2021 2,356 0 2
2022 1,418 1 1
2023 1,379 0 3
2024 737 0 0
2025 37 0 0

View full timeline →

What Is ADAPALENE Used For?

IndicationReports
Product used for unknown indication 91,681
Acne 85,106
Skin hyperpigmentation 2,262
Seborrhoea 1,497
Acne cystic 1,471
Scar 967
Erythema 710
Rash papular 670
Skin discolouration 465
Dry skin 442

ADAPALENE vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?

ADAPALENE vs ADAPALENE\BENZOYL PEROXIDE ADAPALENE vs ADCETRIS ADAPALENE vs ADDERALL ADAPALENE vs ADEFOVIR ADAPALENE vs ADEFOVIR DIPIVOXIL ADAPALENE vs ADEMETIONINE ADAPALENE vs ADENOSINE ADAPALENE vs ADO-TRASTUZUMAB EMTANSINE ADAPALENE vs ADRIAMYCIN ADAPALENE vs ADUCANUMAB

Other Drugs in Same Class: Retinoid [EPC]

Official FDA Label for ADAPALENE

Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.

Drug Description

CABTREO (clindamycin phosphate, adapalene, and benzoyl peroxide) topical gel is a white to off-white, opaque gel. Each gram of CABTREO contains 12 mg (1.2%) clindamycin phosphate, equivalent to 10 mg (1%) clindamycin and 1.5 mg (0.15%) adapalene, and 31 mg (3.1%) benzoyl peroxide. Clindamycin phosphate is a water-soluble ester of the semisynthetic antibiotic produced by a 7(S)-chloro-substitution of the 7(R)-hydroxyl group of the parent antibiotic lincomycin. Adapalene, a synthetic retinoid, is a naphthoic acid derivative with retinoid-like properties. Benzoyl peroxide is an oxidizing agent. The chemical name for clindamycin phosphate is Methyl-7-chloro-6,7,8-trideoxy-6-(1-methyl-trans-4-propyl-L-2-pyrrolidinecarboxamido)-1-thio-L-threo-α-D-galacto-octopyranoside 2-(dihydrogen phosphate). The structural formula for clindamycin phosphate is represented below: Clindamycin phosphate: Molecular Formula: C 18 H 34 ClN 2 O 8 PS Molecular Weight:

504.97 The chemical name for adapalene is 6-[3-(1-Adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-naphthoic acid. The structural formula for adapalene is represented below: Adapalene: Molecular Formula: C 28 H 28 O 3 Molecular Weight:

412.52 The chemical name for benzoyl peroxide is dibenzoyl peroxide. The structural formula for benzoyl peroxide is represented below: Benzoyl peroxide: Molecular Formula: C 14 H 10 O 4 Molecular Weight:

242.23 CABTREO contains the following inactive ingredients: carbomer homopolymer type C (carbomer 980), potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, and purified water. image1 image2 image3

FDA Approved Uses (Indications)

AND USAGE Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel, 0.3%/2.5% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel, 0.3%/2.5% is a combination of adapalene, a retinoid, and benzoyl peroxide, and is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. ( 1 )

Dosage & Administration

AND ADMINISTRATION

  • For topical use only. Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel, 0.3%/2.5% is not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.
  • Apply a thin layer of Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel, 0.3%/2.5% to affected areas of the face and/or trunk once daily after washing.
  • Use a pea-sized amount for each area of the face (e.g., forehead, chin, each cheek).
  • Wash hands after application as Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel, 0.3%/2.5% may bleach hair or colored fabrics.
  • Avoid the eyes, lips and mucous membranes.
  • For topical use only
  • Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel, 0.3%/2.5% is not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. ( 2 )
  • Apply a thin layer of Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel, 0.3%/2.5% to affected areas of the face and/or trunk once daily after washing. ( 2 )
  • Use a pea-sized amount for each area of the face (e.g., forehead, chin, each cheek). ( 2 )
  • Avoid the eyes, lips, and mucous membranes. ( 2 )

Contraindications

CABTREO is contraindicated in patients with: Known hypersensitivity to clindamycin, adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, any other components of CABTREO, or lincomycin [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. A history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Known hypersensitivity to clindamycin, adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, any components of the formulation, or lincomycin. ( 4 ) History of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis. ( 4 )

Known Adverse Reactions

REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Hypersensitivity [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Colitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]

Skin

Irritation and Allergic Contact Dermatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] The most common adverse reactions (occurring in >1% of the CABTREO group and greater than the vehicle group) were application site reactions, pain, erythema, dryness, irritation, exfoliation, and dermatitis. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bausch Health US, LLC at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. In two multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical trials (Trial 1 and Trial 2), 363 adult and pediatric subjects 10 years of age and older with facial acne vulgaris were treated with CABTREO or vehicle topically once daily for 12 weeks <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Studies ( 14 )]</span> . Adverse reactions reported by &gt;1% of subjects treated with CABTREO and more frequently than subjects treated with vehicle are summarized in Table 1. These adverse reactions were mild (59%), moderate (36.4%), and severe (4.5%). Overall, 2.5% (6/242) of subjects discontinued CABTREO because of local skin reactions.

Table

1: Adverse Reactions Reported by >1% of Subjects with Facial Acne Vulgaris Treated with CABTREO (and More Frequently than Vehicle) in Trials 1 and 2 Adverse Reactions N (%) CABTREO N=242 Vehicle N=121 Application site pain Application site pain also includes application site stinging and burning 33 (13.6) 1 (0.8) Application site erythema Application site erythema also includes erythema 11 (4.5) 0 Application site dryness Application site dryness also includes xerosis 10 (4.1) 1 (0.8) Application site irritation 5 (2.1) 0 Application site exfoliation 4 (1.7) 0 Application site dermatitis 3 (1.2) 0 Local tolerability evaluations were conducted at each study visit by assessment of erythema, scaling, itching, burning, and stinging.

Table

2 presents the signs and symptoms of local facial tolerability during the 12 Week treatment period in subjects treated with CABTREO.

Table

2: Facial Cutaneous Tolerability Assessment During 12-Week Treatment Period in Subjects with Acne Vulgaris Treated with CABTREO in Trials 1 and 2 Maximum During Treatment The denominators for calculating the percentages were the number of subjects with at least one post-baseline cutaneous tolerability assessment.

Week

12 (End of Treatment) The denominators for calculating the percentages were the number of subjects with Week 12 assessment. Mild (%) Mod (%) Severe (%) Mild (%) Mod (%) Severe (%) CABTREO (N = 242)

Erythema

34.2 19.7 2.1 22.4 6.5

0.5 Burning 29.6 10.7 3.0 4.2 1.4

0.9 Scaling 26.7 3.4 0 7.0 0.9 0 Itching 24.3 3.4 0.4 6.0 0.9 0 Stinging 20.5 5.1 2.6 2.3 0.9

0.5 Vehicle (N = 121)

Erythema

22.5 21.7 1.7 25.5 5.5 0 Burning 2.5 0.8 0.8 0.9 0 0 Scaling 12.5 0 0 4.5 0 0 Itching 11.6 0.8 0 1.8 0 0 Stinging 3.3 0.8 0 1.8 0 0 Local tolerability scores for erythema, scaling, itching, burning, and stinging increased during the first two weeks of treatment and decreased thereafter.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of products containing clindamycin phosphate, adapalene, and benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredients. Because post-marketing adverse reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Immune system disorders: anaphylaxis and allergic reactions including eyelid edema, throat tightness, swelling of the face, and eczema. <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Contraindications ( 4 )]</span> .

Local Adverse

Reactions: sunburn, blister, pruritis, hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.

Gastrointestinal

Disorders: abdominal pain and gastrointestinal disturbances. Bacterial infections: gram negative folliculitis

Warnings

AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity : If a serious hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue CABTREO immediately and initiate appropriate therapy. ( 5.1 ) Colitis : Clindamycin can cause severe colitis, which may result in death. Discontinue CABTREO if diarrhea occurs. ( 5.2 ) Photosensitivity : Avoid or minimize exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when sun exposure cannot be avoided. ( 5.3 )

Skin

Irritation and Allergic Contact Dermatitis : Erythema, scaling, dryness, stinging/burning, irritant and allergic contact dermatitis may occur with use of CABTREO and may necessitate discontinuation ( 5.4 )

5.1 Hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and urticaria, have been reported with use of clindamycin phosphate, benzoyl peroxide, and adapalene <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )]</span>. If a serious hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue CABTREO immediately and initiate appropriate therapy.

5.2 Colitis Diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and colitis have been reported with the use of topical and systemic clindamycin. Severe colitis has occurred with an onset of up to several weeks following cessation of therapy. Antiperistaltic agents such as opiates and diphenoxylate with atropine may prolong and/or worsen severe colitis. Severe colitis may result in death. Discontinue CABTREO if diarrhea occurs.

5.3 Photosensitivity CABTREO may increase sensitivity to ultraviolet light. Avoid or minimize sun exposure (including use of tanning beds, and sun lamps) following CABTREO application. Instruct patients to use sunscreen products and wear protective apparel (e.g., hat) when exposure to sun cannot be avoided.

5.4 Skin Irritation and Allergic Contact Dermatitis Stinging/burning/pain, erythema, dryness, irritation, exfoliation, and dermatitis have been reported with use of CABTREO. These application site adverse reactions occurred at a greater frequency in CABTREO-treated subjects than in vehicle-treated subjects. These adverse reactions are most likely to occur during the first four weeks of treatment [ see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis have been reported with use of CABTREO. Weather extremes, such as wind or cold, may be irritating to patients under treatment with CABTREO. Depending upon the severity of these adverse reactions, instruct patients to use a moisturizer, reduce the frequency of the application of CABTREO, or discontinue use. Avoid applying CABTREO to areas of broken, eczematous, or sunburned skin. Avoid use of “waxing” as a depilatory method on skin treated with CABTREO. Avoid concomitant use of other potentially irritating topical products such as peeling, desquamating, or abrasive agents and products with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, spices, or limes. Use of CABTREO with concomitant topical acne therapy has not been evaluated.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS General Certain cutaneous signs and symptoms of treatment such as erythema, dryness, scaling, burning, or pruritus may be experienced with use of Adapalene Cream, 0.1%. These are most likely to occur during the first two to four weeks of treatment, are mostly mild to moderate in intensity, and usually lessen with continued use of the medication. Depending upon the severity of these side effects, patients should be instructed to reduce the frequency of application or discontinue use. If a reaction suggesting sensitivity or chemical irritation occurs, use of the medication should be discontinued. Exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps, should be minimized during use of adapalene. Patients who normally experience high levels of sun exposure, and those with inherent sensitivity to sun, should be warned to exercise caution. Use of sunscreen products and protective clothing over treated areas is recommended when exposure cannot be avoided. Weather extremes, such as wind or cold, also may be irritating to patients under treatment with adapalene. Avoid contact with the eyes, lips, angles of the nose, and mucous membranes. The product should not be applied to cuts, abrasions, eczematous or sunburned skin. As with other retinoids, use of “waxing” as a depilatory method should be avoided on skin treated with adapalene. Information for Patients Patients using Adapalene Cream, 0.1% should receive the following information and instructions: 1. This medication is to be used only as directed by the physician. 2. It is for external use only. 3. Avoid contact with the eyes, lips, angles of the nose, and mucous membranes. 4. Cleanse area with a mild or soapless cleanser before applying this medication. 5. Moisturizers may be used if necessary; however, products containing alpha hydroxy or glycolic acids should be avoided. 6. Exposure of the eye to this medication may result in reactions such as swelling, conjunctivitis, and eye irritation. 7. This medication should not be applied to cuts, abrasions, eczematous or sunburned skin. 8. Wax epilation should not be performed on treated skin due to the potential for skin erosions. 9. During the early weeks of therapy, an apparent exacerbation of acne may occur. This is due to the action of this medication on previously unseen lesions and should not be considered a reason to discontinue therapy. Overall clinical benefit may be noticed after two weeks of therapy, but at least eight weeks are required to obtain consistent beneficial effects.

Drug Interactions As Adapalene

Cream, 0.1% has the potential to produce local irritation in some patients, concomitant use of other potentially irritating topical products (medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers, soaps and cosmetics that have a strong drying effect, and products with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, spices or lime rind) should be approached with caution. Particular caution should be exercised in using preparations containing sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid in combination with Adapalene Cream, 0.1%. If these preparations have been used, it is advisable not to start therapy with Adapalene Cream, 0.1% until the effects of such preparations in the skin have subsided. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Carcinogenicity studies with adapalene have been conducted in mice at topical doses of 0.4, 1.3, and 4.0 mg/kg/day, and in rats at oral doses of 0.15, 0.5, and 1.5 mg/kg/day. These doses are up to 8 times (mice) and 6 times (rats) in terms of mg/m 2 /day the maximum potential exposure at the recommended topical human dose (MRHD), assumed to be 2.5 grams Adapalene Cream, 0.1%, which is approximately 1.5 mg/m 2 adapalene. In the oral study, increased incidence of benign and malignant pheochromocytomas in the adrenal medullas of male rats was observed. No photocarcinogenicity studies were conducted. Animal studies have shown an increased risk of skin neoplasms with the use of pharmacologically similar drugs (e.g., retinoids) when exposed to UV irradiation in the laboratory or to sunlight. Although the significance of these studies to human use is not clear, patients should be advised to avoid or minimize exposure to either sunlight or artificial UV irradiation sources. Adapalene did not exhibit mutagenic or genotoxic effects in vivo (mouse micronucleus test) and in vitro (Ames test, Chinese hamster ovary cell assay, mouse lymphoma TK assay) studies. Reproductive function and fertility studies were conducted in rats administered oral doses of adapalene in amounts up to 20 mg/kg/day (up to 80 times the MRHD based on mg/m 2 comparisons). No effects of adapalene were found on the reproductive performance or fertility of the F 0 males or females. There were also no detectable effects on the growth, development and subsequent reproductive function of the F 1 generation.

Pregnancy

Teratogenic effects Pregnancy category C No teratogenic effects were seen in rats at oral doses of 0.15 to 5.0 mg/kg/day adapalene (up to 20 times the MRHD based on mg/m 2 comparisons). However, adapalene administered orally at doses of ≥ 25 mg/kg, (100 times the MRHD for rats or 200 times MRHD for rabbits) has been shown to be teratogenic. Cutaneous teratology studies in rats and rabbits as doses of 0.6, 2.0, and 6.0 mg/kg/day (24 times MRHD for rats or 48 times the MRHD for rabbits) exhibited on fetotoxicity and only minimal increases in supernumerary ribs in rats. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Adapalene should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Nursing

Mothers It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Adapalene Cream, 0.1% is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 12 have not been established.

Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of Adapalene Cream, 0.1% were conducted in patients 12 to 30 years of age with acne vulgaris and therefore did not include subjects 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently than younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients.

Drug Interactions

Drug Interactions As Adapalene Topical Solution, 0.1% has the potential to produce local irritation in some patients, concomitant use of other potentially irritating topical products (medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers, soaps and cosmetics that have a strong drying effect, and products with high concentrations of alcohols, astringents, spices or lime) should be approached with caution. Particular caution should be exercised in using preparations containing sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid in combination with Adapalene Topical Solution, 0.1%. If these preparations have been used, it is advisable not to start therapy with Adapalene Topical Solution, 0.1% until the effects of such preparations in the skin have subsided.

Active Ingredient

Drug Facts Active ingredient Adapalene 0.1% (retinoid)* *read consumer information leaflet

Inactive Ingredients

Inactive ingredients carbomer homopolymer typeC, edetate disodium, methylparabem, poloxamer 182, propylene glycol, purified water. May contain hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust sodium hydroxide pH.