Benziq

Benziq is part of the drug class:

• Peroxides

Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect. It also has a mild drying effect, which allows excess oils and dirt to be easily washed away from the skin.

Benzoyl peroxide topical (for the skin) is used to treat acne.

There are many brands and forms of benzoyl peroxide available and not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Benzoyl peroxide topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Benzoyl peroxide topical can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. Before you start using this medicine, you may choose to apply a "test dose" to see if you have a reaction. Apply a very small amount of the medicine to 1 or 2 small acne areas every day for 3 days in a row. If there is no reaction, begin using the full prescribed amount on the 4th day.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medication.

Shake the lotion well just before each use.

Clean and pat dry the skin to be treated. Apply benzoyl peroxide in a thin layer and rub in gently.

Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor has told you to.

Benzoyl peroxide topical is usually applied one to three times daily. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair or fabrics. Avoid allowing this medication to come into contact with your hair or clothing.

It may take several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or eyes. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water. Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using benzoyl peroxide topical on wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Applying benzoyl peroxide while you are also using tretinoin topical medicine may cause severe skin irritation. Brands that contain tretinoin include Avita, Renova, Retin-A, Tretin-X, and others.

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied benzoyl peroxide. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Applies to benzoyl peroxide topical: topical bar, topical cream, topical foam, topical gel/jelly, topical liquid, topical lotion, topical pad, topical soap, topical solution

Along with its needed effects, benzoyl peroxide topical (the active ingredient contained in Benziq) 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 immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking benzoyl peroxide topical:

• Painful irritation of skin, including burning, blistering, crusting, itching, severe redness, or swelling
• skin rash

• Difficult breathing
• fainting
• hives
• itching
• swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• tightness in the throat

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking benzoyl peroxide topical:

• Burning, itching, scaling, redness, or swelling of skin (severe)

Some side effects of benzoyl peroxide 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:

• Dryness or peeling of the skin (may occur after a few days)
• feeling of warmth, mild stinging, and redness of the skin

Applies to benzoyl peroxide topical: compounding powder, topical bar, topical cream, topical foam, topical gel, topical kit, topical liquid, topical lotion, topical pad, topical soap

Dermatologic

Very common (10% or more): Peeling, application site erythema
Common (1% to 10%): Dryness, pruritus, contact sensitization reactions
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Burning sensation
Frequency not reported: Contact dermatitis, application site rash, application site discoloration, application site reactions (irritation and pain)[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Allergic reactions, including application site hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis[Ref]

General

The most commonly reported side effects were peeling and application site erythema.[Ref]

Other

Frequency not reported: Swelling of the face[Ref]

Some side effects of Benziq may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.