Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide-topical

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Before using this medication, wash the affected skin gently with mild, non-medicated cleanser, rinse with warm water, and pat dry. Apply a thin layer of this medication to the affected areas of the skin as directed by your doctor. Be careful to avoid your eyes, mouth, inside your nose, and any areas of broken skin. Wash your hands after each use.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.It may take up to 6 weeks to see a decrease in acne and up to 12 weeks to see the full benefit of the medication.Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other acne medications used on the skin (e.g., products that contain erythromycin).This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Dry skin, redness, burning, itching, or skin peeling may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

You can use skin moisturizing creams or lotions to help reduce many of the side effects listed above.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may be absorbed into your bloodstream and very rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to resistant bacteria. This condition may occur weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

List Clindamycin-Benzoyl Peroxide Gel side effects by likelihood and severity.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: other acne medications used on the skin (e.g., products that contain erythromycin, dapsone).

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Different brands/strengths of this medication may have different storage requirements. Read the package labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements for the product you are using. Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed, and do not store in the bathroom. This medication is good for a limited time after you receive it. Discard any unused medication by the expiration date your pharmacist provides.

Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.Information last revised October 2016. Copyright(c) 2016 First Databank, Inc.