Epiduo topical

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.

Adapalene is similar to vitamin A. It helps the skin renew itself.

Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used to treat acne in adults and children who are at least 9 years old.

Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Benzoyl peroxide can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. Stop using this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have: hives, itching; difficult breathing, feeling light-headed; or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This medication is used on the skin to treat acne. This medication is a combination of adapalene (a retinoid) and benzoyl peroxide (an antibiotic and skin-peeling agent). This product may decrease the number and severity of acne pimples and promote quick healing of pimples that do appear.

Adapalene works by affecting the growth of cells and decreasing swelling and inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide works by reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria and by causing the skin to dry and peel off.

How to use Epiduo Gel With Pump

Wash your hands before applying this medication. Gently clean the affected skin with a mild or soapless cleanser and pat dry. Apply a thin layer of this medication usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Use your fingertips to apply a small amount of medication (about the size of a pea) to the affected areas of skin.

Use this medication on the skin only. Do not apply to the inner lip area, inside the nose/mouth, or on mucous membranes. Do not apply to cut, scraped, sunburned or eczema-affected skin.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this medication gets into your eyes, flush with large amounts of water. Call your doctor if eye irritation develops. Wash your hands after using the medication to avoid accidentally getting it in your eyes.

Your dosage and treatment plan is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

During the first few weeks of using adapalene, your acne might appear worse because the medication is working on pimples forming inside the skin.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not use a larger amount or use it more frequently than recommended. Your skin will not improve any faster, and it will increase the risk of developing redness, peeling, and pain.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

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 drugs that may increase your sensitivity to sunlight (such as tetracyclines, thiazide water pills such as hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs such as sulfamethoxazole, quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin), other acne skin treatments (such as tretinoin, dapsone).

Avoid using other skin products that are harsh, irritating, or drying on the treated area. These products include hair perming solutions, alcohol/lime/menthol-containing products (such as astringents, toners, shaving lotion), medicated or abrasive soaps or cleansers, soaps and cosmetics with a strong drying effect (such as alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acid), and products containing sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid.

If you have recently used products containing sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid, use this product with caution. Wait until the effects of such products on the skin have decreased before using this product.

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.

Cosmetics may be used, but clean skin thoroughly before applying the medication.

Some cosmetics and soaps may worsen your acne. Moisturizers may be safe to use. When buying cosmetics, moisturizers, or other skin care products, check the label for "non-comedogenic" or "non-acnegenic." These products are unlikely to worsen your acne. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which products are safe to use. Remember, acne is not caused by dirt. Cleaning your skin too often or too vigorously can irritate your skin and worsen acne.

Missed Dose

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

Storage

Store tightly closed at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep all medications 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 November 2016. Copyright(c) 2016 First Databank, Inc.

Usual Adult Dose for Acne:

Epiduo gel should be applied to affected areas of the face and/or trunk once daily after washing. A pea-size amount is applied to each area of the face (e.g., forehead, chin, each cheek). Avoid the eyes, lips, and mucous membranes.

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

An overdose of Epiduo gel is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.