Epiduo topical

Generic Name: adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (topical) (a DAP a leen and BEN zoyl per OX ide)

Brand Names: Epiduo

What is adapalene and benzoyl peroxide 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 a medication similar to vitamin A. It helps the skin renew itself.

The combination of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical (for the skin) is used to treat acne in people who are at least 12 years old.

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

What is the most important information I should know about adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor about all other medicated skin products you are using. Using more than one acne medication at a time could cause severe skin irritation.

Avoid getting this medication in your mouth, nose, or eyes, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water. Do not use adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using adapalene and 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 dryness or irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, 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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to adapalene (Differin) or benzoyl peroxide.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor about all other medicated skin products you are using. Using more than one acne medication at a time could cause severe skin irritation.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether adapalene and benzoyl peroxide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical?

Use adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Using more medicine or applying it more often than prescribed will not make it work any faster, and may increase side effects. Do not use this medication for longer than your doctor has prescribed.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medication.

Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical is usually applied one time per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Clean and pat dry the skin to be treated. Use a pea-sized amount of the gel for each treatment area (chin, forehead, and each cheek). Apply the medicine in a thin layer and rub in gently.

Do not apply any other skin products unless your doctor has told you to.

Store adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to apply the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide applied to the skin is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while using adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical?

Avoid getting this medication in your mouth, nose, or eyes, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water. Do not use adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical on sunburned, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using adapalene and 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 contain salicylic acid, sulfur, or resorcinol while you are using adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical.

Avoid using skin products that can cause dryness or irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Avoid exposure to sunlight, sunlamps, or tanning beds. This medication can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a sunburn may result. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

During your first 4 weeks of using adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical, your skin may be dry, red, or scaly. You may also feel some burning or stinging. Call your doctor if these side effects are severe.

Less serious side effects may include mild itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical?

Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Epiduo resources

• Epiduo Side Effects (in more detail)
• Epiduo Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Epiduo Drug Interactions
• Epiduo Support Group
• 26 Reviews for Epiduo - Add your own review/rating

Compare Epiduo with other medications

• Acne

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical.

See also: Epiduo side effects (in more detail)