Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide Topical

Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) is a combination medications used to treat acne in adults and children who are at least 9 years old.

• Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) is available under various brand names: Epiduo, Epiduo Forte, Epiduo Pump

Common side effects of Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) include:

• dry or scaly skin.
• skin redness; or
• mild burning or stinging.

Serious side effects of Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) include:

• hives,
• itching. 
• difficult breathing,
• feeling light-headed.
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• severe redness or swelling of treated skin.
• severe burning or stinging; or
• severe dryness or other skin irritation.

Rare side effects of Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) include:

• hives, 
• itching
• difficult breathing, 
• feeling light-headed; or 
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

Topical gel

• 0.1%/2.5%
• 0.3%/2.5%

Pad

• 0.1%/2.5%

Acne vulgaris 

Adult and pediatric dosage

Aged above 9 years

• Topical: 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.

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, 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, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) have no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) have no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) have no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) have no noted minor interactions with any other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity 

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical)?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical)?”

Cautions

• 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; difficulty breathing, feeling light-headed; or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical should not be used on a child younger than 9 years old.
• Do not take by mouth. This medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated 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.
• If this medicine gets in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on your lips, rinse with water.
• Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical unless your doctor tells you to. Especially avoid using other skin products that contain salicylic acid, sulfur, or resorcinol.
• Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
• Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• It is not known whether adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
• Lactation
  • It is not known whether adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical pass into breast milk or if they could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.