Epiduo Gel

Use Epiduo exactly as directed by your pharmacist, prescriber or the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Epiduo is for external skin use only. Apply a thin film of gel evenly over acne-affected areas once daily at bedtime, where suitable. The skin should be clean and dry before application.

Avoid the eyes, lips, nostrils, mouth, mucous membranes and other very sensitive areas. If Epiduo gets into these areas, wash immediately with plenty of warm water.

Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the gel.

Do not apply Epiduo to cuts, scrapes, sunburnt skin, eczema or broken skin.

Do not use more than directed. Applying more gel or using it more often will not clear acne faster and may increase redness, dryness, burning and irritation.

If irritation occurs, your clinician may advise using a non-comedogenic moisturiser, applying Epiduo less often, stopping for a short period or stopping treatment altogether.

Avoid excessive sunlight, sunbeds and UV lamps while using Epiduo. Use suitable sun protection, especially if your skin is sensitive.

Avoid using other acne products containing benzoyl peroxide or retinoids at the same time unless advised by a clinician. Also avoid harsh, drying, exfoliating or irritating skincare products while your skin adjusts.

Benzoyl peroxide can bleach hair, towels, bedding and coloured fabrics. Allow the gel to dry fully and take care with clothing and pillowcases.

If acne does not improve, worsens, causes scarring, becomes painful or cystic, or significantly affects mood or confidence, seek clinical review.

Epiduo Gel contains two active ingredients:

Adapalene 0.1% w/w.

Benzoyl peroxide 2.5% w/w.

Each 1g of gel contains 1mg adapalene and benzoyl peroxide hydrous equivalent to 25mg anhydrous benzoyl peroxide.

Other ingredients include docusate sodium, disodium edetate, glycerol, poloxamer, propylene glycol, acrylamide and sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, isohexadecane, polysorbate 80, sorbitan oleate and purified water.

Epiduo contains propylene glycol, which may cause skin irritation in some people. It also contains polysorbates, which may cause allergic reactions.

Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your specific medicine before use.

Some people experience side effects while using Epiduo. Common side effects can include dry skin, irritant contact dermatitis, burning sensation, skin irritation, redness and scaling.

Uncommon side effects can include itching and sunburn.

Other reported side effects include stinging pain, blisters, skin discolouration, application-site burns, allergic contact reactions, eyelid swelling, facial swelling, throat tightness and breathing difficulty.

Mild to moderate irritation is most likely during the first week of treatment and may improve as the skin adjusts. Persistent, severe or worsening irritation should be reviewed.

Stop using Epiduo and seek urgent medical advice if you develop swelling of the eyes, face, lips or tongue, throat tightness, difficulty breathing, faintness, hives, severe itching, blistering, severe burning or a serious skin reaction.

Epiduo is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it if you are allergic to adapalene, benzoyl peroxide or any ingredient in the gel.

Do not use Epiduo if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. If you become pregnant while using Epiduo, stop treatment and seek medical advice.

Epiduo can be used during breastfeeding only where clinically appropriate. It should not be applied to the chest during breastfeeding to avoid contact exposure to the infant.

Extra clinical review may be needed if you have very sensitive skin, eczema, rosacea, sunburn, broken skin, severe acne, cystic acne, acne scarring, previous reactions to retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, or if you are using other prescription or over-the-counter acne treatments.

Tell your clinician about all medicines and skincare products you use, including topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide products, exfoliating acids, medicated cleansers, steroid creams, antibiotic acne treatments and cosmetic treatments.

Suitability depends on acne type, acne severity, affected areas, skin sensitivity, previous treatments, medical history, current medicines, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, allergy history and clinical assessment. Prescription medicine is supplied only where clinically appropriate.