adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (topical)
What is the most important information I should know about adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical?
Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.
What is adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical?
Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used to treat acne in people 12 years and older.
Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical?
You should not use adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- other skin problems, including cuts, abrasions, sunburn, or eczema.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
If you breastfeed, avoid applying this medicine to your nipple area.
How should I use adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical is usually applied once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine.
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 and allow it to dry completely before dressing.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using this medicine.
Do not apply any other skin products unless your doctor has told you to.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.
What should I avoid while using adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical?
Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, mouth, or vagina. 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.
Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. 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.
What are the possible side effects of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical?
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.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe redness or swelling of treated skin;
- severe burning or stinging; or
- severe dryness or other skin irritation.
Common side effects may include:
- dry or scaly skin;
- skin redness; or
- burning or stinging.
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?
Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use, but many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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