Adapalene/Benzoyl Peroxide topical: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

What is topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide used for?

Topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide is commonly used to treat acne vulgaris. Acne vulgaris is a common type of acne that causes blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of pimples on your skin. It often appears on the face, chest, shoulders, and back.

Topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide work (mechanism of action)?

This medicine, which is applied to the affected skin, has two ingredients: adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. Adapalene helps control skin cell growth and reduce inflammation (swelling) to prevent acne. Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria (germs) and helps remove dead skin cells to keep your pores clear.

How is topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide supplied (dosage forms)?

Topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide is available as Epiduo, Epiduo Forte, and generic adapalene/benzoyl peroxide in the following dosage forms that are applied to the skin.

0.1%/2.5% topical gel
0.3%/2.5% topical gel

How should I store topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide?

Topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep tightly closed when not in use. Protect from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide?

The most common side effects of topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Dry skin
Skin burning and irritation where you apply the medicine
Skin swelling (dermatitis), including contact dermatitis or atopic dermatitis

There may be other side effects of topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Breathing problems or wheezing
Racing heart
Fever or general ill feeling
Swollen lymph nodes
Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
Stomach cramps
Joint pain

Skin Reactions. Topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide can cause skin reactions, especially during the first month of use. These reactions are usually mild to moderate and often improve as your skin adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider right away if these side effects continue for longer than 4 weeks or get worse, as you may need to stop using the medicine. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms that bother you or do not go away. Your healthcare provider may advise you to use moisturizer, use the medicine less often, or stop using the medicine.

Skin redness
Dry skin
Flaking or peeling skin
Burning or stinging
Skin swelling

Sensitivity to Sunlight. Your skin may be very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, while you are taking certain drugs, including topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide. This is called photosensitivity. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in the sunlight. Exposing your skin to this kind of light, even for a short time, can cause your skin to be severely sunburned, blistered, or swollen. Tell your healthcare provider right away if any of these happen.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide.

Adapalene
Benzoyl peroxide
Epiduo or Epiduo Forte
Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide products they stock.

What should I know about topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide before using it?

Do not use topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed. Using it more often can cause irritation and will not make it work faster. Do not use topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide in or on the eyes, mouth, or vagina.

Do not share topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide out of the reach of children.

Before using topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide, wash the area where you will apply it.

Stay out of direct sunlight and sunlamps while using topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide. If you are often in the sun or have sensitive skin, be extra careful. Use sunscreen and wear a hat if you cannot avoid the sun. Also, avoid very windy or cold weather, as it may make your skin more irritated.

Do not use topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide on cuts, scrapes, sunburned skin, or skin affected by eczema (a condition that causes red, itchy, and inflamed skin).

Avoid waxing for hair removal on areas where you use topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide.

Also, avoid using other irritating topical products, such as medicated or abrasive (rough) soaps, soaps or cosmetics that cause dry skin, or products with high levels of alcohol, astringents, spices, or lime.

Wash your hands right away after using this medicine.

Topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide may bleach (remove color from) your clothes or hair. Do not get the medicine on colored fabric or hair.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Any other skin conditions, such as cuts or scrapes on the skin, sunburn, or eczema
Any other medical conditions

Other Medicines and Supplements. Topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide while breastfeeding. If your healthcare provider recommends that you use topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide while breastfeeding, you should use it for the shortest time possible. Only apply to the affected area, and avoid using the medicine on the nipple or areola (the colored area around the nipple).

Interactions

Does topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide and alcohol.

Does topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide.

Any other medicines for acne
Any medicines or products you apply to your skin

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Adapalene/Benzoyl Peroxide topical interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide?

If you or someone else has used too much topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical adapalene/benzoyl peroxide?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.