Uses
What is Cabtreo used for?
Cabtreo (clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide/adapalene) is commonly used to treat acne vulgaris on your skin. 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.
Cabtreo may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Cabtreo work (mechanism of action)?
Cabtreo, which is applied to the affected skin, has three ingredients: adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, and clindamycin. 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. Clindamycin kills bacteria that cause acne by stopping their growth.
How is Cabtreo supplied (dosage forms)?
Cabtreo (clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide/adapalene topical) is available as a 1.2%/3.1%/0.15% topical gel that is applied to the skin.
How should I store Cabtreo?
Cabtreo should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C) for up to 10 weeks. Store in a cool, dry place in an upright position. Do not freeze.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Cabtreo?
The most common side effects of Cabtreo are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Skin pain, stinging, or burning
- Skin redness
- Skin irritation
- Skin swelling (dermatitis)
- Skin exfoliation (peeling or shedding)
- Dry skin
There may be other side effects of Cabtreo 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 Cabtreo?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Cabtreo are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Cabtreo may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Cabtreo 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. Cabtreo 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 have 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 it.
- 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 Cabtreo. 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.
Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including Cabtreo, which contains the antibiotic clindamycin. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can happen even up to 2 months after stopping the medicine. Stop using Cabtreo if you get diarrhea and call your healthcare provider right away. Also, call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following during treatment or for several weeks after you stop using this medicine.
- Watery diarrhea
- Diarrhea that does not go away
- Blood in your stool (poop)
- Severe stomach cramps
- Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Cabtreo?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Cabtreo.
- Adapalene
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Clindamycin
- Lincomycin
- Cabtreo
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Cabtreo.
Certain Bowel Conditions. Do not use Cabtreo if you have a history of any of the following conditions that affect the bowel.
- Ulcerative colitis or any type of colitis (inflammation of the colon)
- Crohn’s disease
- Severe diarrhea with past use of an antibiotic
What should I know about Cabtreo before using it?
Do not use Cabtreo unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed. Using it more often may cause irritation and will not make it work faster. Do not use the medicine on the eyes, mouth/lips, corners of your nose, or vagina. Cabtreo is only applied to your skin. Before using Cabtreo, gently wash and dry the area where it will be applied.
Do not share Cabtreo with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Cabtreo out of the reach of children.
Stay out of direct sunlight and sunlamps while using Cabtreo. 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 Cabtreo 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 Cabtreo.
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.
Cabtreo may bleach (remove color from) your clothes or hair. Do not get the medicine on colored fabric or hair.
Throw away your medicine once the expiration date has passed, which will be 10 weeks from the date you received it from the pharmacy.
Tell your healthcare provider if you will be having any type of surgery or procedure, because Cabtreo might affect how other medicines work during the procedure.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Cabtreo?
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 Cabtreo is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Cabtreo may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Cabtreo, 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 Cabtreo 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 Cabtreo while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Cabtreo 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 Cabtreo while breastfeeding. If your healthcare provider recommends that you use Cabtreo 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).
How can I get more information about Cabtreo?
For more information about Cabtreo, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.cabtreo.com or call them at 800-321-4576.
Interactions
Does Cabtreo interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Cabtreo and foods or drinks.
There are no known interactions between Cabtreo and alcohol.
Does Cabtreo 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 Cabtreo.
- Erythromycin (Ery-Tab, Erygel, and others), which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
- Any other skin or acne products
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Cabtreo. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Cabtreo?
If you or someone else has used too much Cabtreo, 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 Cabtreo?
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.
Are you currently using Cabtreo (clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide/adapalene)?
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