How does it work?

Epiduo gel contains two active ingredients, adapalene and benzoyl peroxide, both of which are medicines used to treat acne.

Adapalene reduces the growth of the keratin surface skin cells that can block pores. This helps to unblock the pores and sebaceous glands (glands which secrete sebum) and as a result the sebum can escape. This reduces the formation of comedones (blackheads) and spots.

In addition, adapalene increases the turnover of the skin cells, which aids the natural exfoliation of the outer layers of skin. This also helps to unblock pores and decreases the formation of comedones and spots.

Benzoyl peroxide is a type of medicine known as a keratolytic. This means that it works by breaking down keratin, a protein which forms part of the skin structure.

When you apply benzoyl peroxide to the skin it causes the top layer of skin cells to break down and shed. This helps break down comedones and unblocks the sebaceous glands. It also helps to prevent the formation of new comedones.

Benzoyl peroxide also has an antibacterial action and directly kills bacteria on the skin, as well as reducing their numbers by decreasing the production of sebum (the food supply of the bacteria) by the sebaceous glands.

These two medicines are combined in this gel to have a complementary effect on acne. Benzoyl peroxide reduces the oiliness of the skin immediately, but it may take up to four weeks of treatment before the full effect of both medicines on the acne is seen.

What is it used for?

• Mild to moderate acne.

Warning!

• This gel is for external use on the skin only.
• Clean and dry the affected area of skin thoroughly before applying this medicine. Use mild soap and pat rather than rub the skin dry. Using clean fingertips, only apply enough medicine to cover the affected areas of skin lightly.
• Do not apply this medicine to broken or irritated skin, or areas affected by eczema.
• Avoid getting this gel in contact with the eyes, eyelids, nostrils, mouth, lips, mucous membranes (eg inside of the nose) and broken areas of skin. If you accidentally get the gel on these areas, carefully wash it off with water.
• When you first start using this medicine it may cause temporary stinging or a feeling of warmth in the skin. When used correctly, it will usually make your skin slightly red, like mild sunburn. You shouldn't use the medicine any more frequently than directed by your doctor, as this won't make it any more effective or work any quicker. It may also make your skin very red or irritated or start peeling.
• If you get any severe redness, swelling, itching, burning sensations, blistering, crusting or peeling of your skin after using the medicine, you should apply the medicine less frequently or stop using it temporarily. If the irritation persists you should stop using the medicine completely and consult your doctor.
• You can use cosmetics or moisturisers while using this medicine, but you should not apply them at the same time. Wash your skin thoroughly before applying the medicine. You can use cosmetics and moisturisers after the medicine has been absorbed into your skin.
• Avoid exposure to sunlight, sunlamps or sunbeds while using this medicine, as it increases the sensitivity of your skin to UV light. If exposure to sunlight cannot be avoided, use protective measures such as sunscreens or protective clothing over the areas of skin you have treated with this medicine.
• If your skin is sunburnt you should not use this medicine until your skin is fully recovered, as it may potentially cause severe irritation to the skin.
• This preparation may bleach hair and fabrics.
• Epiduo gel contains propylene glycol, which may cause skin irritation.

Use with caution in

• Sensitive skin.

Not to be used in

• Broken or damaged skin.
• Areas of skin affected by eczema.
• Pregnancy.
• This medicine is not recommended for children under the age of 12 unless otherwise advised by your doctor.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy orbreastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy orbreastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to theunborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning apregnancy, before using any medicine.

• This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it can be absorbed through the skin and may be harmful to the developing baby. If you do get pregnant while using this medicine you should stop using it immediately and consult your doctor.
• It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It can be used by women who are breastfeeding, if considered to be essential by your doctor. If it is applied to the chest it should be washed off before breastfeeding and then reapplied afterwards.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individualpeople in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that areknown to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is statedhere does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that orany side effect.

Common (affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)

• Dry skin.
• Irritant contact dermatitis.
• Skin irritation and burning.

Uncommon (affect between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000 people)

• Itching (pruritus)
• Sunburn.

Unknown frequency

• Allergic contact dermatitis.
• Swelling of the face.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the sideeffects reported by the medicine's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associatedwith this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine orconsult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicinesyou are already taking, including those bought without a prescription andherbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly,check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines whileusing this one, to ensure that thecombination is safe.

Other acne preparations containing benzoyl peroxide or retinoids, such as tretinoin, should not be used at the same time as Epiduo gel.

Skin preparations such as medicated cosmetics, soaps, cleansers, toiletries and other acne preparations, particularly those containing high concentrations of alcohol or astringents, should be used with caution in combination with this medicine, as they are likely to have an additive drying or irritant effect on the skin.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredients

There are currently no other medicines available in the UK that contain both adalapene and benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredients.