Duac 5 % Gel (60g)

Quantity	1 x 60g, 2 x 60g

What is Duac Gel?

Duac is a medication commonly used to treat mild to moderate acne, spots, and pimples. It is one of the most widely used acne treatments. These skin symptoms occur due to an overproduction of a chemical called sebum, which clogs pores and allows oil to build up, creating blackheads. When these blackheads become infected with bacteria, they develop into acne, typically appearing on the face but also on other body parts, especially the neck and upper back. Duac Gel targets these pimples directly and helps prevent new impurities from forming.

Topical antibiotics like Duac are an excellent choice for those who cannot take or prefer not to take oral antibiotics. Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, Duac is available in two strengths: Duac 3% (20mg) and Duac 5% (50mg).

Duac may not be suitable if you are using other acne treatments, particularly those that are alcohol-based or contain other antibiotics such as Zindaclin or Treclin.

What are the active ingredients in Duac gel?

The active substances in Duac Gel are: clindamycin and hydrous benzoyl peroxide.

What is Duac gel used for?

Duac Gel is used for treating mild to moderate acne on your skin. It contains two active ingredients:

Clindamycin, an antibiotic that stops the bacteria involved in acne from reproducing.
Benzoyl peroxide, which reduces blackheads and whiteheads and also kills the bacteria involved in acne.

Used together in Duac Gel, these ingredients work by:

Fighting the bacteria that can cause acne.
Treating existing blackheads, whiteheads, and spots.
Reducing the number of red, inflamed acne spots.

Duac Gel is suitable for use by adults and adolescents aged twelve years or over.

How does Duac gel work?

Each of the two active ingredients in Duac Gel has distinct effects:

Benzoyl peroxide, an antibacterial agent, kills bacteria known to cause or exacerbate acne. It also breaks down keratin, a protein, helping to shed the top layer of skin, which removes old or dead skin cells and clears pore blockages.
Clindamycin, an antibiotic, targets the bacteria that feed on sebum (skin oil) and cause pore blockages. By killing these bacteria, it reduces skin inflammation, allowing healthy new layers to develop and emerge.

Working together, these effects are additive, resulting in more effective acne treatment. The reduced bacterial presence slows the spread of acne, and the exfoliation process allows healthy skin to emerge.

How do you use Duac gel?

Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has instructed. If you are unsure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Use Duac Gel once a day in the evening.
It may take 2 to 5 weeks to see the effects of Duac Gel.
Do not use for more than 12 weeks at a time. Your doctor will advise on the duration of your treatment.

How to Apply Duac Gel:

Completely remove any make-up.
Wash the affected area of skin thoroughly, rinse with warm water, and gently pat dry.
Apply a thin film of gel to the entire area of affected skin using your fingertips.
Cover all areas with acne, not just individual spots. If the gel doesn't rub in easily, you are using too much.
- For your face, use an amount of gel from the tube that reaches from the tip of your finger to the first joint (the first crease on your finger), called a ‘finger tip’.
- For your face and back, use two and a half ‘finger tips’ in total.
If you experience dryness or skin peeling, you can use an oil-free, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer, use Duac Gel less frequently, or stop treatment for a short period to allow your skin to adjust. This medicine may not work properly if it is not applied every day.
Wash your hands after applying the gel.
Once the gel has dried, you can use non-greasy make-up.

Always follow the instructions provided in this leaflet or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If You Use More Duac Gel Than You Should:

Be careful not to apply too much. Using too much gel or applying it more frequently will not clear your spots faster and may cause skin irritation. If this happens, use the gel less often or stop using it for a few days, then start again.

If You Accidentally Swallow Duac Gel:

If you accidentally swallow the gel, seek medical advice immediately. You may experience symptoms similar to those when taking antibiotics orally, such as an upset stomach.

If You Forget to Use Duac Gel:

Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Apply the next dose at the usual time.

Do Not Stop Using Duac Gel Without Advice:

Do not use the gel for more than 12 weeks at a time without consulting your doctor. Use Duac Gel for as long as your doctor recommends. Do not stop unless advised by your doctor.
It is important to continue using the gel as prescribed. Stopping too soon may cause your acne to return.

If you have any further questions about using this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Who should not use Duac gel?

Do Not Use Duac Gel:

If you are allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin, benzoyl peroxide, or any of the other ingredients of Duac Gel (listed in Section 6).

If you are unsure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Duac Gel. Warnings and Precautions: Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Duac Gel.

Use Duac Gel only on your skin. Keep it away from areas like your eyes, lips, mouth, or inside your nose.
Do not apply the gel on any irritated areas of your skin, such as cuts, grazes, sunburn, or broken skin.
If you accidentally get Duac Gel in your eyes, mouth, lips, or inside your nose, rinse with plenty of water immediately.
Avoid using too much Duac Gel on sensitive areas of your skin.
Most patients will experience some skin redness and peeling during the first few weeks of treatment. If your skin becomes irritated, you may need to use an oil-free moisturizer, apply Duac Gel less frequently, or stop using it temporarily to allow your skin to recover, then restart treatment.
Stop treatment and consult your doctor if skin irritation is severe (severe redness, dryness, itching, stinging, or burning) or does not improve.
Avoid letting Duac Gel come into contact with colored fabrics, including clothing, towels, bed linen, furniture, or carpeting, as it can bleach these materials.
Duac Gel may bleach hair.

If you have any further questions about using this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Important Information about Duac Gel: Sun Sensitivity: Duac Gel can make your skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of the sun. Avoid using sunbeds/lamps and minimize the time you spend in the sun. You should use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while using Duac Gel. Consult Your Doctor or Pharmacist:

If you have ever had gut problems such as 'regional enteritis', 'ulcerative colitis', or 'antibiotic-associated colitis'.
If you develop stomach cramps or severe diarrhea, stop using Duac Gel and contact your doctor immediately. Although unlikely, antibiotics applied to the skin can cause severe diarrhea and stomach cramps.
If you have recently used other clindamycin or erythromycin-containing medicines, Duac Gel may not work as effectively. Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have used any other clindamycin or erythromycin-containing medicines recently.

Children: Do not give this medicine to children under twelve years. It is not known if it works or if it is safe for them. Other Medicines and Duac Gel: Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used, or might use any other medicines. Specifically, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using:

Any other acne treatments, including antibiotics used on your skin.
Medicated or 'abrasive' soaps and cleansers.
Soaps or cosmetics that have a strong drying effect.
Products containing large amounts of alcohol or 'astringents'.

Using these products together with Duac Gel may irritate your skin over time. Additionally, Duac Gel may make some acne medicines less effective when used simultaneously, including:

Some acne medicines that are applied to the skin, such as tretinoin, isotretinoin, or tazarotene.

If you are using one of these medicines, you may need to apply them at different times of the day (e.g., one in the morning and the other in the evening) to reduce the risk of skin irritation. Stop treatment and consult your doctor if skin irritation becomes severe (severe redness, dryness, itching).

Stinging or Burning:

Duac Gel should not be used at the same time as medicines containing erythromycin.
Applying Duac Gel with medicines such as dapsone and sulfacetamide can cause a temporary color change of the skin or facial hair (yellow/orange color). This change is not permanent.
One of the active ingredients in Duac Gel can affect how certain general anesthesia medicines work (called “neuromuscular blocking agents”).

If you are going to have surgery:

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are scheduled for surgery.

If you are unsure whether any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Duac Gel. Pregnancy, Breast-feeding, and Fertility:

There is limited information about the safety of Duac Gel in pregnant women. If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine.
Your doctor will consider the benefits to you and the risks to your baby of using Duac Gel while you are pregnant.
It is not known whether the ingredients in Duac Gel can pass into breast milk. Clindamycin, one of the active ingredients in Duac Gel, can pass into breast milk when taken orally or by injection. If you are breast-feeding, consult your doctor before using Duac Gel.
Do not use DUAC ONCE DAILY GEL on your breast if you are breast-feeding

What are the side effects of Duac gel?

Like all medicines, this medication can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Stop using Duac Gel and seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following serious side effects, as you may need urgent medical treatment:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of your face, eyes, lips, or tongue, nettle rash, difficulty breathing, or collapse.
Severe or prolonged diarrhea, or abdominal cramps.
Severe burning, peeling, or itching.

Other Possible Side Effects: If you notice any of these side effects, try using Duac Gel less often, or stop using it for one or two days and then start again. Very Common Side Effects (affecting at least 1 in 10 people):

At the site of application: redness, peeling, dryness (these side effects are generally mild).

Common Side Effects (affecting less than 1 in 10 people):

Headache
At the site of application: burning, pain, sensitivity to sunlight.

Uncommon Side Effects (affecting less than 1 in 100 people):

Tingling (paraesthesia), worsening acne, red, itchy skin, rash (dermatitis, erythematous rash).

Other Side Effects (with frequencies that cannot be estimated from the available data):

Allergic reactions.

If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. Additional Side Effects:

Inflammation of the intestine, diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), and stomach pain.
At the site of application: skin reactions, discoloration of the skin, and raised itchy rash (hives).

Reporting of Side Effects: If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Does Duac interact with any other medicines?

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used, or might use any other medicines. Specifically, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using any of the following:

Any other acne treatments, including antibiotics applied to your skin.
Medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers.
Soaps or cosmetics with a strong drying effect.
Products containing large amounts of alcohol or astringents.

Using these products together with Duac Gel may irritate your skin over time. Additionally, Duac Gel may make some acne medicines less effective when used simultaneously, including:

Acne medicines applied to the skin that contain tretinoin, isotretinoin, or tazarotene.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are using any of these medicines. You may need to apply the two products at different times of the day (e.g., one in the morning and the other in the evening). Using other acne medicines simultaneously with Duac Gel can increase the risk of skin irritation. Stop treatment and consult your doctor if skin irritation becomes severe (severe redness, dryness, itching, stinging, or burning).

Duac Gel should not be used at the same time as medicines containing erythromycin.
Applying Duac Gel simultaneously with medicines such as dapsone and sulfacetamide can cause a temporary color change of the skin or facial hair (yellow/orange color), which is not permanent.
One of the ingredients in Duac Gel can affect how certain general anesthesia medicines, known as "neuromuscular blocking agents," work.

Duac gel FAQs

What is Duac Gel?

Duac Gel is a medication used to treat mild to moderate acne, spots, and pimples. It works by reducing the overproduction of sebum, which clogs pores and leads to blackheads and acne. Duac Gel is typically applied to the face but can also be used on other parts of the body such as the neck and upper back. It targets pimples directly and helps prevent new impurities. Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, Duac Gel comes in two strengths: 3% (20mg) and 5% (50mg).

How does Duac Gel work?

Duac Gel combines clindamycin, an antibiotic that stops bacteria from reproducing, and benzoyl peroxide, which kills bacteria and removes pore blockages. This combination effectively treats acne by reducing bacteria and inflammation. Improvement is usually seen within the first month, with significant results typically after three months. Continuous use is recommended to prevent acne from returning.

What are the active ingredients in Duac Gel?

Duac Gel contains two active ingredients: clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide. Clindamycin is a commonly used antibiotic for acne, and benzoyl peroxide helps to kill bacteria and clear blocked pores.

Can Duac Gel help with acne scars?

While Duac Gel is primarily designed to treat active acne, some users find that it helps diminish the appearance of acne scars. For severe acne scars, other treatments may be necessary, and it's important to avoid picking or popping spots to prevent scarring.

Are there alternative acne treatments?

Yes, there are many alternative acne treatments if Duac Gel does not work for you. Other options include Treclin Gel, Dalacin-T Lotion, Differin Cream, and various face washes and lotions like Cetaphil and CeraVe products that can help maintain healthy skin.

Do I need to keep Duac Gel in the fridge?

No, Duac Gel does not need to be refrigerated after purchase. It can be stored at room temperature but should not be exposed to temperatures above 25°C. If you have multiple tubes, storing unused ones in the fridge between 2°C to 8°C is recommended, but do not freeze them.

How long does Duac Gel take to work?

Duac Gel usually starts to show improvement within two to four weeks. For best results, it should be used for a full 12-week course unless otherwise advised by your doctor. Do not exceed 12 weeks without consulting a healthcare professional.

What are the ingredients in Duac Gel?

The active ingredients are clindamycin and hydrous benzoyl peroxide. Other ingredients include carbomer 940, dimethicone, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, disodium edetate, glycerol, silica (colloidal hydrated), poloxamer 182, purified water, and sodium hydroxide.

What are the side effects of Duac Gel?

Common side effects include skin irritation, redness, peeling, dryness, headache, and sensitivity to sunlight. Severe side effects, such as allergic reactions or severe skin irritation, are rare but require immediate medical attention.

Can you use Duac Gel while pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Duac Gel. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can trigger acne, but there may be safer treatment options available for you during this time.

What precautions should I take when using Duac Gel?

Use Duac Gel only on your skin, avoiding contact with eyes, lips, mouth, and inside the nose.
Avoid applying it to irritated or broken skin.
Use sunscreen and protective clothing as Duac Gel can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Be cautious about using it with other acne treatments or products that may irritate your skin.
Consult your doctor if you have a history of gut problems or develop severe diarrhea or stomach cramps.

For more detailed information, always read the Patient Information Leaflet provided with the medication.

Download patient leaflet

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6.pdf