Epiduo Gel is a topical acne treatment that combines two active ingredients: adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. Adapalene, a type of retinoid, helps to unclog pores and reduce inflammation, while benzoyl peroxide works as an antibacterial agent to kill acne-causing bacteria. Together, they effectively target and treat acne, reducing spots, blackheads, and whiteheads. Epiduo Gel is typically used once daily and is suitable for individuals with mild to moderate acne. It is available by prescription and is applied directly to the affected areas of the skin.
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GP, Medical coach
What is Epiduo gel?
Epiduo Gel is a prescription medication used to treat mild to moderate acne. It contains two active ingredients: adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. Adapalene is a retinoid that helps to unclog pores and reduce inflammation, while benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial agent that kills acne-causing bacteria and helps to prevent future breakouts. Epiduo Gel is typically applied once daily to the affected areas of the skin and works to reduce the appearance of acne, including blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammatory lesions.
What is Epiduo gel?
Epiduo gel contains the active ingredients: adapalene 0.1% w/w and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% w/w.
What is Epiduo gel used for?
Epiduo Gel is used to treat acne vulgaris, a common skin condition characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammatory pimples like papules and pustules. It is particularly effective when both comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and inflamed pimples are present. Epiduo Gel helps reduce acne symptoms by targeting the underlying causes of acne, such as clogged pores, excess oil production, and bacteria on the skin.
How does Epiduo gel work?
Epiduo gel works by combining two active ingredients, adapalene and benzoyl peroxide, which target acne through different mechanisms:
Adapalene: This is a type of retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A, which works by regulating skin cell turnover. It helps to prevent the clogging of pores by reducing the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and promotes the shedding of dead skin cells. Adapalene also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce redness and swelling associated with acne.
Benzoyl Peroxide: This ingredient acts as an antimicrobial agent, targeting and killing the bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes) that contribute to acne. It also helps to remove excess oil and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, preventing pores from becoming blocked and reducing the formation of new pimples.
By combining these two active ingredients, Epiduo gel effectively treats existing acne and helps to prevent new breakouts, leading to clearer, smoother skin.
How do you use Epiduo gel?
Always use this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you're unsure about anything, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Epiduo 0.3% / 2.5% gel is designed for use by adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older. It is a topical gel applied to the skin.
Your doctor will determine the appropriate strength of Epiduo gel based on the severity and appearance of your acne. They will also decide if you need any additional treatments.
Ensure your skin is clean and dry before applying the gel.
Apply a thin layer of the gel evenly over the entire acne-affected areas of your face and/or trunk once a day, preferably at bedtime. Avoid contact with your eyes, lips, nostrils, and mucous membranes.
If using the gel on your face, use a pea-sized amount to cover each area (e.g., forehead, chin, and each cheek).
Wash your hands thoroughly immediately after applying the gel.
Your doctor will tell you how long you should use Epiduo gel. If you don't see any improvement after 4-8 weeks, discuss with your doctor whether continuing the treatment is beneficial.
If you experience persistent skin irritation during the first few weeks of using Epiduo gel, contact your doctor. They may recommend using a moisturizer, reducing the frequency of application, pausing treatment briefly, or stopping use altogether.
Avoid applying cosmetics (like facial creams or makeup) before the daily application of Epiduo gel. These products can be used after the gel has dried.
Use in children: Epiduo gel should not be used by children under 12 years of age.
If you use more Epiduo gel than recommended: Using more gel won't clear your acne faster, but it may cause skin irritation and redness. Contact your doctor or hospital if you or someone else accidentally swallows the gel or if you have used too much.
If you forget to use Epiduo gel: Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed application.
If you stop using Epiduo gel: Acne symptoms, such as spots (comedones, papules, and pustules), will only be reduced after several applications. Continue using Epiduo gel for as long as your doctor has prescribed.
If you have any further questions about using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Who should not use Epiduo gel?
Do Not Use Epiduo Gel If:
You are pregnant.
You are planning to become pregnant.
You are allergic to adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, or any other ingredients in this medicine, please refer to the patient information leaflet.
Warnings and Precautions
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Epiduo gel.
Do not apply Epiduo gel on areas with cuts, scrapes, sunburn, or eczema.
Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, nostrils, mucous membranes, and other sensitive areas. If accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with plenty of warm water.
Limit exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Be careful to avoid getting Epiduo gel on your hair or colored fabrics, as it may bleach them. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the gel.
If you experience persistent skin irritation after starting treatment, consult your doctor (see section 3, "How to use Epiduo").
Pregnancy and Breast-feeding
Pregnancy: Do not use Epiduo if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Consult your doctor for more information. If you become pregnant while using Epiduo, discontinue use immediately and inform your doctor for further guidance.
Breast-feeding: If you are breast-feeding, consult your doctor before using this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to stop breast-feeding or discontinue treatment with Epiduo. If you continue treatment while breast-feeding, avoid applying the gel to your chest to prevent contact exposure to the infant.
Driving and Using Machines
Epiduo gel has no or negligible effects on your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Epiduo Contains Propylene Glycol
This medicine contains 40 mg of propylene glycol (E1520) per gram, equivalent to 4%.
What are the side effects with Epiduo gel?
Like all medicines, Epiduo gel can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. About 1 in 10 people using Epiduo 0.3% / 2.5% gel may experience adverse skin reactions.
Serious Side Effects
Stop using the product and seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
Throat tightness
Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
Feeling faint or having difficulty breathing
Hives or itching of the face or body
The frequency of these severe side effects is unknown.
Common Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
Skin irritation
Eczema
Skin burning sensation
Uncommon Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
Redness of the eyelid
Tingling or pins-and-needles sensation at the application site
Skin itching
Allergic skin reactions
Rash
Dry skin
Additional Side Effects Reported with Lower Strength Epiduo Gel (adapalene 0.1% / benzoyl peroxide 2.5%):
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): Sunburn
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from available data):
Swelling of the eyelid
Throat tightness
Allergic contact reactions
Swelling of the face
Stinging pain of the skin
Blisters
Difficulty breathing
Skin discoloration
Application site burn
General Skin Reactions
Adverse reactions typically associated with Epiduo include mild to moderate application site reactions such as redness, dryness, scaling, stinging, and burning of the skin. Application site burns, mostly superficial but occasionally more severe with blistering, have also been reported.
If you experience persistent skin irritation during the first weeks of using Epiduo 0.3% / 2.5% gel, contact your doctor. Skin irritation is more common with this higher strength gel than with the lower strength version. Your doctor may recommend using a moisturizer, reducing the frequency of application, taking a short break, or discontinuing use altogether. These reactions usually occur early in treatment and tend to lessen over time.
Reporting Side Effects
If you experience any side effects, speak 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 at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or by searching for MHRA in the Google Play or Apple App Store. Reporting side effects helps provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Does Epiduo gel interact with other medicines?
Do not use other acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide and/or retinoids while using Epiduo gel.
Avoid using cosmetics that irritate, dry, or exfoliate the skin alongside Epiduo gel.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently using, have recently used, or might use any other medicines.
Frequently asked questions
What is Epiduo gel?
Epiduo and Epiduo Forte gels are prescription acne treatments. They are topical gels designed to treat acne, combining two active ingredients: adapalene (0.1% in Epiduo, 0.3% in Epiduo Forte) and benzoyl peroxide (2.5%). These gels help reduce acne breakouts and prevent future occurrences. Epiduo is suitable for adults and children aged 9 years and older, while Epiduo Forte is for those aged 12 years and older.
What is the difference between Epiduo and Epiduo Forte?
The primary difference between Epiduo and Epiduo Forte is the strength of the adapalene. Epiduo contains 0.1% adapalene, while Epiduo Forte contains a stronger concentration of 0.3%. Epiduo Forte is typically used when an initial course of Epiduo has proven ineffective.
How does Epiduo Gel work?
Epiduo gel works by combining adapalene, a synthetic retinoid, with benzoyl peroxide, an antimicrobial agent. Adapalene helps to unblock pores and reduce skin cell overgrowth, while benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and promotes skin turnover. This combination effectively treats blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed red spots.
How to Use Epiduo Gel
Apply a thin layer of Epiduo gel once daily in the evening to the entire affected area, not just the spots. Start by washing your face with warm water and a mild cleanser, patting it dry gently. If irritation occurs, reduce application frequency or temporarily stop using the gel. It may take several weeks to see improvement, so continue using it as prescribed.
What should I do if I forget to apply Epiduo Gel?
If you forget to apply Epiduo, do not double the dose. Simply apply the next dose at the usual time.
What are the active ingredients in Epiduo Gel?
Epiduo gel contains adapalene (0.1% in Epiduo, 0.3% in Epiduo Forte) and benzoyl peroxide (2.5%). These ingredients work together to treat acne by reducing skin cell buildup and killing acne-causing bacteria.
What are the inactive ingredients in Epiduo Gel?
The inactive ingredients in Epiduo and Epiduo Forte include docusate sodium, disodium edetate, glycerin, poloxamer, propylene glycerol (E1520), simulgel 600 PHA, and purified water.
What are the possible side effects of Epiduo Gel?
Common side effects include dry skin, skin irritation, and burning sensations. These often occur at the beginning of treatment. Uncommon side effects include itching, sunburn, and contact dermatitis. If you experience severe reactions like swelling or difficulty breathing, stop using Epiduo and seek immediate medical attention.
What precautions should I take while using Epiduo Gel?
Avoid applying Epiduo to broken skin or areas with eczema. Keep the gel away from eyes, mouth, and nostrils, and avoid excessive sun exposure. The product can bleach hair and fabrics, so be cautious. Do not use Epiduo if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting a healthcare provider.
Can I use Epiduo Gel during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Epiduo should not be used during pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before use, and avoid applying the gel to your chest to prevent exposure to your infant.
