Epiduo Gel (Adapalene Benzoyl Peroxide)

Do’s

• Wash your hands before applying Epiduo Gel. 
• Gently clean the affected skin with a mild or soapless cleanser and pat dry.
• Apply a thin layer of Epiduo Gel as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily.
• Use your fingertips to apply a small amount of medication (about the size of a pea) to the affected areas of the skin.
• Use Epiduo Gel on the skin only. 
• Wash your hands after using the medication to avoid accidentally getting it in your eyes.
• The dosage and treatment plan are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions closely.
• During the first few weeks of using Epiduo Gel, your acne might appear worse because the medication is working on pimples forming inside the skin. This is normal and should improve over time.
• Use Epiduo Gel regularly to get the most benefit from it. Try to use it at the same time each day to help you remember.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or if it worsens

Don’ts

• Do not apply the gel to the inner lip area, inside the nose/mouth, or on mucous membranes. 
• Avoid applying the gel to cut, scraped, sunburned, or eczema-affected skin.
• Avoid getting the gel in your eyes. If it does come into contact with your eyes, flush with large amounts of water and contact your healthcare provider if eye irritation develops. 
• Do not use a larger amount or use this gel more often than recommended, as it will not improve your skin any faster and may increase the risk of side effects.
• Since Epiduo Gel is absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle this medication.

Common Side Effects:

• Dry or scaly skin
• Skin redness
• Burning or stinging 

Mild to Moderate Intensity Side Effects:

• Local symptoms such as redness, dryness, scaling, stinging, and burning, which may peak during the first two weeks and then subside spontaneously
• Erythema, scaling, dryness, stinging/burning, irritant, and allergic contact dermatitis 

Serious Side Effects:

• Severe redness or swelling of treated skin
• Severe burning or stinging
• Severe dryness or other skin irritation 

Other Potential Side Effects:

• Allergic contact dermatitis (local allergic reaction)
• Rare but serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation due to benzoyl peroxide

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. If you experience any of these side effects or have concerns about using Epiduo Gel, consult your healthcare provider for medical advice and guidance.

Using more than one acne medication at a time could cause severe skin irritation. Inform your healthcare provider about all other medicated skin products you are using to avoid potential interactions and adverse effects.

It is not known whether Epiduo Gel will harm an unborn baby. Therefore, inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

Patients using Epiduo Gel should avoid exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear sunscreen when sun exposure cannot be avoided. This precaution is important to minimize the risk of adverse reactions related to sun exposure.

Concomitant topical acne therapy should be used with caution because a possible cumulative irritancy effect may occur, especially with the use of peeling, desquamating, or abrasive agents.

Consult a healthcare provider before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. 

If you have specific concerns or questions about using Epiduo Gel, seek personalized medical advice from your healthcare provider.