About Epiduo Gel

Epiduo Gel is used to treat acne (pimples) and remove the skin's upper dead layer. Acne is a common skin condition and occurs when hair follicles are blocked with dead skin cells and oil. The acne-causing bacteria feeds on sebum (natural oil produced by skin), causing redness and swelling.

Epiduo Gel is a combination of two drugs: Adapalene (retinoids) and Benzoyl peroxide (keratolytic agent). Adapalene belongs to the retinoid class (human-made vitamin A) which works by loosening the cells on the skin’s surface and unblocks pores by reducing oil production in the skin. Thus, it decreases pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. Benzoyl peroxide is a keratolytic agent that breaks down a protein known as keratin (that forms part of skin structure) removes dead skin cells, and softens skin. Additionally, Benzoyl peroxide possesses antibacterial properties and kills bacteria that cause acne.

Take Epiduo Gel as prescribed. Epiduo Gel is only for external use. Avoid contact of Epiduo Gel with nose, ears, mouth, or eyes. In case Epiduo Gel comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with warm water thoroughly. Your doctor will advise you how often you take Epiduo Gel based on your medical condition. You may experience dry skin, scaling, local skin rash, irritation, redness, or burning sensation of the skin in some cases. Most of these side effects of Epiduo Gel do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

If you are known to be allergic to Epiduo Gel or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Do not apply Epiduo Gel on cuts, open wounds, scrapes, sunburned, windburned, chapped, dry, or irritated skin. Avoid exposure to tanning beds or sunlight while using Epiduo Gel as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Epiduo Gel. Do not apply Epiduo Gel in large amounts or use it for a longer time than prescribed, as it does not give quick or better results but increases the risk of side effects such as irritation, scaling, or redness of the skin. If you have eczema (itchy, swollen, rough, and cracked skin) or sunburned skin, please inform your doctor before taking Epiduo Gel.

Uses of Epiduo Gel

Treatment of Acne (pimples)

Medicinal Benefits

Epiduo Gel is a combination of two drugs, Adapalene and Benzoyl peroxide, used to treat acne (pimples). Adapalene is a retinoid (human-made vitamin A) that loosens the cells on the skin’s surface and unblocks pores by reducing oil production in the skin. Thus, it decreases pimples, spots, whiteheads, and blackheads. Also, it increases the production of new skin cells and helps in the natural exfoliation (removal of dead skin cells) of the outer layers of the skin. Adapalene has an anti-inflammatory effect and thus reduces irritation and soreness. Benzoyl peroxide is a keratolytic agent that breaks down a protein known as keratin (that forms part of skin structure), removes dead skin cells, and softens skin. Additionally, Benzoyl peroxide possesses antibacterial properties and kills bacteria that cause acne.

Directions for Use

Wash your hands before and after applying Epiduo Gel. Before using it, wash the affected area with water. Apply a small amount of Epiduo Gel as a thin layer and gently rub on the clean and dry affected area of the skin at night before going to bed. Epiduo Gel is only for external use. If you are using Epiduo Gel on your face, avoid contact with eyes, nostrils and lips as it may cause irritation. In case Epiduo Gel comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of Epiduo Gel

Dry skin
Scaling
Local skin rash
Skin irritation
Skin redness
Burning sensation of the skin

In-depth Information

Drug Warnings

If you are known to be allergic to Epiduo Gel or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Do not apply Epiduo Gel on cuts, open wounds, scrapes, sunburned, windburned, chapped, dry, or irritated skin. Epiduo Gel is only for external use. Do not swallow Epiduo Gel. In case of accidental swallowing, please consult a doctor. Avoid contact of Epiduo Gel with nose, ears, mouth, or eyes. In case Epiduo Gel comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with warm water thoroughly. Avoid exposure to tanning beds or sunlight while using Epiduo Gel as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Epiduo Gel. Do not apply Epiduo Gel in large amounts or use for a long time than prescribed as it does not give quick or better results but increases the risk of side effects such as irritation, scaling, or redness of the skin. If you have eczema (itchy, swollen, rough, and cracked skin) or sunburned skin, please inform your doctor before taking Epiduo Gel.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction: Epiduo Gel may interact with vitamin A-related drugs known as retinoids (isotretinoin, tretinoin, bexarotene, trifarotene), photosensitizing agents (aminolevulinic acid, methoxsalen, porfimer, verteporfin), antibiotics (dapsone), sensitizer (methyl aminolevulinate), keratolytic agents (salicylic acid, sulfur), antiseptic (resorcinol).

Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.

Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have eczema (itchy, swollen, rough and cracked skin) or sunburned skin, please inform your doctor before taking Epiduo Gel.

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List

ISOTRETINOIN
TRETINOIN
BEXAROTENE
TRIFAROTENE
AMINOLEVULINIC ACID
METHOXSALEN
PORFIRMER
VERTEPORFIN
DAPSONE
METHYL AMINOLEVULINATE
SALICYLIC ACID
SULFUR
RESORCINOL

Habit Forming

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

Avoid sun exposure while using Epiduo Gel as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn.
Regular exercise can improve your mood and self-esteem though it doesn’t clear acne. Take a shower immediately after finishing exercise as sweat may irritate acne.
Do regular hair wash regularly and avoid hair falling across the face.
Remove the make-up completely before going to bed.
Avoid using products that may cause skin irritation such as harsh soaps, skin cleansers, shampoos, hair removers or waxes, hair colouring or permanent chemicals, detergents, and rough fabrics.

Special Advise

Do not squeeze, pop or pick spots as it may worsen them and cause permanent scarring.
You are advised to consult a dermatologist if acne persists or worsens after using Epiduo Gel for 1 month.

Patients Concern

Disease/Condition Glossary

Acne (pimples): It is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles are blocked with dead skin cells and oil, causing pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. Acne affects people of all ages but is most common among teenagers. Acne symptoms include pus-filled pimples, uninflamed (not swollen) blackheads, red, large, and tender bumps. The treatment for acne includes certain creams, cleansers, and antibiotics.

Safety Advice

Alcohol

Caution

Interaction of Epiduo Gel with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Epiduo Gel.

Pregnancy

Unsafe

Epiduo Gel is a category C pregnancy drug and is usually not recommended for pregnant women. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant.

Breast Feeding

Caution

It is unknown whether Epiduo Gel is excreted in human milk. Therefore, Epiduo Gel is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks. However, do not apply Epiduo Gel on the chest area to avoid the contact of Epiduo Gel with the baby.

Driving

Safe if prescribed

Epiduo Gel usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

Liver

Safe if prescribed

If you have any concerns regarding the use of Epiduo Gel in patients with Liver problems, please consult a doctor.