It is a combination medication containing two acne-fighting agents: adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. Adapalene belongs to a group of drugs called topical retinoids. It works by healing acne blemishes, preventing new breakouts, and decreasing inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial properties and helps fight off bacteria that contribute to acne symptoms.
Epiduo is a topical treatment. It comes in a gel that is applied to the skin.
What Is Epiduo Used For?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epiduo to treat acne in adults and children aged 9 years and older.
Brand Name(s): Epiduo, Epiduo Forte
Administration Route(s): Topical
Drug Availability: Prescription
Therapeutic Classification: Retinoid
Available Generically: Yes
Controlled Substance: N/A
Active Ingredient: Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide
Dosage Form(s): Gel/jelly
How to Use Epiduo
Following the prescribing instructions, apply a thin layer of Epiduo gel to affected areas of the skin once per day. You should only apply Epiduo to the skin—never to the eyes, mouth, or vagina.
It may be tempting to apply extra Epiduo or to apply it more than once per day—especially if you’re anxious to get your acne under control. But in this case, more is not better. Applying extra Epiduo won’t make it work any faster and can increase your chance of developing irritation.
Follow these steps for applying Epiduo safely and effectively:
Wash the area where you will use Epiduo with a mild cleanser and pat dry. Apply a thin film of the gel, using only enough to cover the area. Use a pea-sized amount for each face area (such as the forehead, chin, or each cheek). Avoid getting Epiduo on the lips, eyes, or mucous membranes. Epiduo can bleach your clothes or hair, so allow the product to dry completely before getting dressed.
Storage
Store Epiduo in its original container at room temperature, away from direct light or heat. As with all your medications, keep Epiduo in a safe location, up and out of sight from children or pets.
What Are the Side Effects of Epiduo?
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.
Common Side Effects
Side effects from Epiduo often occur during the first month of treatment but typically go away on their own.
Common side effects at the application site include:
Drying Redness Scaling Stinging or burning Swelling
Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if these side effects continue after one month of treatment or if they get worse.
Severe Side Effects
Severe reactions to Epiduo are uncommon, but all drugs have risks. Serious allergic reactions to products containing benzoyl peroxide (like Epiduo) have been reported and can cause the following symptoms:
Difficulty breathing Feeling faintHives or itching Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongueThroat tightness
Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience any severe reaction. If you feel your symptoms are life-threatening, call 911.
Dosage: How Much of Epiduo Should I Use?
Modifications
Topical retinoids—like adapalene in Epiduo—are not typically recommended during pregnancy. Let your healthcare provider know if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant before starting Epiduo.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your healthcare provider may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program or by phone (800-332-1088).
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
For topical dosage form (gel): For acne: Epiduo®: Adults and children 9 years of age and older—Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) of the skin once a day. Children younger than 9 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. Epiduo® Forte: Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) of the skin once a day. Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to apply Epiduo, use it as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for your next dose. Don’t apply extra or use the gel more than once per day. This can increase your risk of developing skin irritation and won’t make Epiduo work any better.
Overdose: What Happens If I Take Too Much Epiduo?
Epiduo gel is a topical medication, meaning it should only be applied to the skin. Never swallow Epiduo gel or use the product in your eyes or vagina.
Precautions
What Are Reasons I Shouldn’t Take Epiduo?
You should not take Epiduo if you are allergic to adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, or any other ingredient in the gel. Let your healthcare provider know about any reactions you’ve had to acne products in the past.
If you are experiencing symptoms that feel life-threatening, call 911.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, wind, and cold weather. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. You may need to wear protective clothing, such as a hat.
Skin reactions such as dryness, redness, scaling, burning, or stinging can occur when you use this medicine. Use a moisturizer as needed to lessen these skin problems.
Do not use any other medicines on the treated skin areas without asking your doctor. Avoid using any skin care products that can dry or irritate your skin. These include rough skin cleansers, hair removal products, soaps or cosmetics that cause dryness, or products that contain alcohol, astringents, spices, or lime.
Do not use “waxing” as a hair removal method on skin areas treated with this medicine.
Allow this medicine to dry completely before getting dressed. This medicine may cause bleaching of clothes or hair. I
What Other Medications Interact With Epiduo?
Always check with your healthcare provider before using any other topical acne product with Epiduo. Using other topical acne products at the same time as Epiduo can increase irritation and should generally be avoided. Watch out for products that contain sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid, and avoid harsh soaps, toners, or astringents (such as witch hazel).
What Medications Are Similar?
Dermatologists commonly prescribe topical retinoids (like adapalene in Epiduo) to treat acne alone or with other medications. Deciding on a topical retinoid depends on several factors, including cost, side effects, and your preference for formulation (such as a gel, cream, or lotion). Some people tolerate adapalene better than other topical retinoids and like the gel more because it dries clear, without pesky residue.
But Epiduo will likely cost you more than buying the individual drugs separately—though many people find the convenience of having two medications in one product worth the price.
Other topical retinoids include:
Differin (adapalene) Arazlo, Fabior, Tazorac (tazarotene) Altreno, Atralin, Avita, Retin-A (tretinoin) Veltin, Ziana (tretinoin and clindamycin) Aklief (trifarotene)
This is a list of topical retinoids also prescribed for acne. It is NOT a list of drugs recommended to take with Epiduo. In fact, you should not take these drugs together. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions about your medications.
How Can I Stay Healthy While Taking Epiduo?
Epiduo may cause you to get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps and tanning beds while you’re using Epiduo. Use sunscreen, and wear clothing that protects you from the sun, as well as a hat, if possible.
If you’re living with acne, you know the effects are not only physical. Acne can lower your self-esteem and leave you feeling embarrassed, depressed, or anxious. Fortunately, several effective treatment options are available, and Epiduo may be a good choice for you. Talk to your dermatologist about your symptoms. Together, you will develop a treatment plan to get you looking and feeling your best.
