Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect. It also has a mild drying effect, which allows
excess oils and dirt to be easily washed away from the skin.
Adapalene is a medication similar to vitamin A. It helps the skin renew itself.
The combination of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical (for the skin) is used to treat severe
acne in people who are at least 12 years old.
Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (topical)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to adapalene (Differin) or benzoyl
peroxide.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor about all other medicated skin products you are
using. Using more than one acne medication at a time could cause severe skin irritation.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an
unborn baby. Before using adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical, tell your doctor if you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether adapalene and benzoyl peroxide passes into breast milk or if it
could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (topical)?
Use adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you.
Using more medicine or applying it more often than prescribed will not make it work any faster, and
may increase side effects. Do not use this medication for longer than your doctor has prescribed.
Wash your hands before and after applying this medication.
Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical is usually applied one time per day. Follow your
doctor's instructions.
Clean and pat dry the skin to be treated. Use a pea-sized amount of the gel for each treatment
area (chin, forehead, and each cheek). Apply the medicine in a thin layer and rub in gently.
Do not apply any other skin products unless your doctor has told you to.
Store adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical at room temperature away from moisture
and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (topical)?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait
until then to apply the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
use extra medicine
to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (topical)?
Your pharmacist has information about adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (topical) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (topical)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
During your first 4 weeks of using adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical, your skin may be
dry, red, or scaly. You may also feel some burning or stinging. Call your doctor if these side effects
are severe.
Less serious side effects may include mild itching.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical
advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (topical)?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor about all other medicated skin products you are
using. Using more than one acne medication at a time could cause severe skin irritation.
Avoid getting this medication in your mouth, nose, or eyes, or on your lips. If it does get
into any of these areas, rinse with water. Do not use adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical on
sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using adapalene and
benzoyl peroxide topical on wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed
before using this medication.
Avoid using skin products that can cause dryness or irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos,
or skin cleansers, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.
Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.
What should I avoid while taking adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (topical)?
Avoid getting this medication in your mouth, nose, or eyes, or on your lips. If it does get
into any of these areas, rinse with water. Do not use adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical on
sunburned, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical on
wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication.
Avoid using skin products that contain salicylic acid, sulfur, or resorcinol while you are using
adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical.
Avoid using skin products that can cause dryness or irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos,
or skin cleansers, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). This medication
can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF
15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
What other drugs will affect adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (topical)?
Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied
adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about
all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs
prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (topical)?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not
a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009