Epiduo Gel

You should not use Epiduo gel if you:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have an allergy to any of the ingredients in Epiduo gel
• have an open cut, sunburn or damaged skin
• have eczema
• use other treatments for acne that contain benzoyl peroxide
• use other products that have adapalene or another type of vitamin A, such as tretinoin, isotretinoin or retinol

If you’re looking for an acne treatment without benzoyl peroxide, you can try Differin gel or Differin cream from Asda Online Doctor.

When you first start using Epiduo gel, side effects such as dry skin are more likely. You can use Epiduo gel every other day or a couple of times a week to avoid side effects.

Common side effects of Epiduo gel include:

• dry skin
• skin rash
• burning sensation
• skin irritation (contact dermatitis)
• redness
• scaly or flaky skin

Less common side effects of Epiduo gel

• sunburn (if you do not wear sunscreen)
• itchy skin (pruritus)

Speak to a doctor straight away if you use Epiduo gel and get blisters or have an allergic reaction.

For more details, read the patient information leaflet inside your pack of Epiduo gel.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

You should not use Epiduo gel if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy. If you become pregnant when using Epiduo gel, stop using it immediately and speak to your doctor.

You can use Epiduo gel if you’re breastfeeding but avoid applying the gel to your chest. Allow the gel to be absorbed into your skin before breastfeeding.

Women who are using this treatment should make sure they are using effective contraception if they are sexually active. Long acting reversible contraception such as the implant or coil are recommended, if using a contraceptive pill, condoms should also be used. This is because of risks to a baby if you become pregnant when using this.

Epiduo gel and interactions with medicines or other products

Epiduo gel can interact with other medicines or products, these include:

• other retinoids (isotretinoin or adapalene)
• other products with benzoyl peroxide or peeling agents like glycolic acid, salicyclic acid or lactic acid
• exfoliators
• makeup or skin cleansers that can dry out your skin

Epiduo gel and sunlight

The active ingredients in Epiduo gel make you more sensitive to UV light and sunlight, so you are more likely to get sunburn. You should wear sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) and 3 to 5 star UVA rating to protect your skin.

While using Epiduo gel, you should avoid:

• spending time in direct sunlight either outside or by a window
• using sunbeds
• using sunlamps

Which active ingredients does Epiduo gel contain?

The active ingredients in Epiduo gel are adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. In 1g of gel, there is 1mg (0.1%) of adapalene and 25mg (2.5%) of benzoyl peroxide.

The other ingredients in Epiduo gel are docusate sodium, disodium edetate, glycerol, poloxamer, propylene glycol (E1520), Simulgel 600 PHA and purified water.

If you have an allergy or are sensitive to any of the ingredients in Epiduo gel, please speak to your doctor for advice before you apply it to your skin.

How should Epiduo gel be disposed of?

If you want to dispose of your Epiduo gel, whether it is expired or partially full, take the pump to your local pharmacy. You need to throw away your Epiduo gel 6 months after you first open it.

How should Epiduo gel be stored?

You should store Epiduo gel inside the pump tube until you need to use it. Keep your Epiduo gel below 25°C, but there is no need to put it in the fridge.

What does Epiduo gel look like?

Epiduo gel is a white to pale yellow opaque gel in a white plastic tube with a pump.

In which pack sizes is Epiduo gel available?

Epiduo gel is available in 30g, 45g or 90g tubes.

Information on the manufacturer

The company that holds the marketing authorisation of Epiduo gel is Galderma Limited, Meridien House, 69-21 Clarendon Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1DS, UK.

Epiduo gel is manufactured by Galderma Limited.