Lymecycline 408mg capsules and Epiduo gel

Lymecycline 408mg capsules and Epiduo gel are 2 different medicines you can use together to treat acne.

Lymecycline 408mg capsules contain lymecycline, which is a tetracycline antibiotic. You take 1 lymecycline capsule each day to help kill bacteria that cause acne, such as Propionibacterium acnes.

Epiduo gel is an acne treatment that contains adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. Adapalene is a retinoid and benzoyl peroxide is antibacterial. You apply Epiduo gel directly onto your skin once a day to help to clear acne spots, blackheads, whiteheads and pimples.

Lymecycline 408mg capsules work by killing bacteria that cause acne, and also help to reduce inflammation. Oral antibiotics like lymecycline are used together with topical treatments like Epiduo, to treat more severe acne.

Epiduo gel contains 2 active ingredients, adapalene and benzoyl peroxide, that work together to treat acne. Adapalene is a type of retinoid. Retinoids work by helping the turnover of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, so that they don’t block your pores. It also helps reduce inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide helps by reducing the bacteria on the surface of the skin.

You can use lymecycline 408mg capsules and Epiduo gel if you:

• are are not allergic to any of the ingredients in either lymecycline 408mg capsules or Epiduo gel
• are not allergic to other tetracycline antibiotics, such as oxytetracycline, doxycycline or minocycline
• have not got kidney disease
• are not pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• are not 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.

Speak to your doctor before taking lymecycline 408mg capsules or using Epiduo gel if you:

• have or have ever had liver problems or kidney problems
• have systemic lupus erythematosus
• have Myasthenia Gravis
• are using other acne treatment products

If you’re not sure about whether you can use lymecycline 408mg capsules and Epiduo gel, message a doctor at Asda Online Doctor. For more details, you can read the patient information leaflet for lymecycline 408mg capsules and Epiduo gel.

There are other acne medications you can try from Asda Online Doctor such as:

• Zineryt (erythromycin)
• Differin gel or Differin cream
• Aknemycin Plus

There are side effects you may experience while using lymecycline 408mg capsules and Epiduo gel.

Here some common side effects with lymecycline 408mg capsules:

• nausea
• abdominal pain
• diarrhoea
• headache

Lymecycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so you should avoid spending time out in the sun and use sunscreen while using lymecycline.

Common side effects of Epiduo gel include:

• dry skin
• local skin rash
• burning sensation on skin
• skin irritation
• redness

If you notice any of the following side effects after taking lymecycline 408mg capsules or using Epiduo gel, get in touch with your doctor straight away:

• signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of face, tongue or throat
• difficulty breathing
• severe peeling or swelling of the skin
• blistering of the skin, eyes, mouth or genitals
• rash on skin with pink or red blotches

For more details on side effects, read the lymecycline 408mg capsules patient information leaflet or the Epiduo gel patient information leaflet.

You should talk to your doctor about any other medications you’re taking, including herbal remedies, before you take lymecycline 408mg capsules or use Epiduo gel.

You must not use lymecycline 408mg capsules and Epiduo gel at the same time as the following medications:

• indigestion remedies for heartburn, such as antacids
• ulcer treatments, such as omeprazole
• quinapril
• calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron or aluminium vitamins or supplements
• oral retinoids, like isotretinoin
• anticoagulants (blood thinners), like warfarin or aspirin
• diuretics (water tablets)
• for epilepsy, such as barbiturates (phenytoin, carbamazepine)
• methoxyflurane (an anaesthetic for pain relief)
• other acne products containing benzoyl peroxide or retinoids
• makeup or products that can dry out your skin

Which active ingredients do lymecycline 408mg capsules and Epiduo gel contain?

The active ingredient in lymecycline 408mg capsules is lymecycline. Epiduo gel contains the active ingredients adapalene (0.1%) and benzoyl peroxide (2.5%).

The other ingredients in lymecycline 408mg capsules are colloidal hydrated silica, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide (E171), gelatine, indigo carmine FD&C blue (E132), black iron oxide (E172), titanium dioxide (E171), yellow iron oxide (E172).

The other ingredients in Epiduo gel are docusate sodium, disodium edetate, glycerol, poloxamer, propylene glycol (E1520), Simulgel 600 PHA (copolymer of acrylamide and sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate, isohexadecane, polysorbate 80, sorbitan oleate) and purified water.

How should lymecycline 408mg capsules and Epiduo gel be disposed of?

Do not throw away lymecycline 408mg capsules or Epiduo gel in your household bin. Once you open an Epiduo gel, you need to dispose of it 6 months later. Take any unused or expired medicine to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.

How should lymecycline 408mg capsules and Epiduo gel be stored?

Store lymecycline 408mg capsules and Epiduo gel in their original packaging in a cool and dry place away from children. You do not need to keep Epiduo gel in the fridge.

What do lymecycline 408mg capsules and Epiduo gel look like?

Lymecycline 408mg capsules are half blue and half white long, hard gelatin capsules. Epiduo gel is a white, yellowish opaque gel.

In which pack sizes are lymecycline 408mg capsules and Epiduo gel available?

Lymecycline 408mg capsules are available in a pack size of 84 capsules and Epiduo gel comes in a 45g tube.

Information on the manufacturer

The manufacturer of lymecycline 408mg capsule is Balkanpharma-Dupnitsa AD, 3 Samokovsko Shosse Str., Dupnitza 2600, Bulgaria.

The manufacturer of Epiduo gel is Laboratoires Galderma, ZI — Montdésir - 74540 Alby sur Chéran - France, PL 10590/0057, PA 22743/007/001.