Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide

Generic name: Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide [ a-DAP-a-leen-& BEN-zoe-il-peer-OKS-ide ]
Brand names: Epiduo, Epiduo Forte
Drug class: Topical acne agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 24, 2024.

Uses of Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide:

• It is used to treat pimples (acne).

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide?

• If you have an allergy to adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, or any other part of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide.
• If you are allergic to adapalene and benzoyl peroxide; any part of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take adapalene and benzoyl peroxide with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Certain acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can rarely cause very bad and sometimes life-threatening allergic reactions or very bad irritation. Before first use, you may need to follow certain steps to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction. Use adapalene and benzoyl peroxide as you were told by the doctor or read the package label. Talk with the doctor.
• Use care when putting on. It may bleach hair or colored fabric.
• Skin may look worse before it looks better.
• You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.
• Some weather conditions may irritate the skin. Talk with the doctor.
• Do not wax the affected skin. This may irritate the skin.
• Use of other skin products while using adapalene and benzoyl peroxide may cause more irritation.
• Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
• It may take several weeks to see the full effects.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If adapalene and benzoyl peroxide is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• People using adapalene and benzoyl peroxide may get skin reactions where adapalene and benzoyl peroxide is used. These reactions may include burning, dryness, redness, scaling, or stinging. Most of the time, these reactions will go away within 4 weeks after starting adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. If these reactions last for longer than 4 weeks or get worse, talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using adapalene and benzoyl peroxide while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide) best taken?

Use adapalene and benzoyl peroxide as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Do not take adapalene and benzoyl peroxide by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Do not put in the vagina.
• Do not put on cuts, scrapes, eczema, or damaged skin.
• Do not put on sunburned skin.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
• Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
• Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings, make-up) unless told to do so by the doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not put on 2 doses or extra doses.

Related/similar drugs

doxycycline, clindamycin topical, erythromycin topical, tetracycline, Tazorac

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad skin irritation.

What are some other side effects of Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Protect from heat.
• Keep lid tightly closed.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about adapalene and benzoyl peroxide, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer