Epiduo Forte Side Effects

Generic name: adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 11, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Epiduo Forte Side Effects associated with adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Epiduo Forte.

Applies to adapalene/benzoyl peroxide topical: topical application gel/jelly, topical application pad.

Precautions

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to use it.

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

Serious side effects of Epiduo Forte

Along with its needed effects, adapalene/benzoyl peroxide topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical:

Other side effects of Epiduo Forte

Some side effects of adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

See also:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to adapalene / benzoyl peroxide topical: topical gel.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects include irritative contact dermatitis, burning sensation, and dry skin.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Irritative contact dermatitis, dry skin/dryness, skin irritation, erythema, skin exfoliation/scaling
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sunburn, pruritus, atopic dermatitis, eczema
• Frequency not reported: Skin pain/stinging pain
• Postmarketing reports: Allergic contract dermatitis, blisters/vesicles, skin discoloration, rash^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Application site burning, application site irritation^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Burning sensation/skin burning sensation^[Ref]

Ocular

• Postmarketing reports: Eyelid edema, conjunctivitis^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Postmarketing reports: Throat tightness^[Ref]

Other

• Postmarketing reports: Swelling face^[Ref]

Further information

Epiduo Forte side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer