Epiduo 0.1% Gel

Acne Doctor Service

Epiduo 0.1% Gel is used to treat symptoms of mild to moderate acne.

This gel combines two active ingredients, Adapalene and Benzoyl peroxide which work together but in different ways.

• Adapalene belongs to a group of products known as retinoids and acts specifically on the skin processes that cause acne and helps reduce the blockage and inflammation of pores on the skin.
• The other active ingredient, benzoyl peroxide works as an antimicrobial agent and by softening and peeling the outer layer of the skin.

You can order Epiduo Gel online from our UK registered online pharmacy and doctor service. To see if you are suitable for this treatment, complete the online assessment and checkout. Our UK registered doctors will review the order and after approval pass the prescription to the Pharmacy team. We will then dispense and dispatch your order to your chosen address.

Epiduo Alternatives

If you don’t feel Epiduo gel is right for you, there are a number of alternative approaches to treating acne. 

A good self care guide and information for acne is available from the British Skin foundation and on the NHS websites. 

NHS - Acne

What Is Epiduo?
Epiduo is a dual action treatment gel for acne. It contains adapalene 1% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% (a peeling agent).
If your acne has not responded to antibiotics or peeling agents alone, then Epiduo combines both, to provide a second line of treatment to more resistant acne.

How Long Will It Take Epiduo To Work?
This can vary, however, most people will see results within 4-5 weeks. It may take up to 12 weeks for some people. Most acne treatments take time for you to see the full benefits due to the shedding cycle of your skin.

How Is Epiduo Applied?
The gel is applied to the affected area in the evening, after washing your face. Following washing, apply Epiduo thinly over all affected areas with your fingertips.

What Are The Side Effects Of Epiduo?
The most common side effect of Epiduo is dry, red or sore skin. This is because Benzoyl Peroxide has a drying effect on the skin. If inflammation and dryness are severe, you should reduce the application frequency to once every two days. If you are still suffering from severe dry/red skin, you should stop using this treatment. You may also notice you have increased sensitivity to light. Wearing protective clothing/sunscreen is recommended if you notice your skin is more sensitive to sunlight.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Possible side effects of Epiduo 0.1% Gel 45g

Stop using the product and seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms:

•  if you develop throat tightness or swelling of the eyes, face, lips or tongue, feel faint, or have difficulty breathing.

Stop using the product if you develop hives or itching of the face or body.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• dry skin
• local skin rash (irritative contact dermatitis)
• burning sensation
• irritation of the skin
• redness
• scaling.

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• itching of the skin (pruritus)
• sunburn.

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, our Rightdose pharmacists or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.

You can help to make medicines safer by reporting any side-effects to the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

For a full list of side effects, please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

You can read the patient information leaflet of Epiduo at medicines.org.uk

Patient Information Leaflet Epiduo 1% Gel 45g

How to store Epiduo Gel

• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the tube and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
• Discard the tube or pump 6 months after first opening.
• Keep the medicine in its original container. Do not store above 25°C. Do not freeze.
• Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet.

How to use Epiduo Gel

Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Epiduo is only intended for use in adults and adolescents aged 9 years and over.

This medicine is for EXTERNAL USE ONLY.

Epiduo is applied at night before going to bed, unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

Directions:

1. Completely remove any make-up.

2. Wash the affected area of skin well. Then rinse with warm water and gently pat dry.

3. Put a thin film of gel on the entire area of affected skin, avoiding the eyes, lips and nostrils using your fingertips. Rub in gently.

4. Wash your hands after using the cream.

5. After it has dried, you can use a non-greasy make-up.

• Your doctor will tell you how long you will need to use Epiduo. If you feel that the effect of Epiduo is too strong or too weak, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you experience persistent irritation when applying Epiduo, contact your doctor. You may be asked to apply a moisturizer, to use the gel less often or to stop for a short time, or to stop using the gel altogether.

If you use more Epiduo than you should
If you use more Epiduo than you should on your skin, you will not get rid of your acne quicker, but your skin may become irritated and red. Please contact your doctor or the hospital:

• If you have used more Epiduo than you should.
• If a child has accidentally taken this medicine.
• If you accidentally swallow this medicine.

If you forget to use Epiduo
Do not apply a double dose to make up for forgotten individual doses.

Other medicines and Epiduo

• Do not use other acne products (containing benzoyl peroxide and / or retinoids) at the same time as Epiduo.
• Avoid using Epiduo at the same time as cosmetics that are irritating, drying or exfoliate the skin.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

• Epiduo should not be used during pregnancy.
  If you fall pregnant while taking Epiduo, the treatment must be discontinued and you should inform your doctor as soon as possible for a further follow-up.
• Epiduo can be used during breastfeeding. To avoid contact exposure of the infant, application of Epiduo to the chest should be avoided.

Driving and using machines
Not relevant.

Epiduo contains 40mg of propylene glycol (E1520) in each gram which is equivalent to 4 %w/w, it may cause skin irritation.

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not use Epiduo Gel 

• If you are allergic to adapalene or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• If you are pregnant
• If you are planning a pregnancy

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this medicine on areas where you have cuts or scrapes or if you have a skin condition called eczema.
• Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth or nostrils, and avoid other very sensitive areas of the body. If accidental contact does occur, immediately wash with warm water.
• If you experience sensitivity or irritation when applying this medicine, stop using it and tell your doctor. You may be asked to use the cream less often, or to stop using it until symptoms subside.

Epiduo can make your skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of the sun.

• You should avoid exposure to sunlight and artificial UV light whilst using Epiduo.
  You should use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while using it.

Avoid getting Epiduo on your hair or coloured fabrics as it may bleach them and wash your hands thoroughly after you have used the medicine.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

For a full list of side effects, precautions and warnings, please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

What Epiduo 0.1% Gel contains

The active substances are: Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. 1 g of gel contains 1 mg (0.1 %) adapalene and 25 mg (2.5 %) benzoyl peroxide.

The other ingredients 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.

What Epiduo looks like and contents of the pack
Epiduo is a white to very pale yellow opaque gel.

Epiduo is available in:
White plastic tubes with screw-cap containing 159, 309, 45g, 609 or 90g (not all pack sizes may be marketed).
White pumps with snap on cap containing 15 g, 30 g, 45 g or 609 (not all pack sizes may be marketed).