adapalene / benzoyl peroxide
Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) is a topical gel that contains two active ingredients: adapalene (a retinoid) and benzoyl peroxide (an antiseptic). It's FDA approved to treat acne (pimples) in adults and children. The gel is typically applied to the skin once a day. Side effects aren't common, but can include dry skin, skin irritation, and skin burning. The medication is available as a generic and under two brand names: Epiduo and Epiduo Forte.
What is Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide)?
What is Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) used for?
- Acne in
- People 9 years and older - Epiduo
- People 12 years and older - Epiduo Forte
How Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) works
Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) is a retinoid / antiseptic combination of two medications that help treat acne.
- Adapalene is a retinoid, which is a form of vitamin A. It helps prevent clogged pores by removing dead skin cells and replacing them with new ones.
- Benzoyl peroxide is an antiseptic. It works by killing the bacteria on the skin that causes acne.
Drug facts
Side effects of Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Epiduo:
- Dry skin (7%)
- Rash (3%)
Epiduo Forte:
- Skin irritation (4%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Skin burning
- Skin scaling
- Skin redness
The following Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Change in skin color
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
- Sensitivity to light
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Pros and cons of Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide)
Pros
- Combination of two medications in a single product
- Only needs to be applied once a day
- Easy to apply
- Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
- Can make your skin more sensitive to the sunlight
- Can bleach clothing and bed sheets
- Can make skin dry or irritated
- Your skin might look worse before it starts looking better
Pharmacist tips for Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide)
- Use a mild cleanser to clean the affected area(s) where you'll be applying Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide). Make sure your skin is completely dry before using Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide).
- Apply a thin layer of Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) once per day on the affected area(s) of the skin. Avoid applying the gel to skin with eczema, sunburns, cuts, or scrapes.
- Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) should be applied directly on your skin only. Don't apply the medication in your eyes, mouth, or nose since that could lead to side effects.
- Use a mild moisturizer as often as needed to help prevent your skin from becoming too dry or irritated from Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide).
- Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing (e.g., hats, long-sleeved shirts) when going outside because Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
- After applying Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide), it's possible to feel or see skin redness, dryness, peeling, or stinging, especially during the first month. This is how the medication works and is normal, but it should go away as you continue to use it. If these skin reactions become too bothersome, talk to your care team.
- Don't use medicated soaps, cleansers, shampoos, or other personal care products that might cause skin irritation when using Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide). Some products contain drying agents, like alcohol, which can further irritate the skin. Ask your pharmacist or dermatologist for guidance on which products are safe to use with this medication.
- Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) can bleach your hair, colored fabric, and bed sheets. After applying the medication, make sure you let it completely dry before dressing, changing clothes, or lying down in bed.
- Avoid waxing for hair removal on areas of your skin treated with Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide), as this can cause further skin irritation.
- Store Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) at room temperature away from heat. Keep it tightly closed and out of reach from children.
Common questions about Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide)
Stopping Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) can cause your acne to come back. To make sure you're getting the most out of your treatment, use the medication as prescribed. If you're thinking about stopping Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) but are worried about your acne returning, talk to your care team. They can suggest lifestyle changes, like a consistent skincare routine, a balanced diet, and regular exercise, to help manage your skin.
Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) contains adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. While the adapalene component isn’t exactly a retinol, it's similar. Both retinol and adapalene are types of retinoids, which are forms of vitamin A. Retinol is a retinoid you can buy over-the-counter and is often used in skincare products. On the other hand, the adapalene in Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) is a stronger, prescription-only retinoid used to treat acne.
Yes, Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) can be used at any time of the day, including the morning. The most important thing is to be consistent and use it at the same time each day for the medication to work best.
Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) should only be applied once per day unless your prescriber specifically said it was okay to apply it more frequently. Applying this medication more than once per day won't make it work any better; instead, it'll raise your risk for side effects like skin irritation, stinging, and burning. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions on how often you should use Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide).
There isn't much research on the safety of Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) during pregnancy. In general, oral retinoids should be avoided during pregnancy because it can cause serious harm to the unborn baby. But research is less clear about topical retinoids like Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide). Discuss with your dermatologist before using this medication if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant.
Probably, moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid can be used with Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide). Moisturizers are useful especially if Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) is drying out your skin. But speak with your dermatologist if you have questions about what products you can use with Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide).
Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) isn't typically used as a spot treatment for acne, nor was it studied that way. It's meant to be applied across the entire affected area of your face and/or trunk. Ask your dermatologist if you have questions on the best product to use for spot treatment.
Epiduo and Epiduo Forte are brand-name medications containing adapalene / benzoyl peroxide. The main difference is the strength of adapalene they contain. Epiduo has a lower strength with adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5%, and it's approved for people 9 years and older. Epiduo Forte has a higher strength with adapalene 0.3% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5%, and it's approved for people 12 years and older. Talk to your dermatologist to find out which option is best for you.
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Risks and warnings for Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide)
Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Sunburn
Your skin can become more sensitive to sunlight while using Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide). Too much exposure to the sun can cause severe sunburn. Minimize your exposure to sunlight, sun lamps, and tanning beds during and immediately following treatment with Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide). If possible, limit your time out in the sun or seek shade when you're outside. If you plan on spending time in the sun, wear sunscreen and protective clothing (e.g., hats, long-sleeved shirts).
Skin irritation
- Risk factors: First month of using Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) | Applying Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) to areas with cuts, wounds, or bruises | Also using medicated skin products
Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) can cause skin irritation, such as dry skin, redness, and stinging or burning. These skin reactions are expected to be worse during the first month of using the medication, and should get better after that. Use a mild, non-medicated moisturizer as much as needed to help prevent skin irritation. Don't apply Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) to areas of your skin with cuts, scrapes, wounds, or bruises, because those areas might already be irritated. Also, avoid hair waxing on skin areas treated with the medication because this can lead to worsening skin damage. Depending on how severe your side effects are, your prescriber might recommend you use Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) less often or even stop the medication altogether.
Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) dosage
Gel pump| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45g of 0.1%/2.5% | 1 pump | $23.71 | $23.71 |
Typical dosage for Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide)
Apply a thin layer to the affected area of skin once a day.
How much does Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) cost?
Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to adapalene or benzoyl peroxide
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