6 Cabtreo Side Effects You Should Know About

Cabtreo (clindamycin / adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) is a prescription gel that treats acne. This three-in-one medication combines an antibiotic, a retinoid, and an antiseptic to target pimples.

It’s helpful to know about potential Cabtreo side effects before you start using it. This can help you get the most from your medication and know what steps to take to minimize side effects.

Cabtreo side effects at a glance

Below is a list of common and rare Cabtreo side effects. Keep in mind that other side effects are possible. So don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team about any side effects that appear — even if they aren’t listed here.

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Common Cabtreo side effects include:

• Stinging, burning, or pain where applied

• Redness

• Dry or irritated skin

• Flaking or peeling

• Itchiness

• Sun sensitivity

Rare and/or serious Cabtreo side effects include:

• Severe skin irritation

• Skin discoloration

• Upset stomach

• Diarrhea

• Clostridioides difficile (C.diff) colitis

• Inflamed hair follicles (folliculitis)

Below, we’ll cover six Cabtreo side effects in more detail, along with how to manage them and when to seek medical care.

1. Stinging or burning sensation

You may experience pain, such as a stinging or burning sensation, after applying Cabtreo to your skin. This was the most common Cabtreo side effect reported in clinical trials. In most cases, pain was described as mild to moderate, and it’s usually a temporary issue. Burning and stinging sensations will likely lessen and go away on their own after the first 2 weeks of treatment.  

Applying Cabtreo properly can help minimize discomfort. The manufacturer suggests:

• Before applying Cabtreo, wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Then rinse with warm water and pat dry. 

• Apply a small amount (no more than one pump) of Cabtreo to your skin in a thin layer. Don’t apply it more than once a day. Be sure to avoid your eyes, mouth, and the creases around your nostrils.

• Follow Cabtreo with a moisturizer and sunscreen as directed. Look for options that are oil-free, noncomedogenic, and unscented. These are less likely to irritate your skin or worsen acne.

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Another common tip for similar medications is to apply it less often (every other day) at first until your skin adjusts and tolerates it better. But if pain after applying Cabtreo is severe or doesn’t improve, let your prescriber know. They may have you pause Cabtreo until your skin heals. Or they may recommend a different acne medication. 

2. Redness

Skin redness (erythema) is another possible Cabtreo side effect. As with burning or stinging, it’s more likely during the first two weeks of treatment. But redness may persist for some people with sensitive skin or lighter skin tones.

To help minimize redness, avoid applying Cabtreo to skin that’s irritated, broken, or sunburned. And be sure to apply a daily moisturizer and sunscreen to keep your skin protected. It’s also a good idea to avoid applying heavy makeup to cover redness, as it may worsen irritation.

If you experience redness, a cool compress may provide soothing relief. If redness gets worse or doesn’t improve, talk to your prescriber for guidance. Note that redness accompanied by swelling or breathing difficulties may indicate an allergic reaction and requires immediate medical attention.

3. Dry, flaking, or peeling skin

Dry, itchy skin is another common side effect of Cabtreo, as well as many other acne medications. Flaking and peeling can also occur. In rare cases, you may experience severely dry, scaly patches (xerosis).

These side effects happen because the ingredients in Cabtreo increase the turnover of your skin cells. The good news is that these side effects are typically temporary and improve over time after the initial “purging” occurs. You may also experience more severe symptoms, known as a retinol burn, if you apply too much Cabtreo or use it more often than recommended.

To help manage dry or peeling skin, stick to gentle skincare products. Avoid toners or astringents that contain moisture-sapping ingredients, such as alcohol and witch hazel. Regular moisturizing can also help soothe dryness and reduce peeling. Do your best to avoid scrubbing or picking at your skin. This will only increase irritation and raise the risk of infection.

If dryness becomes severe or is accompanied by blistering or swelling, stop using Cabtreo and contact your prescriber. They may have you pause Cabtreo or make adjustments to your regimen to reduce these side effects.

4. Increased sensitivity to sun, wind, or cold

Cabtreo can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. It can also make your skin more sensitive to other environmental factors, such as cold or windy weather. To protect your skin:

• Avoid prolonged sun exposure and skip tanning beds.

• Use sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days.

• Wear protective clothing, such as hats, scarves, and sunglasses, when outdoors.

• Avoid extreme weather conditions whenever possible.

It’s also best to avoid facial waxing and let your aesthetician know you’re using Cabtreo before any facial treatments. If your skin becomes irritated or burned from the weather or a facial treatment, it’s a good idea to stop using Cabtreo until it heals. In the meantime, apply cool compresses and moisturize frequently.

5. Skin discoloration

Some people have had areas of their skin get lighter (hypopigmentation) or darker (hyperpigmentation) than usual while using products containing clindamycin, adapalene, and benzoyl peroxide — the active ingredients in Cabtreo.

Skin discoloration is uncommon, but let your prescriber know if it happens. They can help identify the cause and suggest treatment options.

Good to know: Cabtreo may bleach or discolor hair and fabrics. Wash your hands after applying, and take care to avoid getting it on your hair, clothing, or towels. 

6. Upset stomach

Although rare, some users may experience an upset stomach or diarrhea due to the clindamycin in Cabtreo. While uncommon with topical use, severe symptoms such as bloody stools or abdominal pain may indicate colitis, a more serious issue. This can occur even weeks after stopping the medication.

If you notice these symptoms, contact your prescriber or seek medical care right away.

How to save on Cabtreo

There are ways to save on Cabtreo, which is available as a brand-name medication. GoodRx can help you navigate between GoodRx coupons and copay savings cards to save money on your prescription.

• Save with GoodRx: Anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase Cabtreo at an exclusive cash price of $100.

• Save with a copay savings card: If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $0 for Cabtreo using a copay savings card from the manufacturer.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Patricia Weiser, PharmD

Patricia has 16 years of pharmacist experience. She previously held positions as a community pharmacist, pharmacy manager, and hospital pharmacist.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist in California. She has been a retail pharmacy manager and staff pharmacist for over 7 years and has contributed drug information content to different health companies.

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