How Long Does It Take for Cabtreo to Work? Plus, 4 More Cabtreo FAQs

Acne isn’t just a skin condition — it can take a toll on your self-esteem and overall quality of life. Thankfully, there are a number of effective acne treatments available, including Cabtreo (clindamycin / adapalene / benzoyl peroxide). Cabtreo is a topical gel applied once daily that contains three different acne-fighting ingredients. 

If you’re using Cabtreo or considering it, common questions include: How long does Cabtreo take to start working? And what’s the best way to apply it? Here, we’ll answer five common questions about Cabtreo to help you get the most out of your treatment and feel confident in your skin.

1. How long does it take Cabtreo to work?

Cabtreo begins working right away to target the root causes of acne. But it may take a few weeks to see noticeable improvement. In clinical trials, about 50% of people using Cabtreo had clear or almost clear skin after 12 weeks of treatment. People also reported a 70% to 80% reduction in pimples and other visible acne symptoms.

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While individual results can vary, it’s a good idea to check in with your prescriber if you’re not seeing improvement after three months of using Cabtreo. They can help determine if a different acne treatment may be a better option for you.

Does Cabtreo help purge your skin of acne?

Yes, Cabtreo may cause a temporary “purging” during the first few weeks of treatment. This happens as clogged pores clear out, leading to a brief worsening of acne. You may also notice red, dry, or peeling skin during this time. 

While this process can be frustrating, it’s a sign that the medication is working. Stick with your prescribed routine, and the flare should ease as your skin begins to adjust and improve. But if symptoms are severe or bothersome, talk to your prescriber about using Cabtreo less often or trying a less potent treatment option. 

2. How does Cabtreo work?

Acne is caused by several factors, including:

• Inflammation

• Clogged pores

• Excessive oil production

• The overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria

Cabtreo’s three active ingredients treat acne by targeting these issues:

• Benzoyl peroxide is an antiseptic that helps kill acne-causing bacteria on your skin. It also helps remove excess oil and dead skin cells to unclog pores.

• Adapalene is a retinoid that speeds up the turnover of skin cells. This helps unclog pores, encourage new skin cell growth, and reduce the formation of new acne. 

• Clindamycin is an antibiotic that prevents the growth of bacteria. It also helps reduce inflammation and redness caused by acne.

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Cabtreo’s unique gel formulation is designed to spread evenly and penetrate deeply. In a study, about 25% of people using the gel base alone (without any medication in it) had clear skin after 12 weeks. These results suggest that the gel formula itself may also help hydrate and support skin health alongside the acne-fighting benefits of its active ingredients. 

The active ingredients in Cabtreo are each available as separate products on their own. But using them individually can be time-consuming and confusing. Simplifying your routine with a combination acne medication like Cabtreo makes it easier to stick with your treatment plan. They can also boost effectiveness, minimize skin irritation, and may even help you save money.

3. What should you expect when starting Cabtreo?

During the first 4 weeks of using Cabtreo, you may experience mild irritation as your skin adjusts to the treatment. Redness, dryness, and peeling are common early side effects. So it may seem that your skin is getting worse at first. But these symptoms typically go away with continued use.

The following steps can help you reduce and manage side effects when starting Cabtreo:

• Moisturize regularly. Cabtreo contains moisturizing agents to reduce irritation. But applying a separate acne-friendly moisturizer after you apply Cabtreo can help soothe your skin.

• Use sunscreen. As mentioned, Cabtreo can increase sun sensitivity. So you should apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect your skin.

• Avoid harsh skin products. Stay away from exfoliating scrubs, alcohol-based toners, or products with alcohol or other astringents.

• Adjust frequency of use if needed. If irritation persists, talk to your prescriber about applying Cabtreo less often (such as every other day). This can help reduce irritation from the medication, especially at first.

4. When is the best time to apply Cabtreo?

Cabtreo is applied once daily, but the manufacturer doesn’t specify a certain time of day.

In most cases, it’s best to apply products that contain a retinoid at night. This is because the sun can deactivate some retinoids. It also helps reduce additional skin irritation caused by the sun. But adapalene, the retinoid in Cabtreo, isn’t as affected by the sun and is less irritating than other retinoids. So it’s fine to apply Cabtreo at any time of day, as long as you’re consistent.

5. How long do you have to use Cabtreo?

How long you’ll need to use Cabtreo depends on your skin’s response and your healthcare team’s recommendations.

It’s best to use Cabtreo for at least 12 weeks to get the full effect of the medication. But your acne may return if you stop using it after this time. So many people continue topical acne treatment long-term once they find a product that works well.

In most cases, your dermatologist will check in with you periodically to make sure Cabtreo is still working and you aren’t having any bothersome side effects. They can help you decide when it’s time to try stopping the medication. 

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.

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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:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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