How Long Does It Take for Cabtreo to Work? Plus, 4 More Cabtreo FAQs
Cabtreo is a topical acne medication. Learn more about Cabtreo, including how long Cabtreo takes to work and how to use it, with our answers to four FAQs.
Cabtreo
Used for Acne
Used for Acne
Cabtreo is a combination medication that’s made up of three active ingredients: clindamycin (an antibiotic), adapalene (a retinoid), and benzoyl peroxide (an antiseptic). These ingredients work together to treat acne in people 12 years of age and older. Cabtreo is a topical gel that’s applied as a thin layer onto the face once daily. Common side effects of the medication include pain, redness, and dryness at the site of application.
What is Cabtreo?
What is Cabtreo used for?
How Cabtreo works
Cabtreo is a combination of three medications that work together to treat acne.
- Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic. It prevents the bacteria that cause acne from making essential proteins for their growth. This stops the bacteria from growing and spreading.
- Adapalene is a retinoid. It works by getting rid of dead skin cells and promoting the growth of new skin cells. This helps remove facial blemishes from the skin by unclogging pores that are overfilled with dead skin cells and oil.
- Benzoyl peroxide is an antiseptic. It prevents acne-causing bacteria from being able to grow and spread on the skin. In addition, it helps improve the skin texture by shedding damaged or flaking skin and reducing inflammation.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Cabtreo |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Lincosamide antibiotic / Retinoid / Antiseptic |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Cabtreo essentials
Side effects of Cabtreo
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
- Pain at the application site (14%)
- Skin redness (5%)
- Dry skin (4%)
- Skin irritation (2%)
- Skin peeling or flaky skin (2%)
Cabtreo serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction: severe facial swelling (including eyelids), tongue or mouth swelling, skin rash, hives, itching, trouble breathing, chest tightness
- Serious gut problems: stomach pain, diarrhea, blood in your stool
More on Cabtreo side effects
The following Cabtreo 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
- Severe diarrhea, fever
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
- Skin reactions on sun-exposed areas
Get your GoodRx coupon
$1134.53
GoodRx discount
$916.70
Pros and cons of Cabtreo
Pros
- Three medications that treat acne in one product, so it’s convenient
- Applied to the skin
- Approved for children ages 12 years and older
Cons
- Uncomfortable side effects like pain at the application site and skin peeling
- Skin can become sensitive to the sun, which can increase the likelihood of sunburns
- May bleach your hair, clothing, and bedding
Pharmacist tips for Cabtreo
- The pharmacist will get Cabtreo out of the refrigerator when you pick it up from the pharmacy. Once you get home, keep the medication at room temperature until its expiration date (in 2.5 months). Make sure to keep Cabtreo away from heat and store it upright.
- Cabtreo can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. This can increase the risk for sunburn and possible skin cancer. Wear water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 (or higher) daily to protect your skin from the sun and forms of artificial light.
- During the first two weeks of treatment with Cabtreo, your skin may become more irritated and your acne may worsen. But the appearance of your skin should improve as you continue to use Cabtreo and with time. Speak with your dermatologist if you’re concerned about how your skin looks while you’re using Cabtreo.
- It's best to apply a moisturizer to your face every day while you’re using Cabtreo. This medication can dry the skin, which can be very uncomfortable for some people. Moisturizers help replenish the skin and relieve dryness and skin irritation. Please seek further guidance from your dermatologist to find a moisturizer for your skin.
- Cold weather and wind can make skin that’s treated with Cabtreo even drier. Have a moisturizer handy to prevent cracked skin. You can also apply a cold compress to the irritated skin for a few minutes several times a day to help soothe the skin. But don’t place ice or ice packs directly to the skin since it can lead to more irritation.
Tips on how to use Cabtreo:
- Wash your hands and your face with a gentle cleanser before you use Cabtreo. Then, pat dry your skin. Cabtreo works best when it’s applied to clean, dry skin.
- Press the Cabtreo pump to get a pea-sized amount of medication onto your fingertip. Place small dots of medication onto the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Then, gently rub the gel into your face with your fingertips to spread the medication into a thin layer over your entire face.
- Be careful when you’re spreading Cabtreo over your face so that the medication doesn’t get too close to your eyes, mouth, and nose. Also avoid applying Cabtreo to skin that has cuts, burns, or any open wounds. Cabtreo can irritate the skin if it’s applied near or on any of these areas.
- After applying Cabtreo, wash your hands well with soap and water to get any leftover medication off your hands. This makes sure that the medication doesn’t accidentally get in or near extra sensitive areas like your nose, mouth, or eyes. It also prevents the medication from getting into food items or onto pets.
Risks and warnings for Cabtreo
Cabtreo 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.
Serious gut problems
- Risk factors: Using Cabtreo for a long period of time | Use of opioids or Lomotil
Some people have developed a condition called colitis while they used clindamycin, one of the ingredients in Cabtreo. Colitis happens when your colon becomes inflamed. This can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, or blood in your stool. People who use opioid medications, like Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen) or tramadol, or Lomotil (diphenoxylate / atropine) may be at risk for prolonged or worsening colitis. Severe colitis can be life-threatening and may occur even weeks after stopping Cabtreo. Stop using Cabtreo right away and contact urgent care if you experience any diarrhea.
Skin that's sensitive to sunlight
Using Cabtreo can cause your skin to be more sensitive to the sun and to artificial sunlight, such as tanning beds. Having skin that’s sensitive to the sun can increase your risk of sunburns and potentially skin cancer. It’s recommended that you limit your time out in the sun. If you do have to be out in the sun, wear a hat and other protective clothing and apply sunscreen daily to protect the skin from sunburns and the risk of skin cancers in the future.
Skin irritation
- Risk factors: Using other topical facial products that are irritating to the skin | Extremely cold or windy weather
Cabtreo can cause your skin to be easily irritated. You may feel pain where you applied Cabtreo onto the skin or notice skin redness, dryness, or peeling. Skin irritation most commonly happens during the first month of treatment, but it should improve with time.
It’s best to avoid using other topical facial products that may be rough on the skin, like medicated soaps, products that tighten or dry out the skin, or products that contain high levels of alcohol or spices. These products can make your skin more prone to irritation. Extreme cold or windy weather can also make your skin more irritated.
Ask your dermatologist about ways to manage skin irritation while you’re using Cabtreo. They may recommend applying a moisturizer to your face daily or using Cabtreo on the face less often. Contact your dermatologist right away if you notice significant irritation.
Cabtreo dosage
The average cost for 1 pump of 50g of 1.2%/0.15%/3.1% of Cabtreo is $916.70 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 19.20% off the average retail price of $1,134.53. 
Gel pump
Gel pump| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50g of 1.2%/0.15%/3.1% | 1 pump | $916.70 | $916.70 |
Typical dosage for Cabtreo
Spread a pea-sized amount of Cabtreo into a thin layer over the affected area(s) on your face once daily. Cabtreo contains 1.2% of clindamycin, 0.15% of adapalene, and 3.1% of benzoyl peroxide.
How much does Cabtreo cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Cabtreo (brand)
$916.70
Cabtreo 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 Cabtreo will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to clindamycin, adapalene, or benzoyl peroxide (the ingredients of Cabtreo)
- History of inflammation of your small intestine (enteritis) or colon (colitis), ulcerative colitis, or colitis that happens with antibiotic treatment
What are alternatives to Cabtreo?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Cabtreo. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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