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adapalene / benzoyl peroxide
Used for Acne
Used for Acne
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.
When does Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Epiduo, Epiduo Forte |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Retinoid / Topical antibiotic |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
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
When do Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Dry skin
Burning
Skin irritation
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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$437.92
GoodRx discount
$27.67
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.
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 | $27.67 | $27.67 |
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?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
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
What are alternatives to Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide)
Tretinoin vs. Adapalene for Acne: What Are The Differences and Which Works Better?
Compare the effectiveness of adapalene and tretinoin for acne and learn which retinoid could lead you to clearer skin.
5 Adapalene Side Effects to Know About
Adapalene (Differin) is a retinol that promotes skin cell turnover. Adapalene side effects include dryness and redness. Learn how to manage these side effects here.
Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) images
