Epsolay
Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide) is a prescription cream used to treat rosacea in adults, including those with sensitive skin. It's thought to work by killing bacteria and removing the top layer of skin. You typically apply it once a day to your face. Common side effects include pain, redness, and itching where the cream was applied.
What is Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide)?
What is Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide) used for?
How Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide) works
Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide) is an antiseptic. While it's not fully understood how it works to treat rosacea, it helps kill bacteria and removes the top layer of your skin. This might reduce inflammation and improve your symptoms.
Drug facts
Side effects of Epsolay (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
- Pain at the application site (2%)
- Redness at the application site (2%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Itching at the application site
- Swelling at the application site
- Dry skin
- Stinging/burning
Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, swelling of your face or throat, trouble breathing, dizziness
The following Epsolay (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 to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
- Sensitivity to light
Get your GoodRx coupon
Pros and cons of Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide)
Pros
- Applied once a day
- FDA approved benzoyl peroxide cream to treat rosacea
- Specially designed to lessen skin irritation
Cons
- Only available by prescription
- Can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight
- Not approved for use in children
Pharmacist tips for Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide)
- Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide) can bleach hair or colored fabric. To avoid this, wash your hands right after applying the cream. Be careful not to get it on clothes, towels, or bedding.
- It's possible to develop serious allergic reactions to Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide). If you have trouble breathing, swelling, or a bad rash, stop using it right away and get medical help.
- Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide) can cause irritation like redness, dryness, peeling, or stinging. To help with this, use a gentle moisturizer after applying the cream to keep your skin more comfortable.
- Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide) can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid too much sun and don't use tanning beds. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when you're outside.
- Store Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide) at room temperature. Throw it away 60 days after opening the bottle, even if there's cream left.
How to use Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide):
- Prime: If you're using a new bottle, prime the pump by pressing it down until the first drop comes out.
- Apply: Apply a thin layer to each area of your face (forehead, chin, nose, and each cheek) exactly as prescribed. Don’t put it on your eyes, lips, mouth, or broken skin, since that can cause more irritation. Wash your hands right after.
- Moisturize: Use a gentle moisturizer after using Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide) to help reduce dryness or irritation.
Common questions about Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide)
Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide) isn't available over the counter, so you'll need a prescription from a healthcare professional. Once you have a prescription, you should be able to buy it at most pharmacies.
Before applying Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide), make sure your skin is clean and dry. Apply a pea-sized amount once a day in a thin layer to your forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose. Don't get any cream in your eyes, lips, or mouth. After applying it, wash your hands right away since the cream can stain or bleach fabric.
Some people start to see improvement in their skin by 2 weeks after starting Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide). But it can take a few months to see the full effects. Keep using the medication every day as prescribed by your dermatologist, even if the changes are slow at first.
No, Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide) should be stored at room temperature. Don't let it get too hot and cold because extreme temperatures can damage the medication.
No, there's currently no generic available for Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide). It only comes as a brand-name cream.
How to save using GoodRx
Risks and warnings for Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide)
Epsolay (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.
Allergic reactions
Serious allergic reactions like trouble breathing, swelling, and hives can happen with Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide). Let your prescriber know if you experience an allergic reaction, they might need to start treatment for the reaction.
Skin irritation
Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide) can cause redness, scaling, dryness, or stinging where it's applied. You might want to use a moisturizer to help with skin irritation. If these symptoms don't get better, stop using the cream and contact your prescriber. Don’t use Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide) on skin that has cuts, eczema, or sunburn.
Sun sensitivity
Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide) can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can raise your risk of sunburn. Limit your time in the sun and avoid tanning beds while using this medication. When going outside, wear sunscreen and clothing that protects your skin from the sun.
Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide) dosage
Cream pump| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30g of 5% | 1 pump | $534.12 | $534.12 |
Typical dosage for Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide)
Apply a pea-sized amount to each area of the face (forehead, chin, nose, and each cheek) once a day.
How much does Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide) cost?
$534.12
What are alternatives to Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide)?
Epsolay (benzoyl peroxide) images
