Epiduo Gel is used on the skin to treat acne. Epiduo Gel combines adapalene (a retinoid) and benzoyl peroxide (an antibiotic and skin-peeling agent). Adapalene works by affecting the growth of cells and decreasing swelling and inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide works by reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria and by causing the skin to dry and peel off. Epiduo Gel may decrease the number and severity of acne and promote quick healing of pimples.

Use Epiduo gel exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Epiduo is usually applied once a day. Apply Epiduo gel in a thin layer, rub it gently, and allow it to dry completely before dressing. Clean and pat dry the skin to be treated. Use a pea-sized amount of the gel for each treatment area (chin, forehead, and each cheek). Wash your hands before and after applying Epiduo gel. 

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse while using this medicine.

Before taking Epiduo gel, tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you are allergic to Epiduo gel and,
• Prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or using.
• Be sure to mention all skin care products, including soaps, cleansers, moisturizers, and cosmetics. Many skin care products can irritate your skin if you use them with Epiduo gel.
   Skin diseases such as eczema or cancer.
• If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to real and artificial sunlight. Do not use hot wax to remove unwanted hair during your treatment with Epiduo gel. You should know that moisturizers may help relieve the dry skin or irritation that may occur with Epiduo gel use.

Epiduo Gel's more common side effects may include,

• Dryness and peeling of the skin
• Flushing or redness of the skin
• Unusually warm skin

Epiduo Gel's less common side effects may include,

• Blistering, burning, crusting, or flaking of the skin
• Burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site
• Scaling, severe redness, or swelling of the skin

These side effects may disappear during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them.  

What happens if I miss a dose of Epiduo gel?

Apply Epiduo gel as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose on Epiduo gel?

Seek emergency medical attention if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

What should I avoid while using Epiduo gel?

Epiduo Gel is for use only on the skin. Do not use on open wounds or sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. Also, avoid using Epiduo on wounds or areas of eczema. Avoid getting Epiduo gel in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.
Avoid using skin products that irritate, such as harsh soaps or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

What other drugs will affect Epiduo gel?

Epiduo gel used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs, but many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.