Epiduo gel treats acne vulgaris (severe acne) in people at least nine years old. It contains a combination of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide; adapalene helps the skin renew itself. Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect. It also has a mild drying effect, allowing excess oils and dirt to wash away easily from the skin.

Follow the directions on your prescription or package label carefully. Apply Epiduo gel exactly as directed. Do not apply more or less of it or more often than prescribed by your doctor or stated on the package. Applying Epiduo gel more often than recommended will not speed up or improve results, but it may irritate your skin.

Do not apply Epiduo gel to skin that is sunburned, broken, or covered with eczema (a skin disease). If you have any of these conditions, do not apply adapalene until your skin has healed.

To use the Epiduo gel, follow these steps:

• Epiduo gel is usually applied once a day at bedtime.
• Gently wash the affected skin with a mild soap or soapless cleanser and pat dry with a soft towel. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleansers, and do not scrub your skin vigorously. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a gentle cleanser.
• Use your fingers to spread a thin film of medication over the affected area. Epiduo gel is applied to the affected area, not only to a single pimple or spot.
• You may feel a slight warmth or sting when you apply Epiduo gel. This feeling is normal and should go away by itself in a short time.

Before taking Epiduo Gel,

• You should not use Epiduo gel if allergic to adapalene or benzoyl peroxide.

To make sure Epiduo is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• Other skin problems include cuts, abrasions, sunburn, or eczema.

It is unknown whether adapalene or benzoyl peroxide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Common side effects of Epiduo gel may including:

• Dry or scaly skin;
• skin redness; or
• Burning or stinging.

Get emergency medical help if you have the following:

• Hives, itching.
• Difficulty breathing, feeling light-headed.
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. 

It is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Why is Epiduo Gel prescribed?

Epiduo Gel is used to treat acne. It works by stopping pimples from forming under the surface of the skin.

What other information should I know?

Products containing alcohol, lime, or spices may be too harsh on your skin when combined with Epiduo gel. On the other hand, products that contain vitamin C may help to reduce some skin inflammation.

What side effects can Epiduo Gel cause?

Skin redness, dryness, peeling, mild burning, swelling, or worsening of acne may occur during the first four weeks of using Epiduo Gel.