Epiduo Gel is used for:

Treating acne. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Epiduo Gel is a combination of a retinoid and a keratolytic agent with antibacterial activity. Exactly how Epiduo Gel works to treat acne is not known. It helps to decrease acne formation by causing skin peeling and killing bacteria that cause acne.

Do NOT use Epiduo Gel if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Epiduo Gel

Before using Epiduo Gel:

Some medical conditions may interact with Epiduo Gel. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have eczema, damaged skin, or a sunburn at the affected area
• if you have a history of skin sensitivity to the sun, or if you spend a lot of time outdoors
• if you are using other medicine to treat acne

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Epiduo Gel. Because little, if any, of Epiduo Gel is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.

How to use Epiduo Gel:

Use Epiduo Gel as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Do not apply Epiduo Gel to eczema or to damaged or sunburned skin.
• Before applying Epiduo Gel, clean the area to be treated with mild soap or soapless cleanser and gently dry.
• Apply a thin film of Epiduo Gel to the affected skin and the surrounding area. Use a pea-sized amount for each area of the face (eg, forehead, chin, cheek) unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Rub in gently.
• Wash your hands right away after using Epiduo Gel.
• A mild sensation of warmth or slight stinging may occur shortly after using Epiduo Gel.
• If you miss a dose of Epiduo Gel, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once. If several applications are missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Important safety information:

• Epiduo Gel is for external use only. Do not get it in your eyes, mouth, nose, or in the angles of your nose. Do not get it in your vagina. If you get it in any of these areas, rinse right away with cool water.
• Do not use more than the recommended dose or more often than 1 time daily without checking with your doctor. This will not produce faster results and may increase irritation.
• Acne may worsen in the early stages of using Epiduo Gel. This is due to the action of Epiduo Gel on unseen lesions. Check with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after several weeks.
• Do not use other medicines or products on your skin while you are using Epiduo Gel without first checking with your doctor.
• Do not use irritating products on the affected skin while you are using Epiduo Gel. These products may include abrasive soaps and cleansers, soaps and cosmetics with strong skin-drying effects, and products with high amounts of alcohol, astringents, spices, or limes.
• Cosmetics may be used while you are using Epiduo Gel. After using cosmetics, wash and dry the affected area well before you apply Epiduo Gel.
• Epiduo Gel may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Epiduo Gel. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Wind or cold temperatures may irritate the affected area while you are using Epiduo Gel.
• Mild redness, scaling, dryness, stinging, or burning may occur when you start Epiduo Gel. These effects usually decrease with continued use of Epiduo Gel. Talk with your doctor if these effects continue or become bothersome.
• Skin moisturizers may be used if necessary. Do not use moisturizers that contain alpha hydroxy or glycolic acids.
• Certain cosmetic procedures, such as waxing, should not be performed on treated skin due to possible irritation.
• Epiduo Gel may bleach hair and colored fabrics.
• Epiduo Gel may cause harm if it is swallowed. If you may have taken it by mouth, contact your poison control center or emergency room right away.
• Epiduo Gel should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 12 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Epiduo Gel while you are pregnant. It is not known if Epiduo Gel is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Epiduo Gel, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby

Possible side effects of Epiduo Gel:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Dry skin; feeling of warmth; irritation; itching; peeling; redness; scaling; temporary burning and stinging.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blistering; crusting; excessive redness, peeling, or irritation; swelling.