Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Epiduo is a medicine that is sold as a gel. You can get it at the pharmacy by prescription. It is intended for topical application to the affected skin. Epiduo is a drug used in dermatology and venereology. Check out what you need to know about Epiduo.
Epiduo – action
Epiduo is an anti-acne gel intended for topical application to the skin. Epiduo contains two active substances. These are adapalene and benzoyl peroxide.
Adapalene is a retinoid. The substance penetrates inside the cells and binds there with the nuclear receptors of retinoic acid, affecting gene expression and mRNA synthesis.
Adapalene regulates keratinization disorders and normalizes epithelial cell differentiation, thanks to which fewer blackheads appear on the skin. It has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. It reduces acne lesions on the skin and stops the inflammatory process.
Whereas the second the active substance of Epiduo, i.e. benzoyl peroxide, is an oxidizing compound that easily penetrates into the stratum corneum. It also has local anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-seborrhoeic, anti-itching, drying and gently exfoliating effects.
Benzoyl peroxide is also good for the keratinization disorder that often accompanies acne and reduces the amount of comedones. In addition, this substance reduces the growth of anaerobic bacteria that cause acne vulgaris.
Check it out: Squeezing pimples – addiction or disease? Causes and consequences of squeezing pimples
Epiduo – indications
The indication for the use of Epiduo is the treatment of acne vulgaris, accompanied by blackheads, papules and pimples on the skin.
Epiduo – contraindications
Even if there are indications for the use of Epiduo gel, it cannot always be used. The main contraindication to the use of Epiduo gel is hypersensitivity, i.e. allergy to the active substances or any other ingredient of the preparation.
In addition, Epiduo gel should not be used on damaged skin, i.e. with cuts, abrasions or cracks. The gel should not be applied to burned skin, also after sunbathing and on skin that is not acne-prone to acne.
The preparation should also not be used during pregnancy.
Check it out: How do I choose a good acne cream?
Epiduo – precautions
Some diseases and other conditions may be permanent or periodic Contraindication to the use of Epiduo gel, or may be an indication for a dosage adjustment. Follow-up may also be required in some cases.
Epiduo is a preparation intended for external use only. It should be applied topically to the skin, protecting the eyes, mouth and mucous membranes from contact with the preparation. The gel should not be applied to open wounds and irritations on the skin. If you accidentally come into contact with Epiduo gel, rinse your eyes or mucous membranes with plenty of water.
When using Epiduo gel, avoid the sun, quartz lamps and solarium, or other sources of UV radiation. In addition, the preparation should not be used around the eyebrows, chin or hair, because benzoyl peroxide has bleaching properties. This also applies to clothes as Epiduo can discolor them.
If the patient develops symptoms of hypersensitivity after applying Epiduo, discontinue use of the gel immediately and consult a physician.
In addition, Epiduo Gel also contains propylene glycol which can irritate the skin. The gel has not been found to affect the ability to drive vehicles or operate machinery.
Check it out: Rosacea – how to care for the skin?
Epiduo – dosage
Epiduo is a gel for topical application to the skin. The gel should be used as directed and any doubts should be clarified with your doctor.
Epiduo should be applied to the skin once a day. Preferably at night, after cleansing the skin in the evening. A small amount of the gel should be applied to clean and dry skin with fingertips, and then spread on the affected area of the skin, avoiding the area around the eyes and mouth.
Hands should be washed thoroughly after each application of Epiduo. If irritation occurs, apply a non-comedogenic moisturizing cream. In this case, Epiduo gel should be applied less frequently, e.g. every other day, or temporarily discontinued.
The duration of the treatment is always determined by the doctor. The first effects of using Epiduo can be noticed after 1-4 weeks. Unfortunately, there are no data regarding the safety of the gel in children under 9 years of age.
Check it out: How to get rid of acne?
Epiduo – pregnancy and breastfeeding
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, do not use any medication without consulting your doctor. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor beforehand to clarify any doubts related to the possible risks resulting from the use of a given preparation. So pregnant women and those planning pregnancy should inform their doctor about it before issuing a prescription.
Breastfeeding women may use Epiduo gel only on the express recommendation of a doctor. At the same time, the preparation should not be applied to the chest skin to protect the child from contact with the preparation.
According to the manufacturer’s recommendations, Epiduo gel should not be used during pregnancyand if a woman becomes pregnant while using the gel, she should discontinue use immediately and introduce other safe treatments for acne.
Check it out: Antibiotic for acne – how acne arises, treatment, contraindications
Epiduo – interactions with other drugs
Before starting to use Epiduo gel, inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including those without a prescription. Produce Epiduo he did not conduct studies on the interaction of the gel with other preparations. However, remember not to use Epiduo with other topical acne preparations that work in a similar way or have a similar composition.
You should also be careful when using other cosmetics as they can irritate the skin. These include preparations that exfoliate or dry the skin, which may increase irritation.
Epiduo – side effects
Epiduo, like any other drug, may cause side effects. However, it should be remembered that they do not occur to everyone and usually the benefits of using the preparation outweigh any possible side effects.
During the use of Epiduo, the following may appear:
- skin dryness and irritation;
- burning sensation, as well as erythema on the skin;
- contact dermatitis;
- severe peeling of the skin;
- discomfort;
- Sun burns;
- itching;
- allergic contact dermatitis;
- burning and pain in the skin;
- swelling of the eyelids;
- throat tightness.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.