This combination medication is used to treat a certain
type of acne (acne vulgaris). It may decrease the number and severity of
acne pimples and promote quick healing of pimples that do
develop.
Clindamycin is an antibiotic that stops the growth of
acne-causing bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide can also stop the growth of
acne-causing bacteria and also works by causing the skin to dry and peel.
Adapalene belongs to a class of medications called retinoids. Adapalene
works by affecting the growth of cells and decreasing swelling and
inflammation.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using this
product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your
doctor or pharmacist.
Wash and dry your hands before applying the medication.
Gently clean the affected skin with a mild or soapless cleanser and pat
dry. Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area and gently
rub in as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Wash your hands
after each use.
This medication is for use on the skin only. Avoid using
this medication around your eyes, nose folds, inside your nose or mouth, or
on any areas of broken skin unless directed by your doctor. If this
medication gets into your eyes, flush with large amounts of water. Call
your doctor if eye irritation develops.
Benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair or fabrics. Use this
product carefully, and avoid contact with hair, clothing, and
furnishings.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not use
a larger amount or use this drug more often than prescribed. Your skin will
not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will
increase.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and may
harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant
should not handle this medication.
Skin redness, dryness, peeling, mild burning/stinging,
swelling, or worsening of acne may occur during the first 4 weeks of using
this product. These effects usually get better as you keep using it. If any
of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly. Your doctor may want you to use a moisturizer, use the product
less often, or have you stop using it.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This medication may be absorbed into your bloodstream
and very rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria
called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to
months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you
develop:
- diarrhea that doesn't stop
- abdominal or stomach pain/cramping
- blood/mucus in your stool
If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or
opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to adapalene; or to benzoyl peroxide; or to
clindamycin; or to lincomycin; or to vitamin A-related drugs (other
retinoids such as isotretinoin); or if you have any other allergies. This
product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- eczema
- certain intestinal problems (such as regional enteritis,
ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, severe diarrhea with past antibiotic
use)
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun.
Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use
sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor
right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Wait until
your skin has completely recovered from a sunburn before using this
product. Weather extremes such as wind or cold may also be irritating to
the skin.
Avoid electrolysis, waxing, and chemical depilatories
for hair removal on the treated areas while using this
product.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and may
harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant
should not handle this medication.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using this medication.
Adapalene may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your
doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this
medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk when
used on the skin. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- other acne skin treatments (such as tretinoin, dapsone)
Avoid using other skin products that are harsh,
irritating, or drying on the treated area. These products include hair
perming solutions, alcohol/lime/menthol-containing products (such as
astringents, toners, shaving lotion), medicated or abrasive soaps or
cleansers, soaps and cosmetics with a strong drying effect (such as alpha
hydroxy acids, glycolic acid), and products containing sulfur, resorcinol,
salicylic acid.
If you have recently used products containing sulfur,
resorcinol or salicylic acid, use this product with caution. Wait until the
effects of such products on the skin have decreased before using this
product.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store the container upright at room temperature. Do not
freeze. Keep away from heat. Discard any unused medication by the
expiration date provided by your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from
children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.