Uses

This combination medication is used to treat a certain type of acne (inflammatory acne vulgaris). It helps to decrease the number of acne pimples. Clindamycin is an antibiotic that stops the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide can also stop the growth of bacteria as well as reduce oil production in the skin, helping keep your pores open.

How To Use

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Before using this medication, wash the affected skin gently with mild, non-medicated cleanser, rinse with warm water, and pat dry. Apply a thin layer of this medication to the affected areas of the skin as directed by your doctor. Be careful to avoid your eyes, mouth, inside your nose, and any areas of broken skin. Wash your hands after each use.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.

Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

It may take up to 6 weeks to see a decrease in acne and up to 12 weeks to see the full benefit of the medication.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

Dry skin, redness, burning, itching, or skin peeling may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

You can use skin moisturizing creams or lotions to help reduce many of the side effects listed above.

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.

Precautions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide; or to clindamycin; or to lincomycin; 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:

• intestinal disorders (such as regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, antibiotic-associated colitis, C. difficile-associated diarrhea)

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.

This medication may bleach hair or colored fabric. Avoid contact with hair or clothing.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this form of clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide passes into breast milk. If using this medication on the breast, avoid using ointment forms of this medication. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

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 include:

• other acne medications used on the skin (such as dapsone)

Overdose

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 their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use 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.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. This medication is good for a limited time after you receive it. Discard any unused medication by the expiration date your pharmacist provides. 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.