Find similiar products:
The text only version may be available in large print, Braille or audio CD.
For further information call emc accessibility on
0800 198 5000.
The product code(s) for this leaflet is: PL 10590/0067.
Epiduo 0.3% / 2.5% gel
Epiduo 0.3% / 2.5% gel
adapalene / benzoyl peroxide
1. What Epiduo is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you use Epiduo
3. How to use Epiduo
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Epiduo
6. Contents of the pack and other information
Epiduo gel belongs to a group of medicines called “anti-acne preparation for topical use” i.e. it is used for the treatment of acne vulgaris, when comedones (blackheads, whiteheads), numerous papules and pustules (inflammatory pimples) are present.
This gel combines two active ingredients, adapalene and benzoyl peroxide which work together but in different ways:
Epiduo 0.3% / 2.5% gel should only be used in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Epiduo gel.
If you experience persistent skin irritation when starting treatment with Epiduo gel contact your doctor (see section 3.How to use Epiduo).
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines.
Pregnancy
DO NOT use Epiduo if you are pregnant or thinking to become pregnant. Your doctor can give you more information.
If you fall pregnant while taking Epiduo 0.3% / 2.5% gel, the treatment must be discontinued and you should inform your doctor as soon as possible for a further follow-up.
Breast-feeding
If you are breast-feeding ask your doctor for advice before using this medicine.
Your doctor will advise you whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to abstain from treatment with Epiduo 0.3% / 2.5% gel.
If your doctor advises you to continue the treatment, avoid application of the gel to the chest in order to avoid contact exposure of the infant.
Epiduo gel has no or negligible effects on the ability to drive and use machines.
This medicine contains 40 mg propylene glycol (E1520) in each gram which is equivalent to 4% w/w.
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Epiduo 0.3% / 2.5% gel is only intended for use in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over.
Epiduo is a gel, used on the skin.
The doctor will decide which strength of Epiduo gel you need, depending on the severity and appearance of your acne. The doctor will also decide if you need any additional treatment.
Your doctor will tell you how long you will need to use Epiduo 0.3% / 2.5% gel.
If you do not see any improvement after 4-8 weeks you should discuss with your doctor the benefit of continuing the treatment.
If you experience persistent skin irritation during the first weeks when using Epiduo gel, contact your doctor. You may be asked to apply a moisturiser, to use the gel less often, to stop for a short time, or to stop using the gel.
Do not apply cosmetics (such as other facial creams or make-up) before the daily application of Epiduo gel. These products can be used after the applied gel has dried.
Epiduo 0.3% / 2.5% gel should not be used by children below 12 years of age.
If you use more Epiduo gel than you should on your skin, you will not get rid of your acne any quicker, but your skin may become irritated and red.
Please contact your doctor or the hospital if:
Your doctor will advise you on what action needs to be taken.
Do not apply a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
The spots (comedones, papules and pustules) will be reduced only after several applications of this medicine. Continue using Epiduo gel as long as prescribed by your doctor.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Approximately 1 in 10 people using Epiduo 0.3% / 2.5% gel may experience adverse skin reactions.
Stop using the product and seek immediate medical attention if you develop throat tightness or swelling of the eyes, face, lips or tongue, feel faint, or have difficulty breathing. Stop using the product if you develop hives or itching of the face or body. The frequency with which these side effects occur is not known.
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
In addition to the side effects described above, the following side effects have been reported with a lower strength of Epiduo gel (adapalene 0.1% / benzoyl peroxide 2.5%):
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)
Adverse reactions typically associated with use of Epiduo include mild to moderate application site reactions, such as skin irritation with redness, dryness, scaling, stinging and or burning of the skin.
Application site burns, mostly superficial but more severe cases involving blistering, have been reported.
If you experience persistent skin irritation during the first weeks when using Epiduo 0.3% / 2.5% gel, contact your doctor. Adverse skin-reactions, e.g. skin irritation, are more frequent with Epiduo 0.3% / 2.5 % gel than with lower strength Epiduo 0.1%/2.5 % gel. You may be asked to apply a moisturiser, to use the gel less often, to stop for a short time, or to stop using the gel. These reactions usually occur early in the treatment, and tend to gradually lessen over time.
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via
United Kingdom:
or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store
Ireland:
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and tube/pump after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not store above 25°C.
Shelf-life after first opening: 3 months
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
Epiduo gel is a white to very pale yellow opaque gel.
Epiduo gel is available in:
One plastic tube containing 2 or 5 grams
One pump containing 15, 30, 45, or 60 grams.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
UK MAH:
IE MAH:
This medicine is authorised in the Member States of the European Economic Area and in the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) under the following names:
Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Poland and Slovakia: Epiduo Forte
Estonia, Denmark, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania and Malta: Epiduo
Finland, France, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Sweden and United Kingdom (Northern Ireland): Epiduo 0.3% / 2.5% gel
Bulgaria and Spain: Epiduo Forte 3 mg/g + 25 mg/g Gel
Croatia and Portugal: Epiduo 3 mg/g + 25 mg/g Gel
Hungary and Netherlands: Effezel Forte
Romania: Epiduo Forte 3 mg/25 mg/g gel
This leaflet was last revised in May 2023.
P27840-4