Epiduo Forte Gel FAQs
Looking for some quick answers? Check out these frequently asked questions about Epiduo® Forte (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) Gel. 0.3%/2.5%.
If your acne is not getting any better and you’re 12 years old or older, you may be a good candidate for Epiduo Forte Gel. Ask your doctor if Epiduo Forte Gel is right for you.
The higher concentration of the retinoid adapalene in Epiduo Forte Gel works to help reduce the inflammation and redness associated with inflammatory moderate to severe acne. However, some users may experience redness, itching, dryness and stinging/burning when using Epiduo Forte Gel. You should talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have while on treatment. He or she may also recommend a regimen to include specific cleansers and moisturizers to help with the itching, pain and redness.
No, you can use it in the morning or evening. You can use Epiduo Forte Gel whenever it fits into your schedule. It's best to have a routine, so try to use it at the same time every day. First, talk to your dermatologist and follow his or her directions. It's important not to miss days so Epiduo Forte Gel can keep working.
Follow your doctor's instructions, but, typically, a pea-sized amount spread evenly across each affected area of your face is perfect. Using more won't speed things up, and it's not a good idea to spot-treat. Stick with the right amount and stay consistent. Avoid the areas around your eyes, lips and mucous membranes.
Epiduo Forte Gel should be used once per day, preferably at the same time every day. Regular treatment is essential for effective results. First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, like Cetaphil ® DERMACONTROL ™ Foam Wash or a wash recommended by your doctor. Dry with a soft towel but don’t scrub. Next, treat with Epiduo Forte Gel. Use a small, pea-sized amount and spread a thin layer over the affected areas of your face (forehead, chin and each cheek). Avoid the areas around your eyes and lips. Wash your hands after you apply the medicine. Wait for gel to dry completely before changing clothes. Finally, apply a gentle moisturizer during the day, preferably one with SPF protection, like Cetaphil ® DERMACONTROL ™ Moisturizer SPF 30.
Skipping a day of treatment can allow new pimples to begin forming beneath the skin's surface. So try to make Epiduo Forte Gel part of your regular daily routine. If you miss a day, just start the next day with the same pea-sized amount you always use on each of the affected areas of your face and you'll be back on track.
You should minimize your exposure to sunlight and sunlamps while on Epiduo Forte Gel, especially if you have an established sensitivity to the sun. If you are in the sun, use a “non-comedogenic” (won’t clog your pores) sunscreen and wear protective clothing over treated areas.
When a pea-sized amount is applied as thin layer to each of the affected areas of your face daily, one prescription typically lasts about 3 months.
Epiduo Forte Gel has a stronger concentration of the retinoid adapalene (.3% vs. .1%). Epiduo® Forte (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) Gel, 0.3%/2.5% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. In the pivotal study, the most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥1%) in patients treated with Epiduo Forte Gel were skin irritation, eczema, atopic dermatitis, and skin burning sensation.
Epiduo® (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) Gel, 0.1%/2.5% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older. In controlled clinical studies, the most commonly reported adverse events (≥1%) in patients treated with Epiduo® Gel were dry skin, contact dermatitis, application site burning, application site irritation and skin irritation.
Epiduo® (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) Gel, 0.1%/2.5% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older. In controlled clinical studies, the most commonly reported adverse events (≥1%) in patients treated with Epiduo® Gel were dry skin, contact dermatitis, application site burning, application site irritation and skin irritation.
Benzoyl peroxide is one of the two effective medicines in Epiduo Forte Gel. It kills the bacteria that cause breakouts and helps prevent pimples from coming back.
Adapalene is a type of retinoid and is the other medicine in Epiduo Forte Gel. It unclogs blocked pores, helping to stop pimples from forming under the skin's surface and decreasing the redness, swelling and inflammation associated with pimples.
