Epiduo Gel
- Treats moderate to severe acne
- Topical retinoid treatment
- Fights against acne causing bacteria
prescription included
order before 2pm
and team of dispensers
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What is Epiduo gel?
Epiduo 0.1%/2.5% gel is a topical gel medicine which contains the active ingredients adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. It is a treatment for acne in adults and children aged 9 years and above. You cannot buy Epiduo gel without a prescription.
It works to unblock the pores and sebaceous glands, which helps to decrease inflammation and redness caused by acne.
Additionally, it kills the bacteria that cause acne and promotes skin turnover, which also helps to clear blocked pores and reduce harmful bacteria on the skin.
Epiduo gel is particularly useful when used to treat acne that is moderate to severe.
What is Epiduo gel used to treat?
This lightweight gel is an effective acne treatment.
Sebum is a natural, oily substance that is required to keep your skin smooth. Acne is often caused by an overproduction of sebum, which can block the skin's pores and cause them to become infected. This can result in the formation of spots, whiteheads and blackheads.
Using Epiduo gel has provided effective treatment for acne for many sufferers. The active ingredient, adapalene, belongs to a group of drugs called retinoids and acts specifically on the skin processes that create acne.
Benzoyl peroxide is an antimicrobial agent that softens and peels the outer layering of the skin. It is an antiseptic which fights the bacteria that causes acne.
As well as acne spots, using Epiduo will also treat blackheads and whiteheads.
How does Epiduo gel work?
Epiduo’s two active ingredients work in separate ways to treat acne.
Adapalene is a synthetic retinoid that reduces the growth of keratin skin cells, which can be responsible for blocking the skin’s pores. This ingredient works to unblock the pores and sebaceous glands, which helps sebum to escape. This action works to relieve redness and inflammation.
Benzoyl peroxide is an antimicrobial. This active ingredient will kill the bacteria that causes acne. Furthermore, it will help to reduce bacteria by promoting skin turnover, which also helps to clear blocked pores.
What is the Epiduo purge?
Epiduo is likely to make your acne worse particularly at the start of your treatment. This is called the Epiduo skin purge and is usually triggered by Epiduo beginning to work on the bacteria that causes acne on the surface of the skin. Your skin will need time to adapt to it's new skin care regime.
The Epiduo skin purge will usually last between 4 to 6 weeks, after which you will begin to see noticeable improvement to your symptoms and your acne.
Does Epiduo gel reduce acne scarring?
Epiduo can help to reduce acne scarring from previous acne outbreaks. A clinical study concluded that Epiduo can reduce the risk of new acne scars from forming. During the clinical study, Epiduo also increased the percentage of people with 'hardly visible scars' from 9.7% to 45.2%, thus demonstrating that it is an effective topical long term treatment for acne scars.
Who can use Epiduo gel?
Epiduo gel may not be suitable for everyone to use as an acne treatment.
Do not use Epiduo gel if any of the below apply to you:
- You are allergic to benzoyl peroxide, adapalene or any other ingredient contained in this medicine
- You are currently pregnant or think you might be pregnant
- You are trying to get pregnant
It is not suitable for children who are under the age of 9 years old.
Full details of why Epiduo gel may not be suitable for you can be found in the patient information leaflet.
Can you buy Epiduo gel over the counter?
Epiduo gel is a prescription-only medicine (POM), meaning it is not for sale over the counter. You must have been prescribed this medication by a medical professional.
As Epiduo gel is a prescription medicine, you will need to fill out an online consultation questionnaire before you can order it. This will be assessed by a registered prescriber, who will review your answers and assess your condition to make sure Epiduo is a suitable medicine for you to use.
Can you buy Epiduo gel online in the UK?
You can buy Epiduo gel online, but you should only order it from a regulated pharmacy, like Medicine Direct.
Epiduo gel alternatives
A large number of medicines are available to treat acne. Acne comes in varying levels of severity and can affect people differently, so some treatments may be more suitable for certain types of acne.
Benzoyl peroxide is also one of the active ingredients contained in Duac gel.
Treclin Gel is another topical treatment that includes active retinoids such as Tretinoin.
Other topical treatments available for acne treatment include:
- Acnecide
- Differin
- Finacea gel
- Dalacin T lotion
Oral medication may also be prescribed to treat acne, such as Erythromycin or Minocycline.
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Epiduo Dosage
Epiduo Gel comes in one available dose, 0.1% adapalene and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide.
Always apply Epiduo gel exactly as instructed by your doctor. Read the patient information leaflet, which will accompany your medicine, thoroughly before you start to use it. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure how to apply Epiduo.
Do not stop using acne treatments until you have completed the course of treatment set out by your doctor.
our pharmacists and prescribers will follow NICE guidelines when prescribing epiduo Gel.
How to use Epiduo gel
Adults should apply a thin layer of gel to the affected area once a day, in the evening. Your doctor will advise you on how long you should use Epiduo gel.
- Wash your face with warm water and a mild cleanser before applying Epiduo gel. Pat the skin dry.
- Apply a thin film of gel evenly over the affected areas at bedtime.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after applying the gel.
Always refer to the patient information leaflet for full instructions
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Epiduo common side effects
Like all acne treatments, Epiduo gel can cause a risk of certain side effects, although these will not affect everyone who uses the medicine.
Around 1 in every 10 people who use Epiduo gel may experience adverse skin reactions.
Common side effects of using this medicine affect 1 in 10 people and may include:
- Skin irritation
- Eczema
- Skin burning sensation
These reactions may affect 1 in every 100 people who apply Epiduo gel:
- Dry skin
- Rash
- Tingling sensation or pins and needles at the application site(s)
- Itching of the skin
- Allergic skin reaction
- Sunburn
This list is not exhaustive. Always read the patient information leaflet before using Epiduo Gel.
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Epiduo Gel Warnings and drug interactions
Other medicines and treatments may interact with Epiduo gel and hinder its effectiveness, or increase your risk of suffering from side effects.
In particular, make sure you inform your doctor if you are currently using any of the following treatments:
- Any other acne treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide and/or retinoids.
- Try to avoid using this gel at the same time as any cosmetics; this could irritate, dry or exfoliate your skin
Can I use Epiduo during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
This medicine is not suitable for women who are pregnant. If you are currently pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are trying to get pregnant, make sure you tell your doctor. Alternative treatments may be more suitable for you to use.
Speak to your doctor before using this medication if you are currently breastfeeding. If your doctor has told you it is safe to use, do not apply Epiduo gel to your chest area; this will stop your baby from ingesting the gel.
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Epiduo Gel Ingredients
The main active ingredients within this medicine are: Benzoyl peroxide and Adapalene
For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics
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Epiduo Gel prices UK
Dosage Quantity Price Epiduo Gel 0.1/2.5% 1 x 45g Tube £29.99 Epiduo Gel 0.1/2.5% 2 x 45g Tube £49.99 -
What is Epiduo Gel used for?
Epiduo gel is used in the treatment of moderate to severe acne. It contains a powerful retinoid called Adapalene and the antimicrobial agent, Benzoyl peroxide.How long does it take for Epiduo to work?
Benzoyl peroxide and Adapalene typically take 4 weeks to produce noticeable results. Epiduo can take up to 2 to 4 months for it's full effects to be seen. For the fastest results, it is important that you remember to use Epiduo gel each night.Can Epiduo get rid of acne scars?
Yes, Epiduo is clinically proven to improve the appearance of acne scars.Do I need to apply Epiduo every night?
At the start of your treatment it is best to use Epiduo once every other night until your skin gets used to the Gel. From then on it is best to apply Epiduo every night before bed time.Can Epiduo gel be used alongside other acne treatments?
Epiduo gel is sometimes combined with antibiotic medicines, such as Erythromycin or Lymecycline. However, you should not use Epiduo at the same time as other topical acne treatments as this could lead to skin irritation or dryness.How long do I need to use Epiduo gel?
Typically, Epiduo will be prescribed as an 8 week treatment course. If your acne is responding well to Epiduo, it is likely that your treatment length will be extended. If after your initial 8 week course there has been no improvement to your symptoms, it is likely that your doctor will discuss alternative treatment options with you.Should I use a moisturiser before I apply Epiduo?
If you find that your skin is very dry, you should use an oil-free, fragrance-free moisturiser each day. However, you should use this after applying Epiduo and give the gel time to absorb before applying the moisturiser.Is it safe to use in the long term?
You may need to use Epiduo for several weeks before you start to see a significant improvement in your acne. It is considered safe to use in the long-term, although you should still have your condition reviewed by your doctor during your treatment.How does Epiduo compare to Differin?
Epiduo and Differin both contain adapalene as their active ingredients. However, Epiduo is a dual-action treatment and also contains benzoyl peroxide. This makes it a stronger medicine. Because of this, it is also more likely to cause skin dryness or irritation. You can use an oil-free and fragrance-free moisturiser if this happens.Is it safe to drink alcohol with it?
Yes, drinking moderate amounts of alcohol while using Epiduo gel is safe.Can I wear makeup when using Epiduo?
You can apply makeup after after applying Epiduo to your skin and allowing time for your skin to absorb the gel.When is the best time to apply Epiduo?
You should apply Epiduo once daily before bed time. You should try to apply the cream at the same time every night.Should I rub Epiduo into my skin?
You should apply a small pea sized thin layer to the affected area, gently rubbing the cream into your skin. Allow the cream to soak into your skin itself.Is Epiduo gel a retinol?
Yes, Epiduo contains the active ingredient Adapalene which is a topical retinoid.What is the price of Epiduo gel?
Prices start from £29.99 for 1 tube of Epiduo from Medicine Direct.When should I stop using Epiduo?
If Epiduo irritates your skin you should stop using it for a few days until your skin is able to heal. Additionally, if you have used this cream for 6-8 weeks and seen no improvement to your acne, you should discontinue use.Are there any side effects of Epiduo gel?
Common side effects include, skin irritation, skin burning, dry skin, sunburn, eczema, skin rash and itching of the skin. Although not everyone will experience these side effects.
Published on: 12/10/2020
Updated on: 24/08/2021
This content has been written by our Superintendent Pharmacist Hussain Abdeh and has been medically reviewed by our Pharmacist Sonia Khan
Hussain Abdeh
MPharm: 2211840
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
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- 1 Choose your treatment Select the treatment or medication you need and answer a few questions online regarding your condition.
- 2 Online consultation Our Independent Prescribers will review your questions and assess your suitability for the medication.
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