Epiduo

Ordering Epiduo online for acne

You can request Epiduo Gel acne treatment online from our UK-registered online pharmacy and prescriber service. After completing your online consultation, one of our UK-registered prescribers will review your order. If approved by 3 pm, our pharmacy team will dispense and dispatch your medication to your chosen address.

What is Epiduo?

Epiduo is a topical acne treatment that contains a chemical compound (retinoid) called adapalene and benzoyl peroxide, which are the active ingredients.

The treatment is available as an off-white opaque gel. Epiduo should be applied to the skin once daily.

How does Epiduo work for acne?

Epiduo combines both a retinoid and a peeling agent, which work together to clear acne.

The retinoid (adapalene) unblocks the pores to prevent acne from forming under the skin, reducing redness and inflammation of the affected area.

Benzoyl peroxide (keratolytic peeling agent) has antimicrobial properties which kill bacteria under the acne spots. It also helps to remove dead skin cells, keratin and sebum from the skin.

When used consistently, Epiduo is an effective acne treatment suitable for people who have tried adapalene and benzoyl peroxide agents on their own but have not had good results.

How do I use Epiduo Gel?

Epiduo is applied topically to the affected areas once daily, typically at night before bedtime.

Use the treatment regularly at the same time each day for the best results. Using more Epiduo will not improve your acne any faster.

Before applying Epiduo, wash the affected areas of your skin with warm water and mild soap. Pat the skin dry before applying the treatment.

Using only a pea-sized amount, apply a thin layer of Epiduo gel to the affected areas of the skin once a day.

Always wash your hands after applying the treatment.

If you accidentally apply too much of the gel, wipe away the excess with a clean tissue and discard it safely.

Please understand that using more Epiduo than prescribed by your doctor will not clear your acne faster, but it may increase your risk of experiencing side effects.

Do not apply Epiduo to broken skin.

Take care when applying Epiduo to areas around the eyes, nose and mouth. If you get some Epiduo in your eyes, rinse your eyes with water. If you experience irritation long after rinsing it, contact your doctor immediately.

Epiduo comes in a tube with a screw-on top. Roll the tube from the bottom rather than squeezing it from the side to prevent the gel from getting trapped in the tube as you use Epiduo.

If you are unsure how to use Epiduo, ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Alternatives to Epiduo Gel 

The following alternative treatments are available from Prescription Doctor:

• Differin Gel (Adapalene)
• Duac Gel (Topical antibiotic & benzoyl peroxide)   
• Lymecycline (Oral antibiotic) 
• Zineryt (Topical antibiotic)
• Acnecide (Benzoyl peroxide)

Epiduo side effects and cautions

All medications carry risks of side effects, though not everybody experiences them.

Read the patient information leaflet for Epiduo for information regarding the product's usage and safety.

During the first week of treatment, your risk of side effects increases as your skin adjusts to the medication.

Before taking your first dose, you may wish to perform a patch test. Clean an area of your skin with warm, soapy water, and then pat it dry. Apply a small amount to clean skin and leave it on for 24 hours. If you experience an allergic reaction, consult your doctor immediately.

Side effects of Epiduo

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) of using Epiduo include:

• Dry skin
• Local skin rash
• Burning sensation
• Irritation of the skin
• Redness
• Scaling

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) of using Epiduo include:

• Itching of the skin (pruritus)
• Sunburn

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. For further information on the safety of Epiduo, including a comprehensive list of side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medication.

Allergies

Do not use Epiduo if you're allergic to adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, or other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Chest tightening
• Dry, red and cracked skin
• Itchy, red, watery eyes
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face
• Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wheezing

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not use Epiduo if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. Speak to your doctor for further advice.

Epiduo can be used by breastfeeding women, though you should avoid your child coming into contact with the treatment. For this reason, breastfeeding mothers should not apply Epiduo to their chests.

For more about the safety of Epiduo during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Epiduo clinical trial

Galderma Laboratorium GmbH, the manufacturer of Epiduo, conducted a study to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of Epiduo (alone or in combination with other medications) under real-world clinical practice conditions in patients with moderate to severe inflammatory acne. Find out more about the study at clinicaltrials.gov.

Frequently asked questions