Benzoyl Peroxide Topical suspension, cleanser Health Article

Generic name(s):

Benzoyl Peroxide Topical suspension, cleanser

Brand name(s):

Acne Treatment, Acne-10, Acne-Clear, Ben-Aqua, Benoxyl 10, Benoxyl 5, Benzac, Benzac AC, Benzac W, Benzagel Wash, Benzagel-10, Benzagel-5, Benzashave 10, Benzashave 5, Benziq, Benziq LS, Benziq Wash, Benzoyl Peroxide, Benzoyl Peroxide Hydrous, Benzoyl Peroxide Wash, Brevoxyl, Brevoxyl Acne Wash Kit, Brevoxyl Creamy Wash, Brevoxyl-4 Creamy Wash Complete Pack, Brevoxyl-8 Creamy Wash Complete Pack, Breze, Clear By Design, Clearplex, Clearskin, Clinac BPO, Del-Aqua, Desquam-E, Desquam-X 10, Desquam-X 5, Desquam-X Wash, Ethexderm, Fostex Bar 10%, Fostex Gel 10%, Fostex Wash 10%, Inova, Lavoclen-4, Lavoclen-4 Creamy Wash, Lavoclen-8, Lavoclen-8 Creamy Wash, Loroxide, NeoBenz Micro, NeoBenz Micro SD, Neutrogena Acne Mask, Oscion, Oscion Cleanser, Oxy 10 Balance, Oxy Balance, Oxy Daily Wash Chill Factor, Oxy Spot Treatment, Oxy Vanishing Gel, Oxy-10, PanOxyl Maximum Strength Foaming Acne Wash, Panoxyl, Panoxyl 10, Panoxyl 5, Panoxyl AQ 10, Panoxyl AQ 2.5, Panoxyl AQ 5, Panoxyl Aqua Gel, Peroxin A, Peroxin A 10, Persa-Gel, Persa-Gel W, Seba-Gel, SoluCLENZ Rx, Triaz, Triaz Cleanser, Vanoxide, Zaclir, Zeroxin

What is this medicine?

BENZOYL PEROXIDE (BEN zoe ill per OX ide) is used on the skin to treat mild to moderate acne.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma
• skin disease, abrasions, irritation or infection
• sunburn
• an unusual or allergic reaction to benzoic acid, cinnamon, parabens, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use this medicine to wash affected areas. Do not apply to raw or irritated skin. Avoid getting medicine in your eyes, lips, nose, mouth, or other sensitive areas. Do not wash treated areas of skin for at least 1 hour after using the medicine. If you experience very dry and peeling skin or skin irritation, talk to your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• adapalene
• isotretinoin
• salicylic acid or sulfur containing products
• topical antibiotics such as clindamycin or erythromycin
• tretinoin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your acne may get worse during the first few weeks of treatment, and then start to get better. It may take 8 to 12 weeks before you see the full effect. If you do not see any improvement within 4 to 6 weeks, call your doctor or health care professional.

Once you see a decrease in your acne, you may need to continue to use this medicine to control it.

Do not use products that may dry the skin like medicated cosmetics, products that contain alcohol, or abrasive soaps or cleaners. Do not use other acne or skin treatment on the same area that you use this medicine unless your doctor or health care professional tells you to. If you use these together they can cause severe skin irritation.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

This medicine may bleach hair or colored fabrics. Avoid getting the medication on your clothes.