CLENBUTEROL 

What  is this medicine? 

BENZOYL PEROXIDE;CLINDAMYCIN GEL (BEN zoe ill per OX ide; klin da MYE sin)  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: 

• chronic skin problem like eczema 
• skin abrasions 
• stomach or colon problems 
• sunburn 
• an unusual or allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, 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. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Before applying, wash the affected area with  a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Apply enough medicine to cover the area and rub in gently. Do  not apply to raw or irritated skin. Avoid getting medicine in your eyes, lips, nose, mouth, or other sensitive areas. Finish  the full course prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you think your condition  is better. Do not stop using except on  the advice  of your doctor or health care professional. 

Talk  to your pediatrician regarding  the use  of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed  for children as young as 12 years  of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply. 

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 may interact  with this medicine? 

Do not  use any other acne product on  the affected areas unless your health care professional tells you to. Check with your health care professional about the use  of this product if you are taking an oral medicine for acne. 

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 with this medicine, and then start  to improve. 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. 

This medicine has caused severe allergic reactions in some patients. Stop using this medicine and contact your doctor or health care professional right away if you experience severe swelling or shortness  of breath after using this medicine. 

Do not wash areas of skin treated with this medicine for at least 1 hour after applying the medicine. If you experience excessive dry and peeling skin or skin irritation, check with your doctor or health care professional. 

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 this product on your clothes. 

What  side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine? 

Side  effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: 

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling  of the face, lips, or tongue 
• breathing problems 
• severe skin burning  and irritation 
• severe skin dryness and peeling 

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): 

• increased sensitivity to the sun 
• mild to moderate skin burning or stinging 
• mild to moderate skin irritation, dryness or peeling 

This list may not describe all  possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 

Where should I keep my medicine? 

Keep out  of the reach of children. 

Duac Gel  and Acanya™ Gel can be stored at room temperature up  to 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) for up to 2 months. Do not freeze. Discard any unused product after 2 months. The expiration date will be applied to  the medicine container by your pharmacist. 

BenzaClin Gel can be stored at room temperature up  to 25 degrees C (77 degrees F)  for up to 3 months. Do not freeze. Discard any unused product after 3 months. The expiration date will be applied to the medicine container by your pharmacist. 

Notes: Dr. M. Kristine Schlossberg

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EditText of this page (last edited February 23, 2010)