Epiduo

Epiduo is a topical treatment for acne, specifically acne vulgaris. Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that presents with symptoms including, but not limited to, blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules.

Epiduo is a combination drug, which means it contains more than one active ingredient and works in multiple ways in your body. The first of the gel’s active ingredients is a retinoid, the second is an antimicrobial agent.

You can order this treatment without needing a prior prescription, however, you must first have been diagnosed by a healthcare professional.

What strengths of Epiduo are available?

Epiduo comes in two different strengths. Epiduo 0.3% is a more potent version of Epiduo 0.1%. Both versions contain the same active ingredients and work in the same way - they differ in their concentration of the active ingredient adapalene.

Epiduo 0.3% is also known by the name Epiduo Forte.

Put simply, acne is caused by the clogging of your pores. A build-up of dirt, bacteria and the natural oil sebum leads to swelling and spots. Acne affects most people at some point in their life, however, it is more common in adolescents and premenstrual women due to an increase in hormone production. Essentially, more hormones means more sebum.

As mentioned, Epiduo treats acne in more than one way. The first of its ingredients, the retinoid adapalene, increases skin cell production and shedding, so that blocked and infected pores are replaced more regularly. On top of that, retinoids also reduce inflammation caused by acne, reducing redness and discomfort.

Benzoyl peroxide is the second ingredient, and it compliments adapalene’s action by softening your shedding skin. Additionally, benzoyl peroxide has an antimicrobial effect, killing any bacteria that may have infected your pores.

The combination of these two ingredients makes Epiduo a very effective anti-acne medication.

If you have any uncertainty about how to use a medication, ask your doctor.

As mentioned above, there are two strengths of Epiduo. The 0.1% version is recommended if you have never used the gel before. If there is only minimal effect, the doctor may advise you to try the 0.3% version.

Before you apply Epiduo, make sure your skin is clean and dry. You should apply a thin layer of gel to the affected area once a day. It is best to apply the gel at night before you go to sleep. You should wash your hands after applying the treatment.

It may take multiple applications before Epiduo has any noticeable effect. If, however, you find it has been over four weeks and there is still no improvement, discontinue treatment and inform your doctor.

If you get any gel in your eyes, mouth and nostrils wash out gently with warm water. You should not use any cosmetics before or immediately after using Epiduo, which is partly why a bedtime application is best.

Do not apply more treatment than you need. If you accidentally over-apply, you may experience some side effects like redness and irritation. You should seek medical attention if reactions are distressing. If you forget to apply a dose, do not apply extra - simply continue with the treatment plan as normal.

Just because a medication can cause side effects, does not mean you will experience them. Assuming it is applied correctly, most people respond well to Epiduo.

As a topical medication, the most common side effects of Epiduo relate to the skin. You may experience:

• contact dermatitis
• dry skin
• scaling
• burning sensations

Less common and rarer skin side effects include:

• itching
• discolouration

It is important that you inform your doctor as soon as possible if you believe you have adverse reactions. As the condition it treats presents with related symptoms, a doctor should be consulted to determine if you have side effects or the medication is having no effect.

You should know the signs of an allergic reaction when taking any medication for the first time. Signs include rashes, difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, throat and tongue. If you have an allergic reaction, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Most people can use Epiduo with no issue, however, there are a number of reasons why it may be ineffective or unsafe.

You should not use Epiduo if you are:

• pregnant
• allergic to any of the ingredients
• are using another treatment with retinoids or benzoyl peroxide
• planning to use it on a skin condition other than acne (unless told to by your doctor)
• planning to use it on an undiagnosed skin condition

What precautions should I take?

You should not use this treatment if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. If you become pregnant during a course of Epiduo, stop using it and inform your doctor. If you are breastfeeding, avoid applying treatment to your breasts or chest.

Do not apply the gel to any broken or damaged skin. If the affected areas of skin also have cuts, scrapes or bruises, inform your doctor. You may need different treatment or should wait for the injuries to heal.

You should be wary of sun exposure when using this treatment, as it can make you more sensitive to UV rays.

The gel can have a bleaching effect, so avoid getting it on your clothes or hair. You should also wash your hands after applying.

You should be aware that certain cosmetics may irritate the skin when used alongside Epiduo. Pay attention to how your skin reacts to new cosmetics and those that you have applied before.

You can buy Epiduo gel online from HealthExpress, eliminating the need to visit a crowded doctor’s office. To prescribe safely online, our doctors ask you to complete a short consultation form - this can be started via the button at the top of this page.

The consultation takes no time. You will need to answer a few questions relating to your medical history. If the doctors are happy with your answers, they will issue a prescription to our in-house pharmacy.

At HealthExpress, all costs are included with the order price - consultation, prescription and delivery. You can either select a nominated-day or next-day delivery service. Assuming you order before our cut-off time, you will receive Epiduo tomorrow.