Medicines & treatments centre

BENZOYL PEROXIDE WARNINGS

Benzoyl peroxide should be used with caution:

• avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes
• care should be taken when applying the product to the neck and other sensitive areas
• it may bleach hair and coloured or dyed fabrics

It should not be used in:

• known allergies (hypersensitivity) to benzoyl peroxide or to any of the ingredients in the medicine

Also see list of precautions and interactions

STORAGE

Do not store above 25°C. Do not freeze.

BENZOYL PEROXIDE USES

What is it used for?

• Benzoyl peroxide is used to attack the bacteria that causes acne.
• It is a topical preparation for acne.
• It is used to attack the bacteria (germ) known as Propionibacterium acnes, which is one of the main causes of acne.
• In general this drug is used to treat mild to moderate acne.
• Benefits of being on this drug can include reduction in the number of propionibacterium acnes, leading to a reduction of acne.

Listed below are the typical uses of benzoyl peroxide.

• the treatment of acne vulgaris

On occasion your doctor may prescribe this medicine to treat a condition not on the above list.

HOW TO USE/TAKE

How often do I take it?

• Apply this medication 1-2 times daily, after washing with soap and water.
• Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
• Remember to use it at the same time each day - unless specifically told not to by your doctor.
• Improvement can generally be seen after 4-6 weeks of treatment. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
• Certain medical conditions may require different dosage instructions as directed by your doctor.

What dose?

• Dosage is based on your age, gender, medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines.

Do I need to avoid anything?

• You should try to avoid exposure to strong sunlight while using benzoyl peroxide. If exposure is unavoidable, use a suitable sunscreen lotion and apply benzoyl peroxide in the evening. Remember to wash the affected area before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

When can I stop?

• How long you will have to use this medication will depend on how quickly your condition improves. Keep using this medicine for at least three months unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you otherwise.

BENZOYL PEROXIDE SIDE EFFECTS

• skin irritation
• increase in peeling
• increase in reddening

During the first weeks of treatment, a sudden increase in peeling and reddening will occur in most patients; this is not harmful and will normally subside in a day or two if treatment is temporarily discontinued.If any of these persist or you consider them severe then inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

The Yellow Card Scheme allows you to report suspected side effects from any type of medicine (which includes vaccines, herbals and over the counter medicines) that you are taking. It is run by the medicines safety watchdog called the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory agency (MHRA). Please report any suspected side effect on the Yellow Card Scheme website.

BENZOYL PEROXIDE PRECAUTIONS

Before taking benzoyl peroxide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other topical acne medications; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist in case of:

• known allergy (hypersensitivity) to any of the ingredients

Before using this medication tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.

Does alcohol intake affect this drug?

• Alcohol intake is not known to affect benzoyl peroxide.

The elderly: there are no specific recommendations. As acne vulgaris does not usually occur in the elderly.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding - please ensure you read the detailed information below

PREGNANCY

If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, do not use benzoyl peroxide unless your doctor has told you that you can.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during pregnancy whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.

BREAST FEEDING

Avoid using this product if you are breastfeeding unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during breastfeeding whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.

BENZOYL PEROXIDE INTERACTIONS

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious, possibly fatal interactions may occur: none known.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and non-prescription/herbal products you may use, especially of:
other keratolytics such as salicylates or sulphur as they may increase occurrence of skin irritation.

This information does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using benzoyl peroxide, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.

BENZOYL PEROXIDE OVERDOSE

If you should accidentally use too much benzoyl peroxide, you may find that your skin becomes irritated. Wash off as much as you can, and when the irritation has gone down, start using it again as directed.

If you think you, or someone you care for, might have accidentally swallowed benzoyl peroxide or intentional overdose is suspected, contact your local hospital, GP or if in the UK call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

MISSED DOSE

do not worry if you forget to use your benzoyl peroxide at the right time. When you remember, start using the product again, in the same way as before. Do not double the dose to catch up.