Benzoyl Peroxide; Erythromycin skin gel

What is this medication?

BENZOYL PEROXIDE; ERTHYROMYCIN (BEN zoe ill per OX ide; er ith roe 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.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Benzamycin, Benzamycin Pak

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

•chronic skin problem like eczema

•skin abrasions

•sunburn

•an unusual or allergic reaction to benzoic acid, cinnamon, erythromycin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

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 if I miss a dose?

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

What may interact with this medication?

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 medication?

Your acne may get worse during the first few weeks of treatment with this medication, 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.

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 medication?

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

•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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store in the refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 to 46 degrees F). Do not use past the 3 month expiration date. The expiration date will be applied to the medication container by your pharmacist.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.