Epiduo® Forte Gel

Epiduo Forte Gel is a topical medication that easily fits into your daily acne skin care regimen. It is antibiotic-free and comes in a convenient pump. In clinical trials, many patients with hard-to-treat acne saw their breakouts visibly improve and continue to get better with regular treatment.

As with all acne treatments, some patients may experience side effects such as dryness, burning, and stinging. Please see the Important Safety Information below or the Full Prescribing Information for more details. Talk to your dermatologist to see if Epiduo Forte Gel could be right for you.

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The unique combination and strength of benzoyl peroxide and higher strength adapalene sets Epiduo® Forte Gel apart from other acne treatments.

What does Benzoyl Peroxide do?

  • Kills bacteria that lead to painful bumps and blemishes

What does Adapalene do?

  • Unclogs pores, helps prevent new clogged pores
  • Decreases inflammation

When To Use?

Fitting Epiduo Forte Gel into your daily routine is simple. It's a once-daily topical treatment that can be applied at any time—morning or night.

How to Use Epiduo Forte Gel

  • Before using Epiduo® Forte Gel, clean your skin.

    Cleanse

    Use a gentle cleanser and/or exfoliating soap and wash morning and night using your fingertips or a soft washcloth. Dry with a soft towel but don't scrub.

  • After washing, use a pea-sized amount of Epiduo® Forte Gel.

    Medicate

    After washing, use a pea-sized amount of Epiduo® Forte Gel for each area of the face (forehead, chin, each cheek), and just avoid the eyes and lips. Wash your hands after application and allow the gel to dry.

  • Apply a moisturizer after Epiduo® Forte Gel.

    Moisturize

    Apply a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer during the day, preferably one with SPF protection.

Looking for some quick answers? Check out these frequently asked questions about Epiduo® Forte Gel.

Skin irritation may be strongest during the first four weeks of using Epiduo® Forte Gel, but the irritation typically calms down through continued use. The higher concentration of the retinoid adapalene in Epiduo Forte Gel works to help reduce the inflammation and redness associated with moderate to severe inflammatory acne. However, some users may experience redness, itching, dryness and stinging/burning when using Epiduo Forte Gel. You should talk to your dermatologist about any concerns you may have while on the treatment. Your dermatologist may also recommend a regimen that includes specific cleansers and moisturizers to help with the itching, pain and redness.

You should minimize your exposure to sunlight and sunlamps while on Epiduo Forte Gel, especially if you have an established sensitivity to the sun. If you are in the sun, use a "non-comedogenic" (won't clog your pores) sunscreen and wear protective clothing over treated areas.

Many subjects saw improvement after 1 week, and improvement continued throughout 12 weeks of treatment. And you may not realize it, but the medicine works below the surface of the skin. So stick with your skin care routine to help prevent future pimples from forming!

As you may know, acne is a condition that can come back. That means you need to keep treating it. Remember, even if your skin looks better, continue using Epiduo Forte Gel according to your dermatologist's instructions. Hang in there. You're on your way to clearer skin.

Yes. With two powerful ingredients, Epiduo Forte Gel treats tough acne and reduces inflammatory lesions (blemishes), which reduces the risk of acne scars. You'll see the difference.

If your acne is not getting any better and you're 12 years old or older, you may be a good candidate for Epiduo Forte Gel. Ask your dermatologist if Epiduo Forte Gel is right for you.

The higher concentration of the retinoid adapalene in Epiduo Forte Gel works to help reduce the inflammation and redness associated with inflammatory moderate to severe acne. However, some users may experience redness, itching, dryness and stinging/burning when using Epiduo Forte Gel. You should talk to your dermatologist about any concerns you may have while on treatment. He or she may also recommend a regimen to include specific cleansers and moisturizers to help with the itching, pain and redness.

No, you can use it in the morning or evening. You can use Epiduo Forte Gel whenever it fits into your schedule. It's best to have a routine, so try to use it at the same time every day. First, talk to your dermatologist and follow his or her directions. It's important not to miss days so Epiduo Forte Gel can keep working.

Epiduo Forte Gel should be used once per day, preferably at the same time every day. Regular treatment is essential for effective results. First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, like Cetaphil® Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash or a wash recommended by your dermatologist. Dry with a soft towel but don't scrub. Next, treat with Epiduo Forte Gel. Use a small, pea-sized amount and spread a thin layer over the affected areas of your face (forehead, chin and each cheek). Avoid the areas around your eyes and lips. Wash your hands after you apply the medicine. Wait for gel to dry completely before changing clothes. Finally, apply a gentle moisturizer during the day, preferably one with SPF protection, like Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30.

Skipping a day of treatment can allow new pimples to begin forming beneath the skin's surface. So try to make Epiduo Forte Gel part of your regular daily routine. If you miss a day, just start the next day with the same pea-sized amount you always use on each of the affected areas of your face and you'll be back on track.

Use a pea-sized amount spread evenly across each affected area of your face (forehead, chin and each cheek). Using more won't speed things up, and it's not a good idea to spot-treat. Stick with the right amount and stay consistent. Avoid the areas around your eyes, lips and mucous membranes. One prescription typically lasts about 3 months.

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the two effective medicines in Epiduo Forte Gel. It kills the bacteria that cause breakouts and helps prevent pimples from coming back.

Adapalene is a type of retinoid and is the other medicine in Epiduo Forte Gel. It unclogs blocked pores, helping to stop pimples from forming under the skin's surface and decreasing redness, swelling and inflammation associated with pimples.

Yes. Epiduo Forte (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) Gel, 0.3%/2.5% is approved by the FDA for the treatment of acne for patients over the age of 12. Talk to your dermatologist to see if Epiduo Forte Gel is right for you.

Teen acne is caused by hormones called androgens. Androgens can overstimulate the sebaceous glands deep within your hair follicles (pores) causing them to produce extra sebum (oil), which can clog pores and lead to acne.

When a follicle is plugged, naturally occurring bacteria has an opportunity to grow and multiply, causing an inflammatory response in the follicle and surrounding skin. The inflammatory response is different for everyone, but the most common presentation is the red, swollen, painful bumps you know as acne.

Girl with acne before using Epiduo Forte Gel Girl after using Epiduo Forte Gel treatment for acne

How quickly your skin begins to improve depends on your skin type, severity of acne symptoms and how committed you are to the daily application. Introduce Epiduo Forte Gel as part of your daily skincare routine. The more consistent you are, the clearer the possibilities.

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