Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Benzaclin
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
BENZACLIN has been prescribed by your doctor to treat your acne.
BENZACLIN is not indicated for the treatment of severe (cystic) acne.
BENZACLIN contains an antibacterial ingredient called clindamycin, and it should be used exactly as directed by your healthcare professional. Misuse or overuse of BENZACLIN could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by clindamycin. This means that BENZACLIN or other medicines that contain clindamycin may not work for you in the future. Do not share your medicine.
What it does:
Clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide have antibacterial properties. Benzoyl peroxide also is a peeling agent.
Improvement has been seen as early as two weeks, although several months of treatment may be required for best results.
When it should not be used:
Do not use BENZACLIN if:
- You are allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin, benzoyl peroxide, or any component of this medication (See “What the medicinal ingredients are” and “What the nonmedicinal ingredients are”).
- You have or have had ulcerative colitis, regional enteritis or antibiotic associated colitis.
What the medicinal ingredients are:
BENZACLIN is a mixture of two acne medications, clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide.
What the nonmedicinal ingredients are:
The non-medicinal ingredients are: Carbomer, Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Purified Water and Sodium Hydroxide.
What dosage forms it comes in:
Topical gel (clindamycin, as phosphate, 1% and benzoyl peroxide 5%).
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
- BENZACLIN is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, nostrils, mouth, and all mucous membranes. If contact occurs, rinse well with water. If redness or soreness develops, contact your doctor.
- Do not use other topical acne preparations or other topical products, including cosmetics, on the affected area unless directed to do so by your physician. Many cosmetic products may also contain other peeling agents, which may interfere with the medication or worsen potential side effects.
- Exposure to sunlight should be minimized. To minimize exposure to sunlight, a hat or other clothing should be worn. Avoid unnecessary exposure to other sources of UV light (i.e., sun lamps, tanning beds).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or intend to become pregnant or breastfeed.
- BENZACLIN is available only on prescription. It has been prescribed by your doctor to treat your current condition. Do not give this medication to other people.
- Avoid contact with hair, fabrics, carpeting, or other materials, as benzoyl peroxide will cause bleaching.
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
Tell your doctor if you are using any other medications, particularly clindamycin, erythromycin, lincomycin or chloramphenicol, as they may interfere with each other.
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
- 1. Prior to using BENZACLIN, wash affected areas gently with a mild non-medicated soap, then rinse with warm water and then gently pat dry.
- 2. Apply BENZACLIN to the whole area affected by acne, not just to the pimples themselves. Avoid contact with the eyes, nostrils, mouth, and all mucous membranes, as this product may be irritating.
- 3. Apply BENZACLIN in a thin layer twice a day, morning and evening, or as directed by your doctor. Wash hands after application. Do not apply more frequently than directed by your doctor. Moisturizer may be used to alleviate dry skin.
- 4. Although improvement has been seen as early as two weeks, several months of treatment may be required for best results. This medication should be used for the entire treatment period prescribed by your doctor even if your acne begins to improve as early as two weeks after you begin using BENZACLIN.
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
You may experience dry skin, itching, redness, irritation and peeling skin. If this persists or becomes bothersome, contact your doctor.
Stop use and immediately inform your doctor if:
- You have an allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) with symptoms such as rash, hives, swelling of the lips, face, eyelids or throat, or difficulty in breathing.
- You develop very rare side effects such as abdominal or stomach cramps, severe abdominal pain and bloating, severe watery diarrhea which may be bloody, nausea and vomiting.
HOW TO STORE IT
BENZACLIN may be stored between 15 °C and 25 °C for up to 3 months after mixing for dispensing.
An expiry date appears on the product label. You must discard any product you have not used by this date and obtain a fresh supply.
Do not freeze. Keep jar tightly closed.
Keep your medication in a safe place, out of the reach of children.
REPORTING SIDE EFFECTS
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health- products/medeffect-canada/adverse-reaction-reporting.html) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
Talk to your healthcare professional.
Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html); by contacting the sponsor: Bausch Health, Canada Inc., 2150 St-Elzéar Blvd. West, Laval, (Quebec) H7L 4A8; or by calling 1-800-361-4261.
Bausch Health, Canada Inc.
2150 St-Elzear Ouest
Laval, Quebec
H7L 4A8
www.bauschhealth.ca