Benzamycin: Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

What is BENZAMYCIN used for?

• BENZAMYCIN is applied to the skin in a thin layer and helps to treat acne.
• BENZAMYCIN contains an antibacterial ingredient called erythromycin, and it should be used exactly as directed by your healthcare professional. Misuse or overuse of BENZAMYCIN could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by erythromycin. This means that BENZAMYCIN or other medicines that contain erythromycin may not work for you in the future. Do not share your medicine.

How does BENZAMYCIN work?

BENZAMYCIN is a mixture of two acne medications: erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide. They both work by fighting the bacteria that can cause the acne. Benzoyl peroxide also is a peeling agent; it helps to remove the external layer of the skin.

What are the ingredients in BENZAMYCIN?

Medicinal ingredients: Erythromycin 3% (30 mg/g) and Benzoyl Peroxide 5% (50 mg/g) Non-medicinal ingredients: Alcohol, Carbomer, Docusate Sodium, Lemon Fragrance, Methyl Salicylate, Purified Water and Sodium Hydroxide.

BENZAMYCIN comes in the following dosage forms:

Topical gel

Do not use BENZAMYCIN if:

• You know you have an allergy to erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide or any of the ingredients of this preparation. See “What are the ingredients in BENZAMYCIN?” above.

To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take BENZAMYCIN. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if:

• You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if BENZAMYCIN may harm your unborn baby.

• You are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. BENZAMYCIN may pass through your milk and may harm your baby. Talk to your doctor about how to feed your baby while taking BENZAMYCIN.

Other warnings you should know about:

• You might experience slight stinging and/or redness when you start taking BENZAMYCIN. If excessive irritation or dryness occurs, stop taking BENZAMYCIN and consult your doctor.
• Do not use any other acne medication unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.

The following may interact with BENZAMYCIN:

• Lincomycin
• Chloramphenicol
• Clindamycin

How to take BENZAMYCIN:

BENZAMYCIN should only be applied to your skin.

• Before to apply BENZAMYCIN, wash affected areas with a mild, non-irritating soap, rinse with warm water, and then gently pat dry.
• Apply BENZAMYCIN to affected areas in a thin layer.
• Wash your hands after application.
• Although you may see improvement as early as two weeks, continue to take BENZAMYCIN as directed by your doctor. In certain cases, six to ten weeks of treatment may be required for best results.
• Do not over-apply BENZAMYCIN. Using too much BENZAMYCIN will not speed up treatment but may irritate your skin.
• BENZAMYCIN is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, nose, lips, mouth and other mucous membranes. If contact occurs, rinse well with water. If soreness or redness develops contact your doctor.

Usual dose:

Adults and children 12 years and older, apply a thin layer twice a day, morning and evening, or as directed by your doctor to affected areas.

Overdose:

If you think you have taken too much BENZAMYCIN, particularly by accidental oral ingestion, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

Missed Dose:

If you forget to use BENZAMYCIN, you should wait for the next dose at the usual time. You should not double the dose to make up the forgotten dose.

What are possible side effects from using BENZAMYCIN?

These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking BENZAMYCIN. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.

During the use of BENZAMYCIN Gel, you may notice some skin irritation such as peeling, itching, burning sensation, and erythema (redness of the skin); skin discoloration, unusual sensitivity of the skin and inflammation of the face, eyes and nose.

If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.

Reporting Side Effects

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.

Storage:

• Store this medication in your refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children.

• If after 3 months from the time your prescription was filled you have not used up the

  BENZAMYCIN, discard it and obtain a fresh supply.

If you want more information about BENZAMYCIN:

• 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.

Last Revised: September 29, 2020