Epsolay: Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

What EPSOLAY is used for:

EPSOLAY is used to treat adults with pimples (pustules) and bumps (papules) caused by a condition called rosacea.

How EPSOLAY works:

Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that occurs in adults. It can produce small, red, pus-filled bumps or pimples on your nose, cheeks, forehead and chin (not the same as blackheads or whiteheads found with acne). Rosacea symptoms can vary from person to person and severity is hard to predict.

EPSOLAY uses microcapsules that control the release of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) on the skin. BPO is known to kill bacteria and helps to release dead skin cells. By killing bacteria, BPO may help reduce inflammation of the skin.

The ingredients in EPSOLAY are:

Medicinal ingredients: benzoyl peroxide

Non-medicinal ingredients: anhydrous citric acid, cetrimonium chloride, cetyl alcohol, cyclomethicone, edetate disodium, glycerin, hydrochloric acid, lactic acid, macrogol stearate Type I, mono and di-glycerides, phenoxyethanol, polyquaternium-7, purified water, silicon dioxide and sodium hydroxide.

EPSOLAY comes in the following dosage forms:

EPSOLAY is available as 3 g (Physician sample) and 30 g pumps.

Do not use EPSOLAY if:

• you have had an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide or any of the ingredients in EPSOLAY.

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

• have other skin problems, including eczema.

• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if EPSOLAY will harm your unborn baby.

• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if EPSOLAY passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare professional about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with EPSOLAY.

Other warnings you should know about:

Skin Irritation:

EPSOLAY may cause scaling, dryness and stinging / burning. Apply moisturizer and stop taking EPSOLAY if these issues do not improve. Avoid applying EPSOLAY to cuts, scratches or irritated skin.

Sensitivity to Light: EPSOLAY may increase your sensitivity to light. Minimize or avoid exposure to natural or artificial sunlight while taking EPSOLAY. Wear sunscreen or cover your skin when sunlight exposure cannot be avoided. Stop taking EPSOLAY if you get a sunburn.

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

How to take EPSOLAY:

• Before you use EPSOLAY for the first time, prime the pump by pressing down until the first drop of cream is released.
• Use the pump to dispense a pea size amount of EPSOLAY onto your fingertip. Spread a thin layer over each area of your face (forehead, chin, nose, each cheek).
• Avoid contact with your eyes, lips, mouth and sensitive areas (such as cuts, scratches or sunburns).
• If EPSOLAY gets in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Wash your hands right away after applying.
• EPSOLAY may stain and bleach fabric or hair.

Usual dose:

• Apply EPSOLAY to your face 1 time each day on clean and dry skin.

Overdose:

EPSOLAY is for use on the skin only, applied once daily to the affected area and is associated with low systemic absorption. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical attention.

If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much EPSOLAY, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, regional poison control centre or Health Canada's toll-free number, 1-844 POISON-X (1-844-764-7669) immediately, even if there are no signs or symptoms.

Missed dose:

If you forget to apply EPSOLAY on one day, do not double your application of EPSOLAY to make up for the forgotten one. Just continue the next day with the same amount of product. Try and keep using it as your healthcare professional instructed to get the most out of your treatment.

Possible side effects from using EPSOLAY:

These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking EPSOLAY. If you have any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.

Serious side effects and what to do about them

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

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 (canada.ca/drug-device-reporting) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
• Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.

NOTE: Contact your healthcare professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.

Storage:

Store EPSOLAY at room temperature (15-25°C). Keep EPSOLAY away from heat. Do not freeze EPSOLAY. Discard EPSOLAY 60 days after first use.

Keep EPSOLAY out of reach and sight of children.

Do not throw away any drugs via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away drugs you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.

If you want more information about EPSOLAY:

• Talk to your healthcare professional.
• Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes the Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada Drug Product Database website (Drug Product Database: Access the database); the manufacturer’s website www.searchlightpharma.com, or by calling 1-855-331-0830.

Date of Authorization: 2025-08-27