Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Taro-Benzoyl Peroxide / Clindamycin Kit
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
Taro-Benzoyl Peroxide / Clindamycin Kit has been prescribed by your doctor to treat your acne.
Taro-Benzoyl Peroxide / Clindamycin Kit is not indicated for the treatment of severe (cystic) acne.
Taro-Benzoyl Peroxide / Clindamycin Kit contains an antibacterial ingredient called clindamycin, and it should be used exactly as directed by your healthcare professional. Misuse or overuse of Taro-Benzoyl Peroxide / Clindamycin Kit could lead to the growth of bacteria that will not be killed by clindamycin. This means that Taro-Benzoyl Peroxide / Clindamycin Kit or other medicines that contain clindamycin may not work for you in the future. Do not share your medicine.
What it does:
Benzoyl peroxide and Clindamycin phosphate 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 Taro-Benzoyl Peroxide / Clindamycin Kit 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:
Taro-Benzoyl Peroxide / Clindamycin Kit is a mixture of two acne medications, benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin phosphate.
What the nonmedicinal ingredients are:
The non-medicinal ingredients are: carbomer homopolymer, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, and purified water.
What dosage forms it comes in:
Topical gel (benzoyl peroxide 5% and clindamycin 1%, as phosphate).
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
- Taro-Benzoyl Peroxide / Clindamycin Kit 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.
- Taro-Benzoyl Peroxide / Clindamycin Kit 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 Taro-Benzoyl Peroxide / Clindamycin Kit, wash affected areas gently with a mild non-medicated soap, then rinse with warm water and then gently pat dry.
- 2. Apply Taro-Benzoyl Peroxide / Clindamycin Kit 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.
IMPORTANT : PLEASE READ
- 3.
Apply Taro-Benzoyl Peroxide / Clindamycin Kit 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 Taro-Benzoyl Peroxide / Clindamycin Kit.
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
Taro-Benzoyl Peroxide / Clindamycin Kit 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 (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/report-declaration/index-eng.php) 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.
MORE INFORMATION
This document plus the full product monograph, prepared for health professionals, can be found at:
http://www.taro.ca or by contacting the sponsor, Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-800-268-1975
Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc.
130 East Drive
Brampton, Ontario L6T 1C1
Taro is a registered trademark of Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc.