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What should I watch for while taking benzoyl peroxide?
Your acne may get worse during the first few weeks of treatment with benzoyl peroxide, and then start to improve. It may take 8 to 12 weeks before you see the full beneficial effect. If you do not see any improvement within 4—6 weeks, call your prescriber or health care professional.
Once you see a decrease in your acne, you may need to continue to use benzoyl peroxide products to control it.
Do not wash areas of skin treated with benzoyl peroxide for at least 1 hour after applying the medicine. If you experience very dry and peeling skin or skin irritation, check with your prescriber or health care professional.
Do not use the following products on the same areas that you are treating with benzoyl peroxide, unless otherwise directed by your prescriber or health care professional: medicated cosmetics, cosmetics that dry the skin (especially products that contain alcohol), rough soaps or cleaners, and any other acne preparation or skin treatment. If you use these products in combination with benzoyl peroxide they can increase the risk of skin irritation.
Benzoyl peroxide can increase sensitivity of the skin to sun or UV light. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.
Benzoyl peroxide products may bleach hair or colored fabrics. Avoid getting the medication on your clothes.
What side effects may I notice from using benzoyl peroxide?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
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severe burning, itching, reddening, crusting, or swelling of the treated areas
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
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increased sensitivity to the sun
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mild burning or stinging
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red, inflamed, and irritated skin, the skin may peel after a few days
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store products at controlled room temperature between 20 degrees—25 degrees C (68 degrees—77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
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