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Brand Names: Acne Treatment, Acne-Clear, Benzac AC, Benzac W, Benzagel-5, Benzashave 10, Benzashave 5, Benziq, Benziq LS, Benziq Wash, Brevoxyl, Brevoxyl Acne Wash Kit, Brevoxyl-4 Creamy Wash Complete Pack, Brevoxyl-8 Creamy Wash Complete Pack, Breze, Clearplex, Clearskin, Clinac BPO, Desquam-E, Desquam-X 10, Desquam-X 5, Desquam-X Wash, Fostex Bar 10%, Fostex Gel 10%, Fostex Wash 10%, Inova, Lavoclen-4, Lavoclen-4 Creamy Wash, Lavoclen-8, Lavoclen-8 Creamy Wash, Loroxide, NeoBenz Micro, NeoBenz Micro SD, NeoBenz Micro Wash, NeoBenz Micro Wash Plus Pack, Neutrogena Acne Mask, Neutrogena On Spot Acne Treatment, Oscion, Oscion Cleanser, Oxy 10 Balance, Oxy Balance, Oxy Daily Wash Chill Factor, Oxy-10, Pacnex, Panoxyl 10, Panoxyl 5, Panoxyl Aqua Gel, PanOxyl Maximum Strength Foaming Acne Wash, Persa-Gel, Seba-Gel, SoluCLENZ Rx, Triaz, Triaz Cleanser, Zaclir

Generic Name: benzoyl peroxide topical (Pronunciation: BEN zoyl per OX ide)

• What is benzoyl peroxide topical (Benzagel)?
• What are the possible side effects of benzoyl peroxide topical?
• What is the most important information I should know about benzoyl peroxide topical?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using benzoyl peroxide topical?
• How should I use benzoyl peroxide topical?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while using benzoyl peroxide topical?
• What other drugs will affect benzoyl peroxide topical?
• Where can I get more information?

What is benzoyl peroxide topical (Benzagel)?

Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect. It also has a mild drying effect, which allows excess oils and dirt to be easily washed away from the skin.

Benzoyl peroxide topical is used to treat acne.

Benzoyl peroxide topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of benzoyl peroxide topical?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using benzoyl peroxide and call your doctor at once if you have severe stinging or burning of your skin.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild burning or stinging;
• itching or tingly feeling;
• dryness or peeling of treated skin; or
• redness or other irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about benzoyl peroxide topical?

There are many brands and forms of benzoyl peroxide available and not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical while you are also using tretinoin (Altinac, Avita, Renova, Retin-A, Tretin-X). Using these medications together could cause severe skin irritation.

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or eyes. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water. Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using benzoyl peroxide topical on wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.

Benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair or fabrics. Avoid allowing this medication to come into contact with your hair or clothing.

It may take several weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.