Benzoyl Peroxide (BEN-zoe-il per-OX-ide), Erythromycin (e-rith-roe-MYE-sin)

Treats acne.

Brand Name(s):

Benzamycin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Gel/Jelly

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Use this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
• Benzamycin® Pak is available in one foil pouch that has two separated compartments. If you are using this brand, open the pouch and mix the contents in the palm of your hand thoroughly. Apply the product right away after mixing. Do not mix or apply the medicine near an open flame.
• Before applying this medicine, wash your skin gently with warm water and pat it dry. If you have just shaved, you should wait 30 minutes before applying the medicine to prevent stinging or irritation.
• Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

If a dose is missed:

• Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Keep the Benzamycin® Pak in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
• Store the Benzamycin® topical gel in the refrigerator, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
• Ask your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after 3 months.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.
• Tell your doctor if you are using any other medicine for the treatment of acne.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using any other topical skin treatments such as skin peeling agents.
• Using PABA sunscreen and benzoyl peroxide together may cause your skin to change color. Ask your pharmacist for a sunscreen product that does not contain PABA.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have any fungus infection on your skin.
• This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
• Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.
• This medicine can cause irritation. Do not get this medicine into your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• If you develop severe swelling, shortness of breath, or any allergic reaction to this medicine, stop using the medicine and check with your doctor right away.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
• Do not apply the medicine to your hair or to any colored fabric. This medicine may cause bleaching.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Severe diarrhea or diarrhea that may contain blood.
• Severe skin swelling or blistering.
• Swelling of the face, eyes, or nose.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Discoloration of the skin.
• Dry skin, rash, itching, or peeling skin.
• Eye irritation.
• Redness, tenderness, burning, stinging, or irritation of your skin where the medicine was applied.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088