Important Safety Information for
DUAC Topical Gel
DUAC Topical Gel contains the antibiotic clindamycin. You should not use DUAC Topical Gel if you: are allergic to benzoyl peroxide or the antibiotics clindamycin or lincomycin, have Crohn’s disease, have ulcerative colitis, or have developed inflammation of the colon (colitis) with past antibiotic use.CONTINUED BELOW
TEXT SIZEFrequently Asked Questions
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Q: Why do I have inflammatory acne (pimples)?
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A: Hormones can cause glands in your skin to make larger amounts of oil called sebum. The oil, when mixed with dead skin cells, sometimes clogs the pores. Clogged pores are a great place for normal skin bacteria to grow. This growth sometimes produces inflammation of the pore. The result of this is inflammatory acne (pimples).
Some people are more prone to develop inflammatory acne than others, but all the reasons for this are not known. -
Q: Will I outgrow my inflammatory acne?
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A: Usually acne develops in your early teen years and disappears by your mid 20s. But unfortunately, it can last longer. -
Q: Can stress cause inflammatory acne?
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A: Stress does not cause acne, but it may worsen acne. -
Q: Does what I eat affect my acne?
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A: A balanced diet is important to your overall health, but a change in diet may not rid you of your acne. Clinical studies have not proven a link between food and acne.
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Q: Does the sun help or hurt my acne?
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A: Some people believe that being in the sun or using a tanning bed helps their acne. It’s just not true! In fact, ultraviolet (UV) rays found in sunlight or tanning beds increase your risk of skin cancers! Bottom line, doctors do not recommend this as a way to treat your acne. -
Q: Does picking pimples help or hurt?
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A: Squeezing, popping, and picking can actually hurt your acne more than help! It could take longer to heal and cause you to have scars. These scars can’t be fixed with acne medications. -
Q: If I use more medication than directed by my healthcare provider, will my acne go away faster? -
A: No. If you use an excess amount of your topical treatment, you’ll probably cause more irritation to your skin. Do not change your dosage without your doctor’s guidance. -
Q: If my face clears up, is it all right to stop my medication?
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A: Some patients quit their acne treatment when they see positive improvement. Do not quit using your acne treatment without talking with your healthcare professional first. Remember: acne is managed, not cured. -
Q: May I use another acne medicine along with DUAC Topical Gel?
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A: While using DUAC Topical Gel, do not use any other topical acne medicine without speaking to your healthcare provider. Do not use the antibiotic erythromycin while using DUAC Topical Gel. -
Q: What will happen if I get DUAC Topical Gel in my eyes, mouth, or nose? -
A: DUAC Topical Gel may cause burning if it gets into your eyes, mouth, or nose. If this occurs, gently rinse with water or wipe away. -
Q: Is it okay to sunbathe when I’m using DUAC Topical Gel?
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A: When using DUAC Topical Gel, do not spend long periods of time in sunlight. Wear a hat or other clothing to decrease your exposure to the sun. Wear a sunscreen and reapply as needed. -
Q: Can any of the ingredients in DUAC Topical Gel bleach my clothes? -
A: Yes. Benzoyl peroxide may bleach both colored fabrics and hair. After applying, let DUAC Topical Gel dry fully before going to bed. -
Q: How do I store DUAC Topical Gel?
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A: You may store DUAC Topical Gel at room temperature up to 77°F (25°C) for up to 2 months. Do not freeze. Keep the tube tightly closed. Keep DUAC Topical Gel out of the reach of children. Discard any unused DUAC Topical Gel after 2 months.
Important Safety Information for DUAC Topical Gel
DUAC Topical Gel contains the antibiotic clindamycin. You should not use DUAC Topical Gel if you: are allergic to benzoyl peroxide or the antibiotics clindamycin or lincomycin, have Crohn’s disease, have ulcerative colitis, or have developed inflammation of the colon (colitis) with past antibiotic use.
Clindamycin taken orally or through IV may result in severe colitis, which may result in death. Topical clindamycin has been shown to be absorbed through the skin and may reach the bloodstream. Diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and colitis have been reported with the use of topical clindamycin. If you experience any of these signs, stop DUAC Topical Gel and call your doctor immediately.
DUAC Topical Gel is for skin use only; avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes. If you use DUAC Topical Gel with other topical acne medications, skin irritation may result.
Antibiotics may result in an overgrowth of bacteria and other living organisms. If you develop a yeast infection, stop using DUAC Topical Gel and call your doctor.
DUAC Topical Gel should not be used with products that contain erythromycin. Tell your doctor if you take medicine containing erythromycin.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, as it is not known if DUAC Topical Gel may harm your unborn baby.
It is not known if DUAC Topical Gel passes into breast milk. Topical clindamycin may be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. Clindamycin may pass into the breast milk when taken by mouth or by injection. You and your doctor should decide if you will use DUAC Topical Gel or breast-feed.
It is not known if DUAC Topical Gel is safe or effective in children under 12 years of age.
In medical studies, side effects of DUAC Topical Gel were generally limited to the skin and included peeling, dryness, burning, and/or redness.
If you develop allergic symptoms such as severe swelling or shortness of breath, you should stop using DUAC Topical Gel and contact your doctor immediately.
DUAC Topical Gel may bleach hair and colored fabrics.
Avoid long periods of time in sunlight. Always wear sunscreen and wear a hat or other clothing to decrease your exposure to the sun.
For more information about DUAC Topical Gel, read the Full Prescribing Information.
