Type of medicine: acne treatment
Generic and brand names: benzoyl peroxide/hydrocortisone, topical; Vanoxide-HC
This medicine is used on the skin to treat acne and other skin problems.
Before using this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine is for external use only. Use it only as directed by your healthcare provider, or according to the manufacturer's directions. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Do not use it more often than directed. Do not put this medicine on skin that is sunburned, bruised, or has open cuts or scrapes.
Before you apply the medicine, wash your skin with mild soap and warm water. Rinse and pat dry with a soft towel.
Shake the medicine well before using.
If you have the cream, lotion, gel, or ointment, put a thin layer of medicine on the area where you need it or as directed by your healthcare provider or the instructions on the medicine package. Using too much medicine or using it too often can increase the risk of side effects from absorption into your body. Do not rub it in. Do not bandage or cover the area unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Wash your hands after applying this medicine.
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about using cosmetics, other skin care products, or other medicines on your skin while using this medicine.
Keep this medicine away from your eyes and mouth, and the inside of your nose. If it gets in your eyes, flush them with water right away.
Some forms of this medicine may be flammable. Do not apply or store this medicine near heat or an open flame.
If you miss an application, apply the medicine as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled application. In that case, skip the application and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not try to make up for missed applications by using more or using it more often.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
While using this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun or a sunlamp, which can cause more irritation to the skin. Protect skin with clothing or sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) when outdoors. Cold weather or wind may also be irritating to your skin. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about this.
Try not to get this medicine on your hair or clothing. It may bleach your hair or colored fabrics.
If the medicine causes severe irritation, contact your healthcare provider. Your acne might seem to get worse during the first few weeks of treatment. It may take several weeks after you start using this medicine to see complete results. Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice if you are concerned or if your condition does not improve or gets worse.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider): Severe irritation or rash that starts after you use the medicine; any signs of infection (such as blisters with pus).
Other: Dry skin, peeling skin, stinging, burning, itching, redness, change in skin color, increased hair growth.
When you use this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
Discard this medicine after 3 months.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
