Acanya (Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide)

Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC

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Topical Acne Agents

Acne

This combination medication is used to treat a certain type of acne (inflammatory acne vulgaris). It helps to decrease the number of acne pimples. Clindamycin is an antibiotic that stops the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide can also stop the growth of bacteria as well as reduce oil production in the skin, helping keep your pores open.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Before using this medication, wash the affected skin gently with mild, non-medicated cleanser, rinse with warm water, and pat dry. Apply a thin layer of this medication to the affected areas of the skin as directed by your doctor. Be careful to avoid your eyes, mouth, inside your nose, and any areas of broken skin. Wash your hands after each use. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. It may take up to 6 weeks to see a decrease in acne and up to 12 weeks to see the full benefit of the medication.

Dry skin, redness, burning, itching, or skin peeling may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. You can use skin moisturizing creams or lotions to help reduce many of the side effects listed above. This medication may be absorbed into your bloodstream and very rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to resistant bacteria. This condition may occur weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: other acne medications used on the skin (e.g., products that contain erythromycin, dapsone).

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Different brands/strengths of this medication may have different storage requirements. Read the package labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements for the product you are using. Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed, and do not store in the bathroom. This medication is good for a limited time after you receive it. Discard any unused medication by the expiration date your pharmacist provides.