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Duac is a topical gel that is used in the treatment of moderate to severe acne. It contains two active ingredients, clindamycin phosphate (1%) and Benzoyl Peroxide (3%) which work together to combat acne in two different ways. Clindamycin is an antibiotic which stops the bacteria that cause acne. Benzoyl Peroxide is an antimicrobial agent, it kills the bacteria that cause acne as well as softening and peeling the outer layer of skin, breaking down whiteheads and blackheads, and thereby reducing acne and inflammation across the affected area.
As with all medicines applied to the skin in the treatment of acne, you may have to wait up to 4 weeks to start to see a change in your acne and that the Duac gel is working. Because of the combination of active ingredients Duac gel can help to manage the appearance of acne as well as prevent future outbreaks. It is important to be consistent in your application of this gel in order for it to work properly.
After removing any makeup and washing the face, a thin film of the gel should be applied to a clean and dry skin on the acne affected area once a day before going to bed. Wash your hands thoroughly after application as the gel can bleach fabrics and hair. Avoid any contact with the eyes, mouth, lips and nostrils and do not apply to broken skin. The gel will not work more effectively or any faster if it is applied more times than it is prescribed.
In the event you miss a dose, it is safe to apply the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if enough time has passed that you should be applying your next dose instead, simply skip the missed dose and resume your typical application schedule.
Always use this medication exactly as your clinician has told you. Check with our clinical team or your GP or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
During the initial few weeks of treatment, most people using Duac gel will experience side effects such as peeling, itching, dry skin and redness. This should lessen over time. It can also make the skin more sensitive to the sun so it's important you don't expose the affected area to too much sunlight or use sunbeds.
For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, or you are experiencing any of the side effects mentioned in the patient information leaflet whilst taking this medication, please contact our clinical team or speak to your GP.
If you develop stomach cramps or diarrhea that does not improve or is severe, stop using Duac Gel and contact your doctor immediately. Antibiotics may cause a condition that results in severe diarrhea and stomach cramps. Although this is unlikely to happen with antibiotics applied to the skin, like Duac Gel.
Duac Gel can cause your skin to become sensitive to sunlight. As a precautionary measure, you should wear sunscreen and hats to avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
Duac Gel can bleach certain materials such as bed linen, clothing, carpet and furniture. Duac Gel may also have a bleaching effect on hair.
You should not use Duac gel if you think you might be pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to this medication. These include:
It is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are currently taking. You must also tell us about any other medical conditions that you currently have (or had in the past). This will help us ensure the prescribed medication is safe and appropriate for you to take.
For full information on warnings, medication interactions and contraindications, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet. Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform our clinical team or your GP of medicines you are taking or intend to take
