Benzac Ac 5% Gel

Composition of Benzac Ac 5% Gel

Benzac Ac 5% Gel contains Benzoyl Peroxide (5% w/w). It belongs to the Retinoid / keratolytic class of medicines.

Uses of Benzac Ac 5% Gel

Acne

Key benefits

• In Acne Benzac AC 5% Gel is an antimicrobial agent that treats acne
• commonly called pimples. It kills the acne-causing bacteria and prevents spots or pimples from appearing. It usually takes a few weeks to have a noticeable effect so keep using it even if it appears not to be working. Sometimes acne may get worse before it gets better
• however
• with proper use
• your skin will get clearer. The earlier you start using it
• the less likely you are to get scars. This medicine will help improve your mood and uplift your confidence as your skin becomes acne-free. It should not be used if you have eczema or sunburned skin.

How Benzac Ac 5% Gel works

Benzac AC 5% Gel works by releasing oxygen into the skin, which helps kill the bacteria involved in acne. It also helps loosen and remove dead skin cells that block pores, reducing the formation of pimples and blackheads and supporting clearer skin.

How to take Benzac Ac 5% Gel

This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area and apply the gel. Wash your hands after applying, unless hands are the affected area.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

If you miss a dose of Benzac AC 5% Gel, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause severe irritation when far too much cream is applied; an oral retinoid taken in excess can cause headache, vomiting and liver injury. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Benzac Ac 5% Gel

Most side effects of Benzac Ac 5% are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Benzac Ac 5% Gel

Warnings and precautions

Acne often looks worse for the first two to four weeks before it improves. This is expected — do not stop. Use sunscreen every day. These medicines make the skin burn much more easily. Oral isotretinoin must never be taken in pregnancy — it causes severe birth defects. Reliable contraception and the pregnancy tests your dermatologist requires are essential before, during and after the course. Start with alternate nights and build up, and do not use more than a pea-sized amount for the whole face. Do not combine several strong acne actives at once without advice — the irritation compounds.

Do not take Benzac Ac 5% if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Oral retinoids are absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy and in anyone who might become pregnant without a pregnancy prevention programme. Topical retinoids are avoided in pregnancy.

Interactions with other medicines

Do not combine with other peeling agents or with waxing and harsh scrubs. Oral retinoids must not be combined with tetracycline antibiotics.

How to store Benzac Ac 5% Gel

Store below 30°C, away from direct sunlight. Close the cap tightly after each use. Keep out of the reach of children.

Expert advice for Benzac Ac 5% Gel

Do a small test on one or two spots for the first 3 days. Start once daily and increase gradually only if needed and tolerated. Avoid using other topical acne products on the same area unless your doctor advises. Reduce to once daily or every other day if your skin becomes very dry or irritated. Do not apply Benzac AC 5% Gel to sunburned or damaged skin.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

GALDERMA INDIA PVT LTD

Therapeutic class:

DERMA

Drug class:

Retinoid / keratolytic

Chemical class:

Benzoyl peroxides