Acnecide 5%w/w Gel

Acnecide Face Gel is a gel that helps to treat mild acne by attacking the bacteria that causes the condition, helping to keep skin clear. It works to reduce the effects of acne and allow the skin to return to its natural, smooth state, so you can feel confident in your skin.

This Acnecide Face Gel is designed to be used to treat mild acne breakouts affecting your face, whereas other Acnecide Gels can also be used to treat acne on your back, chest, and other areas. The difference in the formula means that you can buy this product without having to answer the pharmacy questions that you need to answer before you can buy other Acnecide gels in the range.

Acne is a common skin condition which causes spots to appear on the skin, including whiteheads, blackheads, and red spots that may or may not have a head. As well as spots, those who suffer from acne may notice that their skin feels oily, hot, or painful to touch. Some of the most common areas where people experience outbreaks of acne include the face, back, and chest.

Acnecide Face Gel contains 5% w/w of the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide. It helps to combat your acne by killing the bacteria which can cause Propionibacterium acne, one of the most common causes of acne. This helps to prevent the blackheads and whiteheads that show up when you are suffering from acne by removing the source.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this or any other medication. Do not use this product unless you have been advised to by a medical professional, as it may not be suitable for you and your baby. If your doctor has advised that you can use this product while breastfeeding, do not apply this gel to your chest so that your child does not come into contact with it.

If you are taking any other medication, even one that you have obtained without a prescription, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this gel. This especially applies if you:

• Are using medicines with peeling, irritant, and drying effects. These should not be used at the same time as Acnecide
• Are using other acne products that are used on the skin. This can make your skin very red and sore. Only use the two together if your doctor or pharmacist has told you that you should

Before using this product, wash the affected area with a mild cleanser and clean water, then gently pat the skin dry. Apply gel in a thin layer to all of the affected areas, do this once or twice a day, as needed. If you have sensitive skin, apply once a day, at bedtime. Wash hands after use. If your skin begins to dry or peel when you use this product, try reducing the number of applications (e.g. from once a day to once every two days) until your skin has had time to adjust to this product. Try to avoid strong sunlight while using this gel. Once you have used this product for a month, see your doctor or pharmacist again so they can check that your condition is improving.

Do not use Acnecide gel if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide or any of the other listed ingredients in this product. For external use only, avoid contact with eyes, mouth, angles of the nose, and mucous membranes (e.g. inside of the mouth, inside the nose). If the gel accidentally comes into contact with these places, rinse thoroughly with warm, clean water right away. Do not apply to broken or damaged skin. If you experience blistering or swelling of the skin while using this product, stop use right away. Avoid contact with hair, clothing, or fabrics, as this gel can bleach or stain. Use with caution if applying to the neck or other sensitive areas. Avoid repeated exposure to sunlight or other sources of UV light, such as sunbeds, while using this product.

Like all medications, Acnecide can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. This includes signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as:

• A raised, itchy rash (hives)
• Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, or mouth, difficulty breathing
• Fainting

If you experience a severe allergic reaction, stop use and seek medical assistance immediately. Other side effects of this product include:

• Dry skin
• Skin redness
• Skin peeling
• Burning sensation of the skin
• Itching
• The pain of the skin, stinging
• Skin irritation
• Allergic contact dermatitis

If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist right away. For more information about reporting side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Website.

Store in a cool, dry place that is below 25 degrees C. Do not freeze, keep away from direct heat. Store in the original packaging, do not use if expiration date printed on tube and carton has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.