Duac

Duac Once Daily Gel is indicated for the topical treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris, particularly inflammatory lesions, in adults. Duac is a prescription only medicine and comes in a gel form and its active ingredient includes benzoyl peroxide  50mg/g and clindamycin 10mg/g. Benzoyl Peroxide contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can learn more about Benzoyl peroxide by reviewing Acnecide treatment. Clindamycin is an antibiotic and helps further in reducing acne causing bacteria and infection on the skin. When working in combination the gel can effectively reduce whiteheads and blackheads and red inflamed spots.

Duac Once Daily Gel should be applied once daily in the evening to the entire affected area. The excessive application will not improve efficacy but may increase the risk of skin irritation. If excessive dryness or peeling occurs, the frequency of application should be reduced, or the application temporarily interrupted. An effect on inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions may be seen as early as weeks 2-5 of treatment. Treatment with Duac Once Daily Gel should not exceed more than 12 weeks of continuous use. Take a 6-month break after 12 weeks. Once the bacteria become resistant to clindamycin, the effectiveness of the cream will reduce.

Duac Once Daily Gel should be applied in a thin film after washing gently with a mild cleanser and fully drying. If the gel does not rub into the skin easily, too much is being applied. Hands should be washed after application.

Contact with the mouth, eyes, lips, other mucous membranes or areas of irritated or broken skin should be avoided. Application to sensitive areas of skin should be made with caution. In case of accidental contact, rinse well with water.

The common side effects include skin burning sensation, peeling and itching. This is most common in the first few weeks and settles over time. Using a moisturiser after you’ve applied and used treatment can help to minimise possible irritation or dryness benzoyl peroxide treatments may cause. If the symptoms become troublesome then reduce frequency or stop using treatment.

The manufacturer notes that some people using clindamycin solution have suffered adverse drug reactions, including: hypersensitivity and severe skin reactions; anaphylactic shock/reaction; hypotension; oesophageal ulcers; oesophagitis; and abnormal liver function tests.

If prolonged or significant diarrhoea occurs or you suffer from abdominal cramps, treatment with Duac Once Daily Gel should be discontinued immediately, as the symptoms may indicate antibiotic-associated colitis. There is a very low incidence of this occurring as the treatment is applied topically and not ingested.

Duac Once Daily Gel should be used with caution in patients with a history of regional enteritis or ulcerative colitis, or a history of antibiotic-associated colitis.

As benzoyl peroxide may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, sunlamps should not be used and deliberate or prolonged exposure to sun should be avoided or minimised. When exposure to strong sunlight cannot be avoided, patients should be advised to use a sunscreen product and wear protective clothing.

If you have sunburn, this should be resolved before using Duac Once Daily Gel.

The product may bleach hair or coloured fabrics. Avoid contact with hair, fabrics, furniture or carpeting.