Focus on acnecide
FOCUS ON ACNECIDE
THE UK NUMBER 1 SELLING ACNE TREATMENT BRAND*
ACNECIDE 5% W/W GEL 30g and ACNECIDE WASH 5% W/W GEL 100g are only available from pharmacies and can be recommended for the treatment of acne vulgaris. The two different treatment formats should not be used together at the same time.8
Click on the packshots below to find out more.
Benzoyl peroxide 5% w/w
Legal category P
Benzoyl peroxide 5% w/w
Legal category P
A COMPLETE DAILY REGIME
ACNECIDE also has smaller size GSL category 5% benzoyl peroxide treatments available for treating mild facial acne.
To support sensitive acne-prone skin, Acnecide's sister brand, Purifide, offers a range of gentle daily cosmetic products. These products can be used alongside Acnecide medicial treatments to provide a complete daily regime, helping to maintain the skin's barrier and tolerance to treatment.
Click on the boxes below to view the range.
DAILY CLEANSER 235ml
A foaming face wash for spot-prone sensitive skin
ACNECIDE FACE WASH 5% W/W GEL 50g
Benzoyl peroxide 5% w/w, Legal category GSL
For treatment of mild facial acne
Help protect and moisturise spot-prone sensitive skin
Purifide, by the makers of Acnecide, is a range of smart skincare designed for blemish and spot-prone skin. Purified works to keep pores clear, and to balance oiliness, hydration, skin pH and bacteria, helping to prevent spots and promote clearer skin. Purifide Daily Cleanser and Daily Moisturiser SPF30 support a balanced, strong and healthy-looking skin barrier. Suitable for acne-prone skin when used alongside spot treatments.
NOTE: CUSTOMERS SHOULD BE ADVISED TO USE ONLY ONE ACNECIDE MEDICINAL PRODUCT CONTAINING BENZOYL PEROXIDE
Apply according to directions; using products more frequently will not clear acne any faster, and may cause irritation
References
1. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/acne-vulgaris/background-information/prevalence/
2. https://www.guidelines.co.uk/skin-and-wound-care/nice-management-of-acne-guideline/456130.article
3. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/acne-emotional-effects
4. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/
5. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/diagnosis/
6. Titus S, Hodge J. Diagnosis and treatment of acne. Am Fam Physician. 2012 Oct 15;86(8):734-40. Available at: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/1015/p734.html
7. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/treatment/
8. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/3274/smpc
9. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2225
All references last accessed May 2022
Product information
Product information
Acnecide 5% w/w Gel 30g & Acnecide Wash 5% w/w Gel 100g
Presentation: 5% w/w benzoyl peroxide gel/wash gel.
Indications: Topical therapy for the treatment of acne vulgaris.
Dosage and Administration: Gel: Adults and children - Before each application, the skin should be cleaned and dried. Apply in a thin layer once or twice daily or as directed to the affected areas. Wash Gel: Apply twice daily to cover the affected skin areas. Wet the area to be treated and wash the affected area with the gel. Contact time with the skin should be 1 to 2 minutes followed by thorough rinsing with water and drying.
Contraindications: Known sensitivity to benzoyl peroxide or any of the excipients.
Precautions and Warnings: If severe irritation occurs, patients should be directed to use the medication less frequently, to temporarily discontinue use or to discontinue use altogether. Acnecide may cause swelling and blistering of the skin. If any of these symptoms occur, medication has to be discontinued. Patients should be advised that excessive application will not improve efficacy, but may increase the risk of skin irritation. Concomitant topical acne therapy should be used with caution because a possible cumulative irritancy may occur. Acnecide should not come into contact with the eyes, mouth, angles of the nose or mucous membranes. If the preparation enters the eye, wash thoroughly with water. Caution should be exercised when applying the drug to the neck and other sensitive areas. Sunlamps should not be used and deliberate or prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV radiation should be avoided or minimised; patients should use protective sunscreen and wear protective clothing when this cannot be done. Contact with any coloured material including hair and dyed fabrics may result in bleaching or discoloration. Due to the risk of sensitisation, Acnecide should not be applied on damaged skin. Interactions: Drugs with desquamative, irritant and drying effects should not be used concurrently. Pregnancy and Lactation: Acnecide should only be used by pregnant women if clearly needed. Preparations should not be applied to chest to avoid accidental transfer to infant.
Side Effects: Very common (>=1/10) adverse events include: dry skin, erythema, skin exfoliation (peeling) and skin burning sensation. Common (>=1/100 to <1/10) adverse events include: pruritis, pain of skin (pain, stinging), skin irritation (irritant contact dermatitis). Uncommon (>=1/1,000 to <1/100) adverse events include: allergic contact dermatitis. Swelling face and allergic reactions have been reported during post-marketing surveillance. Prescribers should consult the summary of product characteristics in relation to other side effects.
Packaging Quantities and Cost: Gel: 30g £5.44 60g £10.68. Wash Gel: 100g £14.99
MA Number: Gel: PL 10590/0006. Wash Gel: PL 10590/0026.
Legal Category: P
Full Prescribing Information is Available From: Galderma (UK) Ltd, Meridien House, 69-71 Clarendon Road, Watford, Herts., WD17 1DS, UK, Tel: +44 (0) 1923 208950
Date of Revision: October 2019
Acnecide Face 5% w/w Gel 15g & Acnecide Wash 5% w/w Gel 50g
Presentation: 5% w/w benzoyl peroxide gel/wash gel.
Indications: Treatment of mild acne affecting the face, when comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) predominate, and there are few or no papules and pustules (acne spots and pimples) and no inflamed spots.
Dosage and Administration: Adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over. When first used, apply once daily to the acne-affected areas before going to bed. After 2-3 days, if the treatment is well tolerated, the frequency of application can be increased to twice daily, in the morning and evening.
Contraindications: Known sensitivity to benzoyl peroxide or any of the excipients.
Precautions and Warnings: Not suitable for individuals with moderate or severe acne or previous scarring from acne. Individuals with extensive acne lesions affecting the chest, shoulders or back should consult their pharmacist or doctor. If swelling and blistering of the skin results, treatment should be discontinued and If severe irritation occurs, temporarily discontinue use until the irritation subsides. Acnecide should not come into contact with the eyes, mouth, angles of the nose or mucous membranes, and should not be applied to the neck and other sensitive areas. Sunlamps should not be used and deliberate or prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV radiation should be avoided or minimised; patients should use protective sunscreen and wear protective clothing when this cannot be done. Contact with any coloured material including hair and dyed fabrics may result in bleaching or discoloration. Due to the risk of sensitisation, Acnecide should not be applied on damaged skin. Not to be used in conjunction with other benzoyl peroxide preparations (including other Acnecide products), nor with any other topical or systemic treatment(s) for acne except under medical supervision. In the event of scarring, treatment should be discontinued, and advice should be sought from a doctor.
Side Effects: dry skin, erythema, skin exfoliation, skin burning sensation, pruritis, stinging or skin irritation. Swelling face and allergic reactions, including application site hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis have been reported. Consult the summary of product characteristics in relation to all side effects.
Packaging Quantities and Cost (RRP): Gel: 15g £7.99. Wash Gel: 50g £9.99.
MA Number: Gel: PL 10590/0069. Wash Gel: PL 10590/0070.
Legal Category: GSL
Marketing Authorisation Holder: Galderma (UK) Ltd, Meridien House, 69-71 Clarendon Road, Watford, Herts. WD17 1DS, UK, Tel: +44 (0) 1923 208950
Date of Revision: March 2020
Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
Adverse events should also be reported to Galderma (UK) Ltd. E-mail: Medinfo.uk@galderma.com Tel: +44 (0)300 3035674
ADVICE FOR CUSTOMERS WHEN USING ACNECIDE PRODUCTS8,9
- These products are for external use only (take care not to get the product into eyes/mouth or nose)
- Benzoyl peroxide treatments should be introduced slowly over several days, working up to twice-daily application, to allow skin time to build up tolerance to the treatment
- They should not be applied to damaged skin
- If swelling or blistering of the skin occurs, customers should be advised to discontinue use
- Acnecide products may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight/UV radiation. It is recommended to use daily SPF protection and avoid sun exposure
- Acnecide products should not be used with other benzoyl peroxide treatments
- Benzoyl peroxide can cause irritation/dryness; a non-comedogenic moisturiser can be applied after treatment to help prevent this.
ADDITIONAL SELF-CARE ADVICE FOR CUSTOMERS4
- Do not wash affected skin more than twice a day
- Wash using a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water
- Do not pick, scratch or squeeze spots as this can make them worse and cause permanent scarring
- Use water-based make-up and cosmetics that are described as non-comedogenic (less likely to block the pores in the skin) and avoid oil-based cosmetics
- Remove make-up before going to bed
- Wash hair regularly and try to avoid letting hair fall across the face.