Melpaque HP

Melpaque HP (for the skin) is used to lighten dark areas of skin like freckles, age spots, melasma (from sun damage), or chloasma (caused by hormonal changes).

Melpaque HP may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform all your healthcare providers about any medical conditions, allergies, and all medications you are using.

You should not use Melpaque HP if you are allergic to hydroquinone or peroxide.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

• liver or kidney disease;
• asthma or sulfite allergy; or
• if you are using any antibiotic medicine.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to anyone under 12 years old without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Melpaque HP can cause serious side effects. Stop using Melpaque HP and call your doctor immediately if you experience:

• severe skin redness, burning, or stinging;
• severe skin dryness, cracking, or bleeding;
• blisters or oozing; or
• blue or black discoloration of the skin (especially if you are Hispanic or African-American).

Common side effects of Melpaque HP may include:

• mild burning or stinging of the treated skin; or
• mild itching, redness, or other irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Melpaque HP is usually applied each morning and at bedtime. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Before you start using Melpaque HP, use a "test dose" to see if you have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Apply a very small amount of the medicine to a small area of healthy skin, and check the area within 24 hours. If there is no reaction other than minor redness, begin using the full prescribed amount of the medicine.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine, unless you are using it to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply this medicine only to the affected skin areas that need to be lightened. Try not to get any medicine on the skin around these areas.

Do not use Melpaque HP on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 months, or if your condition gets worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.

Apply the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at once.

An overdose of Melpaque HP is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Avoid getting Melpaque HP in your eyes.

Avoid getting this medicine on your lips or inside your nose or mouth. Hydroquinone may cause numbness in these areas.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Melpaque HP can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outside. Some hydroquinone products may contain sunscreen. Check the medicine label or ask your doctor to be sure.

Melpaque HP may make your skin more sensitive to extreme weather like cold and wind. Protect your skin with clothing and use a moisturizing lotion as needed.

Using Melpaque HP along with benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or other peroxide products may stain your skin. This staining can usually be removed with soap and water.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products containing alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be influenced by other medications you take. However, many medications can interact with one another. Inform all of your healthcare providers about all the medicines you are using, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.