Vanoxide-HC

Vanoxide-HC (for the skin) is a medicine that combines an antibacterial and a steroid to help treat acne.

Vanoxide-HC may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Benzoyl peroxide can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. Stop using this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have: hives, itching; difficulty breathing, feeling light-headed; or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You should not use Vanoxide-HC if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide or hydrocortisone, or if you have:

• a viral or fungal skin infection.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• any skin condition other than acne;
• very sensitive skin;
• allergies;
• diabetes; or
• problems with your adrenal gland.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not use this medicine on a child without medical advice.

Stop using Vanoxide-HC and get emergency medical help if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation: hives, itching; difficulty breathing, feeling light-headed; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

These reactions can happen just a few minutes after applying the medicine or within a day or longer afterward.

This medicine can cause serious side effects. Stop using it and call your doctor immediately if you experience:

• severe burning, stinging, or redness of the treated skin;
• severe itching, or other skin irritation; or
• signs of skin infection—warmth, redness, swelling, oozing, or crusting around your hair follicles.

Your skin can absorb hydrocortisone, which may lead to steroid side effects throughout the body. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor if you have:

• weight gain (especially in your face or upper back and torso);
• slow wound healing, thinning skin, increased body hair;
• irregular menstrual periods, changes in sexual function; or
• muscle weakness, feeling tired, depression, anxiety, or irritability.

Children may absorb larger amounts of this medicine through their skin and could be more likely to experience side effects.

Common side effects of Vanoxide-HC may include:

• mild stinging or burning (especially when applying this medicine to your neck or other sensitive areas);
• itching or a tingly feeling;
• skin dryness, peeling, or flaking; or
• mild redness or irritation.

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

Benzoyl peroxide can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. Before you start using this medicine, you may choose to apply a "test dose" to see if you have any type of reaction. Apply a very small amount of the medicine to 1 or 2 small acne areas every day for 3 days in a row. If there is no reaction, begin using the full prescribed amount on the 4th day.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, or irritated skin. Also avoid using on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

You may need to shake the medicine just before each use.

Wash your hands before and after applying the medicine.

Clean and pat dry the skin to be treated. Apply the medicine in a thin layer and rub in gently.

Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor tells you to.

Benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair or fabrics. Avoid allowing this medicine to come into contact with your hair or clothing.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature and do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Throw away any Vanoxide-HC not used within 3 months after you received this medicine from a pharmacy.

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

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

An overdose of topical steroid medicine is not expected to cause life-threatening symptoms. Long-term use of high doses can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

Rinse with water if Vanoxide-HC gets in your eyes, mouth, or near your genitals.

Avoid using skin products that can irritate your skin, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Using tretinoin topical (Retin-A, Renova, and others) with a benzoyl peroxide medication may cause severe skin irritation.

Medicine applied to the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform every health care provider about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.