ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS. Most commonly reported adverse reactions (>=1%) in patients treated with EPIDUO FORTE gel were skin irritation, eczema, atopic dermatitis, and skin burning sensation. (6) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Galderma Laboratories, L.P. at 1-866-735-4137 or FDA at1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience. Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. During the Phase clinical trial, 217 subjects were exposed to EPIDUO FORTE gel. total of 197 subjects with acne vulgaris, 12 years and older, were treated once daily for 12 weeks. Adverse reactions reported within 12 weeks of treatment in at least 1% of subjects treated with EPIDUO FORTE gel and for which the rate with EPIDUO FORTE gel exceeded the rate for the vehicle gel are presented in Table 1:Table 1. Adverse Reactions Occurring in >= 1% of Subjects with Acne Vulgaris in 12-week Clinical TrialEPIDUO FORTE Gel (N=217)Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 0.1%/2.5% (N=217)Vehicle Gel (N=69)Skin irritation4%<1%0%Eczema1%0%0%Dermatitis atopic1%0%0%Skin burning sensation1%0%0%Local tolerability evaluations presented in Table 2, were conducted at each study visit in the clinical trial by assessment of erythema, scaling, dryness, and stinging/burning, which peaked at Week of therapy and decreased thereafter.Table 2. Incidence of Local Cutaneous Irritation in 12-week Clinical Trial in Subjects with Acne VulgarisMaximum SeverityDuring TreatmentEnd of Treatment Severity(Final Score)ModerateSevereModerateSevereEPIDUO FORTE Gel (N=213)Erythema20%1%4%<1%Scaling17%1%1%<1%Dryness15%2%3%<1%Stinging/Burning19%6%1%1%Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 0.1%/2.5% (N=212)Erythema15%1%2%<1%Scaling12%<1%2%0%Dryness13%1%2%0%Stinging/Burning14%9%3%0%Vehicle Gel (N=68)Erythema6%1%1%0%Scaling6%0%1%0%Dryness4%1%1%0%Stinging/Burning3%1%0%0%. 6.2 Post-Marketing Experience. There is no post-marketing experience with EPIDUO FORTE gel.The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of EPIDUO gel, similar drug containing 0.1% adapalene and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredients: eyelid edema, sunburn, blister, pain of skin, pruritus, swelling face, conjunctivitis, skin discoloration, rash, eczema, throat tightness and allergic contact dermatitis. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish causal relationship to drug exposure.

CARCINOGENESIS & MUTAGENESIS & IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY SECTION.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility. No carcinogenicity, photocarcinogenicity, genotoxicity, or fertility studies were conducted with EPIDUO FORTE gel.Carcinogenicity studies with adapalene have been conducted in mice at topical doses of 0.4, 1.3, and 4.0 mg/kg/day (1.2, 3.9, 12 mg/m2/day), and in rats at oral doses of 0.15, 0.5, and 1.5 mg/kg/day (0.9, 3.0, and 9.0 mg/m2/day). In terms of body surface area, the highest dose levels are 3.2 (mice) and 2.4 (rats) the MRHD of grams of EPIDUO FORTE gel. In the rat study, an increased incidence of benign and malignant pheochromocytomas reported in the adrenal medulla of male rats was observed.No significant increase in tumor formation was observed in rodents topically treated with 15-25% benzoyl peroxide carbopol gel (6-10 times the concentration of benzoyl peroxide in EPIDUO FORTE gel) for two years. Rats received maximum daily applications of 138 (males) and 205 (females) mg benzoyl peroxide/kg. In terms of body surface area, these levels are 27-40 times the MRHD. Similar results were obtained in mice topically treated with 25% benzoyl peroxide carbopol gel for 56 weeks followed by intermittent treatment with 15% benzoyl peroxide carbopol gel for rest of the year study period, and in mice topically treated with 5% benzoyl peroxide carbopol gel for two years.The role of benzoyl peroxide as tumor promoter has been well established in several animal species. The significance of this finding in humans is unknown.In photocarcinogenicity study conducted with 5% benzoyl peroxide carbopol gel, no increase in UV-induced tumor formation was observed in hairless mice topically treated for 40 weeks.No photocarcinogenicity studies were conducted with adapalene. However, animal studies have shown an increased tumorigenic risk with the use of pharmacologically similar drugs (e.g., retinoids) when exposed to UV irradiation in the laboratory or sunlight. Although the significance of these findings to humans is not clear, patients should be advised to avoid or minimize exposure to either sunlight or artificial irradiation sources.Adapalene did not exhibit mutagenic or genotoxic effects in vitro (Ames test, Chinese hamster ovary cell assay, or mouse lymphoma TK assay) or in vivo (mouse micronucleus test).Bacterial mutagenicity assays (Ames test) with benzoyl peroxide has provided mixed results; mutagenic potential was observed in few but not in majority of investigations. It has been shown to produce single-strand DNA breaks in human bronchial epithelial and mouse epidermal cells, caused DNA-protein cross-links in the human cells, and also induced dose-dependent increase in sister chromatid exchanges in Chinese hamster ovary cells.In rat oral studies, 20 mg adapalene/kg/day did not affect the reproductive performance and fertility of F0 males and females, or the growth, development and reproductive function of F1 offspring.No fertility studies were conducted with benzoyl peroxide.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION.

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY. 12.1 Mechanism of Action. AdapaleneAdapalene binds to specific retinoic acid nuclear receptors but does not bind to cytosolic receptor protein. Biochemical and pharmacological profile studies have demonstrated that adapalene is modulator of cellular differentiation, keratinization and inflammatory processes. However, the significance of these findings with regard to the mechanism of action of adapalene for the treatment of acne is unknown.Benzoyl peroxideBenzoyl peroxide is an oxidizing agent with bactericidal and keratolytic effects.. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics. Pharmacodynamics of EPIDUO FORTE gel is unknown.. 12.3 Pharmacokinetics. pharmacokinetic study was conducted in 26 adult and adolescent subjects (12 to 33 years of age) with severe acne vulgaris who were treated with once-daily applications during 4-week period with, on average, 2.3 grams/day (range 1.6-3.1 grams/day) of EPIDUO FORTE gel applied as thin layer to the face, shoulders, upper chest, and upper back.After 4-week treatment, 16 subjects (62%) had quantifiable adapalene plasma concentrations above the limit of quantification of 0.1 ng/mL, with mean Cmax of 0.16 +- 0.08 ng/mL and mean AUC0-24hr of 2.49 +- 1.21 ng.h/mL. The most exposed subject had adapalene Cmax and AUC0-24hr of 0.35 ng/mL and 6.41 ng.h/mL, respectively. Excretion of adapalene appears to be primarily by the biliary route.Benzoyl peroxide is absorbed by the skin where it is converted to benzoic acid and eliminated in the urine.

CLINICAL STUDIES SECTION.

6.1 Clinical Studies Experience. Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. During the Phase clinical trial, 217 subjects were exposed to EPIDUO FORTE gel. total of 197 subjects with acne vulgaris, 12 years and older, were treated once daily for 12 weeks. Adverse reactions reported within 12 weeks of treatment in at least 1% of subjects treated with EPIDUO FORTE gel and for which the rate with EPIDUO FORTE gel exceeded the rate for the vehicle gel are presented in Table 1:Table 1. Adverse Reactions Occurring in >= 1% of Subjects with Acne Vulgaris in 12-week Clinical TrialEPIDUO FORTE Gel (N=217)Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 0.1%/2.5% (N=217)Vehicle Gel (N=69)Skin irritation4%<1%0%Eczema1%0%0%Dermatitis atopic1%0%0%Skin burning sensation1%0%0%Local tolerability evaluations presented in Table 2, were conducted at each study visit in the clinical trial by assessment of erythema, scaling, dryness, and stinging/burning, which peaked at Week of therapy and decreased thereafter.Table 2. Incidence of Local Cutaneous Irritation in 12-week Clinical Trial in Subjects with Acne VulgarisMaximum SeverityDuring TreatmentEnd of Treatment Severity(Final Score)ModerateSevereModerateSevereEPIDUO FORTE Gel (N=213)Erythema20%1%4%<1%Scaling17%1%1%<1%Dryness15%2%3%<1%Stinging/Burning19%6%1%1%Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 0.1%/2.5% (N=212)Erythema15%1%2%<1%Scaling12%<1%2%0%Dryness13%1%2%0%Stinging/Burning14%9%3%0%Vehicle Gel (N=68)Erythema6%1%1%0%Scaling6%0%1%0%Dryness4%1%1%0%Stinging/Burning3%1%0%0%.

DESCRIPTION SECTION.

11 DESCRIPTION. EPIDUO FORTE (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) gel, 0.3%/2.5% is white to very pale yellow, opaque gel for topical use containing adapalene 0.3% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5%. Adapalene, synthetic retinoid, is naphthoic acid derivative with retinoid-like properties. The chemical name for adapalene is (6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-naphthoic acid). It has the following structural formula:Adapalene:Molecular formula: C28H28O3 Molecular weight: 412.5Benzoyl Peroxide is highly lipophilic oxidizing agent that localizes in both bacterial and keratinocyte cell membranes. The chemical name for benzoyl peroxide is dibenzoyl peroxide. It has the following structural formula:Benzoyl Peroxide:Molecular formula: C14H10O4 Molecular weight: 242.23EPIDUO FORTE gel contains the following inactive ingredients: acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, docusate sodium, edetate disodium, glycerin, isohexadecane, poloxamer 124, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, purified water, and sorbitan oleate.. 20089-0415-chem-struct-01. 20089-0415-chem-struct-02.

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION.

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION. [See FDA Approved Patient Labeling (Patient Information)]Information for Patientso Advise patients to cleanse the area to be treated with mild or soapless cleanser; pat dry. Apply EPIDUO FORTE gel as thin layer, avoiding the eyes, lips and mucous membranes.o Advise patients not to use more than the recommended amount and not to apply more than once daily as this will not produce faster results, but may increase irritation.o EPIDUO FORTE gel may cause irritation such as erythema, scaling, dryness, stinging or burning.o Advise patients to minimize exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps.o Recommend the use of sunscreen products and protective apparel (e.g., hat) when exposure cannot be avoided.o EPIDUO FORTE gel may bleach hair and colored fabric.Marketed by:GALDERMA LABORATORIES, L.P.Fort Worth, Texas 76177 USAMade in CanadaAll trademarks are the property of their respective owners.P52751-1.

NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY SECTION.

13. NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY. 13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility. No carcinogenicity, photocarcinogenicity, genotoxicity, or fertility studies were conducted with EPIDUO FORTE gel.Carcinogenicity studies with adapalene have been conducted in mice at topical doses of 0.4, 1.3, and 4.0 mg/kg/day (1.2, 3.9, 12 mg/m2/day), and in rats at oral doses of 0.15, 0.5, and 1.5 mg/kg/day (0.9, 3.0, and 9.0 mg/m2/day). In terms of body surface area, the highest dose levels are 3.2 (mice) and 2.4 (rats) the MRHD of grams of EPIDUO FORTE gel. In the rat study, an increased incidence of benign and malignant pheochromocytomas reported in the adrenal medulla of male rats was observed.No significant increase in tumor formation was observed in rodents topically treated with 15-25% benzoyl peroxide carbopol gel (6-10 times the concentration of benzoyl peroxide in EPIDUO FORTE gel) for two years. Rats received maximum daily applications of 138 (males) and 205 (females) mg benzoyl peroxide/kg. In terms of body surface area, these levels are 27-40 times the MRHD. Similar results were obtained in mice topically treated with 25% benzoyl peroxide carbopol gel for 56 weeks followed by intermittent treatment with 15% benzoyl peroxide carbopol gel for rest of the year study period, and in mice topically treated with 5% benzoyl peroxide carbopol gel for two years.The role of benzoyl peroxide as tumor promoter has been well established in several animal species. The significance of this finding in humans is unknown.In photocarcinogenicity study conducted with 5% benzoyl peroxide carbopol gel, no increase in UV-induced tumor formation was observed in hairless mice topically treated for 40 weeks.No photocarcinogenicity studies were conducted with adapalene. However, animal studies have shown an increased tumorigenic risk with the use of pharmacologically similar drugs (e.g., retinoids) when exposed to UV irradiation in the laboratory or sunlight. Although the significance of these findings to humans is not clear, patients should be advised to avoid or minimize exposure to either sunlight or artificial irradiation sources.Adapalene did not exhibit mutagenic or genotoxic effects in vitro (Ames test, Chinese hamster ovary cell assay, or mouse lymphoma TK assay) or in vivo (mouse micronucleus test).Bacterial mutagenicity assays (Ames test) with benzoyl peroxide has provided mixed results; mutagenic potential was observed in few but not in majority of investigations. It has been shown to produce single-strand DNA breaks in human bronchial epithelial and mouse epidermal cells, caused DNA-protein cross-links in the human cells, and also induced dose-dependent increase in sister chromatid exchanges in Chinese hamster ovary cells.In rat oral studies, 20 mg adapalene/kg/day did not affect the reproductive performance and fertility of F0 males and females, or the growth, development and reproductive function of F1 offspring.No fertility studies were conducted with benzoyl peroxide.

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL.

LABEL 45g Carton. Rx only NDC 0299-5906-45EPIDUO(R) FORTE(adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) Gel 0.3%/2.5%PUMPFOR TOPICAL USE ONLYNET WT.45 gGALDERMAFor topical use only. Not for ophthalmic, oral or intravaginal use.Usual dosage: Apply thin layer once day to affected areas. See package insert for complete prescribing information.Each gram contains: Active: adapalene 0.3% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% in gel. Inactive: acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer, docusate sodium, edetate disodium, glycerin, isohexadecane, poloxamer 124, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, purified water, and sorbitan oleate.Storage: Store at controlled room temperature 68 to 77F (20 to 25C) with excursions permitted between 59 and 86F (15 and 30C).See carton closure for lot number and expiration date.Marketed by:GALDERMA LABORATORIES, L.P.14501 North FreewayFort Worth, Texas 76177 USAMade in Canada.All trademarks are the property of their respective ownerswww.epiduoforte.comP52750-2.

PREGNANCY SECTION.

8.1 Pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C. There are no well-controlled trials in pregnant women treated with EPIDUO FORTE gel. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with the combination gel. Furthermore, such studies are not always predictive of human response; therefore, EPIDUO FORTE gel should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the risk to the fetus.No teratogenic effects were observed in rats treated with oral doses of 0.15 to 5.0 mg adapalene/kg/day, up to times (mg/m2/day) the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of grams of EPIDUO FORTE gel. However, teratogenic changes were observed in rats and rabbits when treated with oral doses of >= 25 mg adapalene/kg/day representing 41 and 81 times MRHD, respectively. Findings included cleft palate, microphthalmia, encephalocele, and skeletal abnormalities in rats; and umbilical hernia, exophthalmos, and kidney and skeletal abnormalities in rabbits.Dermal teratology studies conducted in rats and rabbits at doses of 0.6-6.0 mg adapalene/kg/day (9.7-19.5 times MRHD) exhibited no fetotoxicity and only minimal increases in supernumerary ribs in both species and delayed ossification in rabbits.

SPL PATIENT PACKAGE INSERT SECTION.

PACKAGE INSERT. Patient informationEPIDUO FORTE (Ep-E-Do-Oh For-Tay)(adapalene and benzoyl peroxide)gel 0.3%/2.5%Important Information: EPIDUO FORTE gel is for use on the skin only (topical). Do not use EPIDUO FORTE gelin or on your mouth, eyes, or vagina.What is EPIDUO FORTE gelEPIDUO FORTE gel is prescription medicine used on the skin (topical) to treat acne vulgaris. It is not known whether EPIDUO FORTE gel is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age.Before using EPIDUO FORTE gel, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:o have other skin problems, including cuts or sunburno are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if EPIDUO FORTE gel can harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.o are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if EPIDUO FORTE gel passes into your breast milk and if it can harm your baby. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you use EPIDUO FORTE gel.Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Using other topical acne products may increase the irritation of your skin when used with EPIDUO FORTE gel.How should use EPIDUO FORTE gelo Use EPIDUO FORTE gel exactly as your doctor tells you to use it.o Apply EPIDUO FORTE gel time day.o Do not use more EPIDUO FORTE gel than you need to cover the treatment area. Using too much EPIDUO FORTE gel or using it more than time day may increase your chance of skin irritation.Applying EPIDUO FORTE gel:o Wash the area where the gel will be applied with mild or soapless cleanser and pat dry.o EPIDUO FORTE gel comes in pump. Depress the pump to dispense small amount (about the size of pea) of EPIDUO FORTE gel and spread thin layer over the affected area.o Wash your hands after applying the gel.What should avoid while using EPIDUO FORTE gelo Avoid spending time in sunlight or artificial sunlight, such as tanning beds or sunlamps. EPIDUO FORTE gel can make your skin sensitive to sun and the light from tanning beds and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear hat and clothes that cover the areas treated with EPIDUO FORTE gel if you have to be in sunlight.o Cold weather and wind may irritate skin treated with EPIDUO FORTE gel.o Avoid applying EPIDUO FORTE gel to cuts, abrasions, and sunburned skin.o Avoid skin products that may dry or irritate your skin such as medicated or harsh soaps, astringents, cosmetics that make your skin dry, and products containing high levels of alcohol, spices, or limes.o Avoid the use of waxing as hair removal method on skin treated with EPIDUO FORTE gel.o EPIDUO FORTE gel may bleach your clothes or hair. Allow EPIDUO FORTE gel to dry completely before dressing to prevent bleaching of your clothes.What are the possible side effects of EPIDUO FORTE gelEPIDUO FORTE gel may cause serious side effects including:Local skin reactions. Local skin reactions are most likely to happen during the first weeks of treatment and usually lessen with continued use of EPIDUO FORTE gel. Signs and symptoms of local skin reactions include redness, scaling, dryness, stinging, or burning.Tell your doctor right away if these side effects continue for longer than weeks or get worse, you may have to stop using EPIDUO FORTE gel.These are not all the possible side effects of EPIDUO FORTE gel. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to GALDERMA LABORATORIES, L.P. at 1-866-735-4137How should store EPIDUO FORTE gelo Store EPIDUO FORTE gel at room temperature between 68F to 77F (20C to 25C).o Keep EPIDUO FORTE gel out of light and away from heat.Keep EPIDUO FORTE gel and all medicines out of the reach of children.General information about the safe and effective use of EPIDUO FORTE gelMedicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in Patient Information leaflet. Do not use EPIDUO FORTE gel for condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give EPIDUO FORTE gel to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about EPIDUO FORTE gel that is written for health professionals.What are the ingredients in EPIDUO FORTE gelActive ingredient: adapalene and benzoyl peroxideInactive ingredients: acrylamide/sodium acryloydimethyltaurate copolymer, docusate sodium, edetate disodium, glycerin, isohexadecane, polaxamer 124, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, purified water and sorbitan oleateMarketed by: GALDERMA LABORATORIES, L.P., Fort Worth, Texas 76177 USAAll trademarks are the property of their respective owners. P52751-1This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Issued: 07/2015.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS SECTION.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS. 8.1 Pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C. There are no well-controlled trials in pregnant women treated with EPIDUO FORTE gel. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with the combination gel. Furthermore, such studies are not always predictive of human response; therefore, EPIDUO FORTE gel should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the risk to the fetus.No teratogenic effects were observed in rats treated with oral doses of 0.15 to 5.0 mg adapalene/kg/day, up to times (mg/m2/day) the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of grams of EPIDUO FORTE gel. However, teratogenic changes were observed in rats and rabbits when treated with oral doses of >= 25 mg adapalene/kg/day representing 41 and 81 times MRHD, respectively. Findings included cleft palate, microphthalmia, encephalocele, and skeletal abnormalities in rats; and umbilical hernia, exophthalmos, and kidney and skeletal abnormalities in rabbits.Dermal teratology studies conducted in rats and rabbits at doses of 0.6-6.0 mg adapalene/kg/day (9.7-19.5 times MRHD) exhibited no fetotoxicity and only minimal increases in supernumerary ribs in both species and delayed ossification in rabbits.. 8.3 Nursing Mothers. It is not known whether adapalene or benzoyl peroxide is excreted in human milk following use of EPIDUO FORTE gel. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when EPIDUO FORTE gel is administered to nursing woman.. 8.4 Pediatric Use. Safety and effectiveness of EPIDUO FORTE gel in pediatric patients under the age of 12 have not been established.. 8.5 Geriatric Use. Clinical studies of EPIDUO FORTE gel did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS SECTION.

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS. o Ultraviolet Light and Environmental Exposure: Avoid exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear sunscreen when sun exposure cannot be avoided. (5.1)o Erythema, scaling, dryness, stinging/burning, irritant and allergic contact dermatitis may occur with use of EPIDUO FORTE gel and may necessitate discontinuation. (5.2). 5.1 Ultraviolet Light and Environmental Exposure. Exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps, should be minimized during the use of EPIDUO FORTE gel. Patients with high levels of sun exposure and those with inherent sensitivity to sun should exercise particular caution. Use of sunscreen products and protective apparel (e.g., hat) are recommended when exposure cannot be avoided. Weather extremes, such as wind or cold, may be irritating to patients under treatment with EPIDUO FORTE gel.. 5.2 Local Cutaneous Reactions. Erythema, scaling, dryness, and stinging/burning may be experienced with use of EPIDUO FORTE gel. These are most likely to occur during the first four weeks of treatment, are mostly mild to moderate in intensity, and usually lessen with continued use of the medication. Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis may occur. Depending upon the severity of these adverse reactions, patients should be instructed to use moisturizer, reduce the frequency of the application of EPIDUO FORTE gel, or discontinue use. The product should not be applied to cuts, abrasions, eczematous or sunburned skin. As with other retinoids, use of waxing as depilatory method should be avoided on skin treated with EPIDUO FORTE gel.Avoid concomitant use of other potentially irritating topical products (medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers, soaps and cosmetics that have strong skin-drying effect and products with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, spices, or limes).

LABOR & DELIVERY SECTION.

8.2 Lactation. Risk SummaryAdapalene gel, 0.3%There are no data on the presence of adapalene topical gel or its metabolite in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. In animal studies, adapalene is present in rat milk with oral administration of the drug. When drug is present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk. It is possible that topical administration of large amounts of adapalene could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk (see Clinical Considerations). Benzoyl peroxide gel, 2.5%The systemic exposure of benzoyl peroxide is unknown. Based on the published literature, benzoyl peroxide is rapidly metabolized to benzoic acid (an endogenous substance), which is eliminated in the urine. Any amount of benzoyl peroxide excreted into human milk by nursing mother would be expected to be rapidly metabolized by tissue and stomach esterases. There are no data on the presence of benzoyl peroxide in human milk, its effects on the breastfed infant or its effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mothers clinical need for EPIDUO FORTE and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from EPIDUO FORTE or from the underlying maternal condition.Clinical ConsiderationsTo minimize potential exposure to the breastfed infant via breastmilk, use EPIDUO FORTE on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible while breastfeeding. Advise breastfeeding women not to apply EPIDUO FORTE directly to the nipple and areola to avoid direct infant exposure.