Proper Use
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause your skin to be irritated. You may need to use this medicine for several weeks or months before your skin starts to look better. Applying extra medicine will not make it work faster.
This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, lips, mouth, or vagina. Do not use on skin areas that have cuts, scrapes, or sunburn. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
Before using an OTC acne product for the first time, apply a small amount to one or two small affected areas of the skin for 3 days. If no discomfort occurs, follow the directions on the drug facts label of the product.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
To use the cream:
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Make sure your skin is clean and dry before you apply this medicine.
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Apply a thin layer to the affected areas, and gently rub it in.
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When you first begin to use this product, prime the pump by pressing down until the first drop of cream is released.
To use the gel, lotion, or stick:
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Before applying, wash the affected area with a nonmedicated soap and water or with a mild cleanser and then gently pat dry with a towel.
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Apply enough medicine to cover the affected areas, and rub in gently.
To use the shave cream:
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Wet the area to be shaved.
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Apply a small amount of the shave cream and gently rub over entire area.
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Shave. Rinse the area and pat dry.
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After-shave lotions or other drying face products should not be used without checking with your doctor first.
To use the cleansing bar, cleansing lotion, or soap:
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Use to wash the affected areas as directed.
To use the facial mask:
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Before applying, wash the affected area with a nonmedicated cleanser. Then rinse and pat dry.
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Using a circular motion, apply a thin layer of the mask evenly over the affected area.
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Allow the mask to dry for 15 to 25 minutes.
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Then rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.
You should not wash the areas of the skin treated with benzoyl peroxide for at least 1 hour after application.
Avoid getting this medicine in your hair or on colored fabrics. It may bleach your hair or colored fabrics.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
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For acne:
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For topical dosage form (cleansing bar):
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Adults and children 12 years of age and over—Use 2 or 3 times a day, or as directed by your doctor.
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Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For topical dosage forms (cleansing lotion, cream, or gel):
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Adults and children 12 years of age and over—Use on the affected area(s) of the skin 1 or 2 times a day.
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Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For topical dosage form (facial mask):
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Adults and children 12 years of age and over—Use once a week or as directed by your doctor.
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Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For topical dosage form (lotion):
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Adults and children 12 years of age and over—Use on the affected area(s) of the skin 1 to 4 times a day.
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Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For topical dosage form (stick):
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Adults and children 12 years of age and over—Use on the affected area(s) of the skin 1 to 3 times a day.
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Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For inflammatory lesions caused by rosacea:
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For topical dosage form (cream):
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Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin once a day.
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Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Throw away any unused Epsolay® topical cream 30 days after first use.
Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024
Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.