INTRODUCTION

DECOMEDO is a combination of Clindamycin and Benzoyl peroxide which belongs to the group of medicines called Anti-acne preparations. It is used in the treatment of mild to moderate acne in adults and in adolescents (aged 12 years or older).

Acne is a common skin problem caused due to clogging off skin pores with dead skin cells or sebum (oil produced by the skin) with or without bacterial infection. It makes the skin inflamed with redness and pustules, along with small bumps on the skin which may be whiteheads or blackheads.

Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic and benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial agent with sebum controlling properties. Both clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide acts by stopping the growth and multiplication of the acne-causing bacteria. Additionally, benzoyl peroxide can remove the accumulated dead skin cells and excess oil from the skin pores that triggers acne breakouts.

Use DECOMEDO as directed by the physician. It is for external use only. Avoid using DECOMEDO on inflamed, irritated, or sensitive skin areas. DECOMEDO may bleach your clothes, therefore avoid the contact of DECOMEDO with coloured fabrics.

Before using DECOMEDO inform your doctor if you have recently used any medicine that contains clindamycin or erythromycin. You must also inform your doctor if you have any problems in your gut (ulcerative colitis) or are pregnant or breastfeeding as a precaution.

DECOMEDO may cause skin redness and peeling in some individuals during the first few weeks of therapy. If you experience this, stop using DECOMEDO for a short period until your skin recovers. However, consult your doctor immediately if your skin irritation becomes severe and accompanied with skin redness, dryness, itching, stinging, or burning sensation.

USES OF DECOMEDO

• Treats mild to moderate acne in adults and in adolescents (aged 12 years or older)

HOW DECOMEDO WORKS

DECOMEDO effectively controls acne breakouts both in adults and in adolescents. It contains clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide both which acts by preventing the growth and multiplication of acne-causing bacteria. Additionally, benzoyl peroxide opens the skin pores and removes the accumulated dead skin cells and excess oil that triggers acne breakouts. Over time, it can also reduce oil production in the skin.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Always use DECOMEDO as directed by your physician. It is for external use only. Wash the affected area of the skin with warm water before application. Pat it dry. Apply a thin layer of DECOMEDO on the affected area. Let the medicine completely dry on your skin before applying any make-up products or cosmetics.

Do not use any cosmetics or make-up products before applying DECOMEDO. Check the label of the medicine or consult your doctor regarding the quantity of the medicine that needs to be applied.

Contact your doctor if you experience any skin dryness or irritation after using DECOMEDO. Avoid contact of DECOMEDO with eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. Your doctor will decide the duration of therapy for you depending upon your disease condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF DECOMEDO

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Skin rash:

Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate your skin further. Do not scratch the affected area. Use protective clothing while going outdoors. Consult your doctor for a suitable moisturizer that suits your skin. Consult your doctor if your skin condition worsens.

Sensitivity to sunlight:

Do not exposure the affected part of the skin to the direct sunlight. Use protective clothing while going outdoors. Consult your doctor if you require any sunscreen to protect your skin while going outdoors. Consult your doctor if your skin condition worsens.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug Interaction:

Before using DECOMEDO inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• other medicines used for acne (such as tretinoin, isotretinoin or tazarotene)
• erythromycin, sulfacetamide (medicines used to treat bacterial infections)
• dapsone (a medicine used to treat leprosy)
• general anesthetics (used for relaxing skeletal muscles before surgery) Ex. pancuronium, vercuronium
• medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers
• products contain large amounts of alcohol or astringents (Ex. skin cleansers or toners)

Overdosage:

Excessive application of DECOMEDO may cause skin irritation and dryness. If this happened, rinse it off with warm water. If irritation persists, stop using DECOMEDO for a few days or until irritation subsides or consult your doctor if necessary.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep DECOMEDO out of reach of children
• Store DECOMEDO in a cool, dry place or in a refrigerator (2-8?) depending upon the instructions mentioned in the label
• Avoid contact of DECOMEDO with eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. If contact happens accidentally, rinse it off with warm water
• Avoid contact of DECOMEDO with coloured fabrics, including clothing, towels, bed linen, furniture or carpeting as it may bleach them

FAQs ABOUT DECOMEDO

How long does it take for DECOMEDO to show the results?

It may take up to 2-3 weeks for DECOMEDO to improve your acne. However, this period may vary from patient-to-patient depending upon the severity of acne. Therefore, regularly use DECOMEDO for the stipulated duration mentioned by your doctor.

Will DECOMEDO be more effective if I overuse it?

Do not overuse DECOMEDO. Excessive application of DECOMEDO may cause skin irritation and dryness. Therefore, use DECOMEDO only directed by your physician.

What precautions do I need to follow while using DECOMEDO?

Use DECOMEDO as directed by the physician. Avoid using DECOMEDO on inflamed, irritated, or sensitive skin areas. DECOMEDO may bleach your clothes, therefore avoid the contact of DECOMEDO with coloured fabrics. Before using DECOMEDO inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as a precaution. Contact your doctor if your skin condition worsens.

Can the use of DECOMEDO make my skin sensitive to sunlight?

Yes. DECOMEDO may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, use protective clothing while going outdoors. Do not exposure the affected part of the skin to the direct sunlight. Consult your doctor if you require any sunscreen to protect your skin while going outdoors. Consult your doctor if your skin condition worsens.

What are the common side effects of using DECOMEDO?

DECOMEDO may cause skin redness and peeling in some individuals during the first few weeks of therapy. If you experience this, stop using DECOMEDO for a short period until your skin recovers. However, consult your doctor immediately if your skin irritation becomes severe with redness, dryness, itching, stinging, or burning sensation.

Can DECOMEDO be used in children?

DECOMEDO is not recommended for use in children (aged below 12 years). It should be used in children and adolescents (aged 12 years or older) only if prescribed by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor before using.

How does DECOMEDO works?

DECOMEDO acts by preventing the growth and multiplication of acne-causing bacteria. It can also open the skin pores and removes the accumulated dead skin cells and excess oil that triggers acne breakouts. Over time, it can also reduce oil production in the skin.

Can I use DECOMEDO to treat acne during pregnancy?

Currently, there are only limited data regarding the use of DECOMEDO in pregnant women. Therefore, consult your doctor before using DECOMEDO if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor may prescribe you with DECOMEDO based on the risk and benefit ratio.

REFERENCES

1. KD. Tripathi. Macrolide, Lincosamide, Glycopeptide and Other Antibacterial Antibiotics; Urinary Antiseptics & Drugs Acting on Skin and Mucous Membranes. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 756 & 893.

2. Gregory T Warner 1, Greg L Plosker. Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide gel: a review of its use in the management of acne. NIH: National Library of Medicine, National center of biotechnology Information Pubmed.gov. 2002. [Accessed 6th April 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12069641/

3. Jadran-Galenski Laboratorij d.d; Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) [Revised in November 2020] [Accessed 6th April 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.12604.pdf

4. Bausch Health Companies Inc., [Revised on Sep 2020] [Accessed 06 Apr 2022] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=edae294f-cc8b-4f94-8d90-4c764fda307b