Brevoxyl (Benzoyl Peroxide)

What is Brevoxyl how is it used?

Brevoxyl is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Acne Vulgaris. Brevoxyl Gel may be used alone or with other medications.

Brevoxyl belongs to a class of drugs called Acne Agents, Topical.

It is not known if Brevoxyl is safe and effective in children younger than 12 years of age.

Uses of  Brevoxyl

Brevoxyl peroxide products are usually used to treat mild to moderate acne. When used to treat acne, benzoyl peroxide works by reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria and by causing the skin to dry and peel. Some brands are used to treat a certain skin condition called rosacea.

Benzoyl peroxide may help to decrease symptoms caused by rosacea, such as pimples and bumps on the face. Check the ingredients on the label even if you have used the product before. The manufacturer may have changed the ingredients.

Also, products with similar names may contain different ingredients meant for different purposes. Taking the wrong product could harm you.

How to use Brevoxyl 

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Before using this product to treat acne for the first time, check if you are allergic to it. To check, put a small amount on one or two small areas of acne for three days.

If you have an allergic reaction, stop using this product and get medical help right away (see the symptoms of an allergic reaction in the Side Effects section). If you don’t have an allergic reaction, you can use the product.

Dose :

Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Missed Dose

If you are using this product on a regular schedule and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Side Effects

Skin reactions such as peeling, itching, irritation, and reddened skin may occur, especially at the start of treatment. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. You may need to apply smaller amounts of the drug or use it less often. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Storage

Store at room temperature. Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Precautions

Before using Brevoxyl peroxide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as perfumes), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

FAQs

1.How should Brevoxyl  be applied?

You should remove all of the make-up. Wash your hands and the affected area and gently dry. Put a thin layer of Brevoxyl on the affected skin, using your fingertips.

Apply it to the entire area affected by acne, not just each spot. After applying, wash your hands thoroughly with water.

2. Should Brevoxyl be left on overnight?

At the beginning of the treatment, Brevoxyl is usually used once daily in the evening. The area is not washed off after application of Brevoxyl , so it can be left overnight unless you experience irritation. However, if you experience irritation, consult your doctor.

3.What should prompt me to discontinue Brevoxyl ?

You should discontinue Brevoxyl and consult your doctor if you experience severe local irritation, which means severe redness, dryness and itching and stinging/burning sensation.

4.What precautions should be followed while applying Brevoxyl ?

Use Brevoxyl only on your skin. Keep it away from areas like your eyes, eyelids, lips, mouth and inside of the nose. If the medicine comes in contact with any of these areas, wash the affected area with water immediately.

Avoid using Brevoxyl on scratched or eroded skin and open wounds. Take care when using Brevoxyl on sensitive areas of skin such as your neck. Brevoxyl Cream can make your skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of the sunlight. So, avoid the use of sunbeds/lamps and minimize the time you spend in the sun.

You should use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while using Brevoxyl . Avoid contact with hair as Brevoxyl has bleaching properties. It can even bleach dyed or colored fabric, furniture or carpeting.

5.How often should I apply Brevoxyl ?

The initial dose is preferably once daily in the evening. Later, the doctor will gradually increase the dose to twice daily (most probably morning and evening).

6.How long does Brevoxyl take to show its effects?

You may see an improvement after 4-6 weeks of treatment. You may need to use this treatment for longer to see the full benefits. This is normal for acne treatments. If your acne does not get better after 1 month or if it gets worse, talk to your doctor immediately.

7.Do you apply moisturizer before or after Brevoxyl ?

You may apply moisturizer an hour after applying Brevoxyl . Consult your doctor in case of any doubt or concern.