Lymecycline and Epiduo®

What is Lymecycline and Epiduo?

Lymecycline and Epiduo is a combined treatment for acne. Lymecycline is an antibiotic capsule, and Epiduo is a prescription-strength topical gel with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Using two medications like these at once can help clear moderate to severe acne that hasn’t responded well to more conventional approaches.

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that can be chronic for some people.^[1] It usually affects your face, but symptoms like red, inflamed skin and pustules can also affect your arms and back. The severity of acne can vary — if proper skin hygiene and mild topical treatments haven’t helped to clear your skin, you might be prescribed a combination of stronger medications like Lymecycline and Epiduo.

How does Lymecycline and Epiduo work?

Both medications work differently, and using them together can work effectively to treat acne. Lymecycline is an antibiotic which is commonly used to manage acne, as well as chest and sinus infections and some STIs. It works by destroying the bacteria that causes acne,^[2] reducing inflammation and allowing your skin to heal.

Epiduo is a gel that contains two active ingredients: adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. Adapalene is a type of ‘retinoid-compound’, which is derived from vitamin A. It has anti-inflammatory activity and can help control acne by preventing spots from forming.^[3] Benzoyl peroxide is antibacterial, and is often found in acne treatment formulas.

What doses of Lymecycline and Epiduo are there?

Lymecycline comes in 408mg capsules. The usual dose is one capsule a day.

Epiduo gel contains either 0.1% or 0.3% adapalene and 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. The tube contains 45g of gel, and you usually apply a pea-sized amount thinly to affected areas of skin once a day. Your prescriber might advise you to use the gel more often, depending on the severity of your acne symptoms.

How to use Lymecycline and Epiduo

Swallow your Lymecycline capsules whole with a glass of water. The recommended dose is one capsule a day, first thing in the morning.

You usually take Lymecycline for a minimum of eight weeks, but this can depend on how well you respond to the medication. If your acne has cleared up before then, your clinician might decide to stop your treatment early.

To apply Epiduo gel, rub a thin layer into any areas of affected skin once a day, usually in the evening. Before using Epiduo, make sure your skin is clean and dry.

How long does Lymecycline and Epiduo take to work?

We can’t guarantee specifically how long Lymecycline and Epiduo will take to clear your acne, as individual responses to medications can vary. The combination of an antibiotic with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial gel is usually prescribed for moderate to severe acne, and clearing this sometimes requires a long-term effort.

Unlike other antibiotics where courses last around ten days, Lymecycline is usually prescribed as one capsule a day for 8-12 weeks. It’s important you take the whole course of capsules, as stopping early could worsen your acne symptoms.

If your acne hasn’t shown signs of improving after 8-12 weeks, let your clinician know.

What if I make a mistake while using Lymecycline and Epiduo?

Using Lymecycline and Epiduo how it’s been prescribed by your clinician will help you avoid any mistakes during your treatment.

If you forget to take a Lymecyline capsule at your normal time, you can take it when you remember — as long as it’s not nearly time for your next dose. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed capsule and carry on as normal. You won’t need to take more than one capsule a day. If you have an immediate, severe reaction to the capsules, such as vomiting or difficulty swallowing, go to your nearest hospital for urgent help.

Only use the daily amount of Epiduo you’ve been advised to. Using more gel than you need won’t improve your acne faster, and might cause unwanted side effects.