Acne Medications Acanya
Available in the form of a gel, Acanya is a medicine that is applied to the skin to treat acne. It contains a combination of two medications, which work by killing acne-causing bacteria. In most cases, this prescription skin gel is applied to the affected areas once daily. Possible side effects include skin irritation, such as redness, itching, and burning.
Acanya® (clindamycin/benzoyl
peroxide) is a prescription acne
medication that contains a combination of two active ingredients: clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide. This
medicine comes as a topical gel, which is applied directly on the skin.
(Click Acanya Uses for more information on this
topic, including possible off-label
uses.)
Acanya is made by Contract Pharmaceuticals Limited for Coria
Laboratories.
Acanya is a combination of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. These
medications work in different ways to treat acne.
Clindamycin belongs to a class of antibiotics known as lincosamides. It
works by binding to bacterial ribosomes (the parts of cells that make proteins)
and interfering with their ability to make proteins, which are necessary for
bacteria to grow and multiply. This helps stop the spread of the bacteria that
contribute to acne (Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes for
short).
Benzoyl peroxide is also thought to work by killing P. acnes. It
does this by releasing oxygen into the pores of the skin. Because P.
acnes is a type of anaerobic bacteria, which means it lives without oxygen,
the oxygen kills the bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide also helps soften and peel away
the outer layer of the skin, which can open up clogged pores and help improve
the skin's appearance
In clinical studies, Acanya reduced the number of acne lesions in people
with moderate-to-severe acne. In these studies, people using Acanya had a more
noticeable overall improvement in their acne than people who used clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide, or a
placebo (a gel that does not contain any active ingredients) for 12 weeks.
In one study, people using Acanya had a 55 percent decrease, on average, in
inflammatory acne lesions. By comparison, people using clindamycin had a 47
percent decrease, people using benzoyl peroxide had a 49 percent decrease, and
people using the placebo had a 34 percent decrease. Acanya also reduced the
number of noninflammatory acne lesions more than the other products.
Some general considerations to keep in mind during treatment with Acanya
include the following:
- This medication comes in a gel. It is usually applied in a thin layer (a "pea-sized" amount) to the face once daily.
- Before using Acanya, gently wash the affected area(s) with a mild cleanser, rinse with warm water, and pat dry. Apply the medication after your face is dry.
- Acanya should only be applied to the skin. Avoid getting it in your eyes, nose, or mouth, as is can irritate these areas. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying it.
- Apply the medicine to the entire face (or other affected area), not just individual pimples.
- To minimize the risk of excessive skin irritation, do not use astringents, alcohol-containing toners, or other medicated skin products while using Acanya without your healthcare provider's approval.
- Try to avoid prolonged or excessive sun exposure while using this medicine, as it will make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Make sure to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing, such as a hat, while you are out in the sun.
- Apply Acanya to intact skin only. Do not apply it to cuts or open wounds.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be used as prescribed. Applying more gel or applying it more often, will not make it work faster or more effectively.
There is only one standard recommended dose of this medication, regardless
of your age or weight. As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless
your healthcare provider specifically tells you to do so.
(Click Acanya Dosage for more
information.)
Just like any medicine, Acanya may cause side effects. However, not
everyone who uses the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people
tolerate it quite well.
If reactions do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no
treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side
effects are less common.
Common side effects of Acanya include but are not limited to:
- Redness of the skin
- Peeling skin
- Itching
- Burning or stinging.
(Click Acanya Side Effects to learn more,
including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your
healthcare provider.)
Acanya may react with a few other medications (see Acanya Drug Interactions for
more information).
Talk with your healthcare provider prior to using Acanya if you have:
- Eczema
- Sunburned, windburned, or otherwise irritated skin
- Sensitivity to the sun or if you go out in the sun often
- Colitis
- Crohn's disease
- A history of inflammation of the colon from antibiotics (antibiotic-associated colitis)
- An upcoming surgery with general anesthesia
- Any allergies, including to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Acanya and Pregnancy)
- Breastfeeding (see Acanya and Breastfeeding).
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medications you
are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and
herbal supplements
Using too much of this medication may cause significant skin irritation,
but it is unlikely to be extremely dangerous. However, Acanya may be harmful if
swallowed. It is important to seek medical attention if you believe you have
overdosed on Acanya, or have taken it by mouth.
(Click Acanya Overdose for more
information.)
Acanya should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
Do not freeze it. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use. Throw out
any unused portion 10 weeks after you fill your prescription. Keep this and all
other medications out of the reach of children and pets.
If you forget to use a dose of Acanya, just use it as soon as you remember.
If it is almost time for your next dose, however, skip the missed dose and
continue with your regular schedule. Do not apply extra medication to make up
for a missed dose.
Acanya comes in one strength and form: Acanya 1.2%/2.5% Topical Gel, which
contains 1.2 percent clindamycin and 2.5 percent benzoyl
peroxide. It comes in a 50-gram pump bottle.
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