Lymecycline and Epiduo

Lymecycline, also known as Tetralysal 300, is an oral antibiotic medication used to treat severe acne. Lymecycline is particularly effective at treating skin infections. It works by stopping the bacteria from making the essential proteins needed to survive.

Lymecycline is effective for patients who failed treatment following over-the-counter topical treatments or prescribed topical treatments. It should only be used in combination with topical treatments and should be reassessed following three months of treatment.

Lymecycline is an antibiotic and should not be used for longer than six months due to the risk of antibiotic resistance and, thus, worsening of acne. Once the inflammation settles, you should divert back to topical treatment only.

For acne, you should take 1 capsule of lymecycline in the morning daily. Each capsule contains 408mg of lymecycline. Swallow the whole capsule in full glass of water whilst sitting or standing. The capsule can cause irritation in the throat and therefore you should not lie down or go to bed after taking the medicine. You can take the medicine with or without food but you are less likely to feel sick if have it with food.

Treatment with lymecycline is generally for 8-12 weeks. If treatment is successful, we would recommend you maintain treatment with when required topical treatments. However, treatment should be stopped, and an alternative should be sought if treatment is not successful after taking 6 months of lymecycline.

What if I forget to take lymecycline?

If you forget to take the capsule take it as soon as you can remember unless its nearly time to take your next dose. In this case leave the missed dose and take the next dose at your usual time. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

The most common side effects of lymecycline are feeling sick, stomach pain, diarrhoea, and headaches. Serious side effects are rare but stop taking lymecycline and contact The Family Chemist clinician or GP immediately if you have dark urine, the white of the whites of your eyes turn yellow or your skin turns yellow (this may be less obvious on brown or black skin) – this can be a sign of liver problems or your skin becomes very sensitive to the sun.

Lymecycline should not be used for the following patients:  have ever had an allergic reaction to lymecycline or any other medicine, have kidney problems, are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding, have liver problems, have an autoimmune disease called lupus and have myasthenia gravis – a rare muscle-weakening disease.

Epiduo is indicated for topical treatment of mild to moderate acne when whiteheads, blackheads, red, inflamed spots are present. This gel can be used following semi-success of Differin or Acnecide alone. This contains a combination of benzoyl peroxide and adapalene, providing a dual-action remedy to acne. Epiduo is a prescription-only medicines and comes in a gel form. Adapalene belongs to a class of medicines called Retinoids. Retinoids work by exfoliating the skin by removing dead skin cells, which helps prevent them from building up within hair follicles. Retinoids also help reduce inflammation, pain and irritation by preventing the build-up of skin cells and inflammatory responses.

Benzoyl peroxide delivers antibacterial action which aims to kill off acne causing bacteria. Benzoyl Peroxide also helps remove dead skin cell that blocks your pores which can reduce inflammation.

Epiduo should be applied to the entire acne affected areas once a day in the evening on a clean and dry skin. A thin film of gel should be applied, with the fingertips, avoiding the eyes and lips. If irritation occurs, apply non-comedogenic moisturizers, to use the medication less frequently (e.g. every other day), to suspend use temporarily, or to discontinue use altogether. Early signs of clinical improvement usually appear after 1 to 4 weeks of treatment. Use Epiduo for up to 4-6 months and then try without. If symptoms return the restart use. If Epiduo fails to work then try using Duac as your next option or start on Lymecycline capsules as well as continuing with Epiduo.

Epiduo Gel should not be applied to damaged skin, either broken (cuts or abrasions), eczematous or sunburned. Epiduo should not come into contact with the eyes, mouth, nostrils or mucous membranes. If product enters the eye, wash immediately with warm water.

Common side effects of Epiduo include dry skin, skin irritation, skin burning sensation and redness. Test the skin in a non-conspicuous area before applying the gel to larger areas. If the irritation is severe use the medication every other day or discontinues use.

Patients who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy or allergic to the active substance or its excipients. Use with caution during breast feeding. Avoid in people with severe acne, perioral dermatitis, rosacea or a personal or family history of non-melanoma skin cancer.