Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Panoxyl Foam (Benzoyl-peroxide). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Panoxyl Foam (Benzoyl-peroxide) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Panoxyl Foam (Benzoyl-peroxide). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• dryness or peeling of the skin (may occur after a few days)
• feeling of warmth, mild stinging, and redness of the skin

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• painful irritation of the skin, including blistering, burning, crusting, itching, severe redness, or swelling
• skin rash

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Panoxyl Foam (Benzoyl-peroxide).

Soap Bars
Each g contains benzoyl peroxide USP 5% or 10%. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cab-o-sil, purified water, and tensianol base KS-1.

Gel
Each g of gel contains benzoyl peroxide USP 10% in an alcohol gel base containing polyoxyethylene lauryl ether. Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid anhydrous, ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, hydroxylpropyl methyl cellulose, magnesium aluminum silicate, and purified water USP.

5% Wash
Each mL contains benzoyl peroxide USP 5% in a lathering base of soapless cleanser. Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid, ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, imidurea, magnesium aluminum silicate, purified water, sodium alkyl aryl polyethylene sulfate, sodium dialkyl octyl sulfate succinate, and sodium lauryl sulfoacetate.

Do not take Panoxyl Foam (Benzoyl-peroxide) if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide or any ingredients of the medication.

Other topical medications that may potentially dry or irritate the skin may affect how benzoyl peroxide works or increase the risk of side effects.

If you are using any medications that fit this description, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Panoxyl Foam (Benzoyl-peroxide). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or illegal drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Panoxyl Foam (Benzoyl-peroxide).

Bleaching effect: Benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair or coloured fabrics.

Dry skin: If you experience excessive dryness of skin, stop using Panoxyl Foam (Benzoyl-peroxide) and talk to your doctor.

Sun sensitivity: Benzoyl peroxide can increase the sensitivity of your skin to the sun. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and do not use sunlamps while you are using Panoxyl Foam (Benzoyl-peroxide). When you are exposed to the sun, be sure to use an adequate sunscreen and wear protective clothing (e.g., hat).

Pregnancy: Benzoyl peroxide should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using Panoxyl Foam (Benzoyl-peroxide), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Panoxyl Foam (Benzoyl-peroxide), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding. Do not apply Panoxyl Foam (Benzoyl-peroxide) near or on the breasts if you are breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Panoxyl Foam (Benzoyl-peroxide) have not been established for children less than 12 years of age.