GENERIC NAME: HYDROQUINONE WITH AVOBENZONE - TOPICAL (hi-dro-KWIN-own with avoh-BEN-zone)
BRAND NAME(S): Claripel
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Hydroquinone is used to lighten the dark-colored patches of skin (also called melasma, liver spots, age spots, freckles) caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone medicine, or injury to the skin. It also contains a sunscreen to help prevent these spots from re-occurring due to sunlight or ultraviolet light exposure. This medicine works by blocking the chemical process (enzymes) in the skin that leads to discoloration.
HOW TO USE: Before using, apply a small amount of this medicine to an area of unbroken skin and check the area within 24 hours for any serious side effects (see Side Effects section). If any serious side effects occur, do not use this medication. Contact your doctor. Apply this medication to the affected areas of skin usually twice daily; or as directed by your doctor. This medication is for use on the skin only. Use this product only on affected areas as directed. It is not recommended to be used on unaffected skin as a sunscreen.
SIDE EFFECTS: Minor skin redness or mild burning sensation may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, notify your doctor. If you notice any of the following unlikely but serious side effects, stop using hydroquinone and consult your doctor immediately: itching, blisters, swelling, blue-black darkening of the skin (ochronosis). An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: other skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis), any allergies (especially to sulfites, certain brands of this medication contain sulfites). This medication may make the treated areas of skin more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, use a sunscreen, and wear protective clothing on the treated areas of skin when outdoors. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Freckles - Read about the causes of freckles (sun, genetics), red or brown spots on the skin. Learn about freckle prevention and treatment (laser removal, fade creams).
- Pregnancy Planning - The goals of pregnancy planning are to create a healthy environment for the fetus and to prevent birth defects and other pregnancy related problems.
- Birth Control - There are a number of different methods of birth control to include: barrier methods, IUDs, hormonal methods, natural methods, and surgical sterilization. No birth control method, except abstinence, is considered to be 100% effective.
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