Salicylic Acid, Topical

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is used on the skin to treat acne and other skin problems. The 6% strength of this medicine may also be used to treat psoriasis. Some forms of this medicine are used to remove warts. Use it exactly as directed.
• This medicine may cause unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

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What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: acne treatment; keratolytic agent

Generic and brand names: salicylic acid, topical; Benzac; Clearasil Daily Clear Oil-Free Gel Wash; Clearasil Ultra Daily Face Wash; Clearasil Ultra Gel Wash; Clearasil Daily Clear Daily Pore Cleansing Pads; Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Pads; Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Treatment Gel; Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Treatment Lotion; Compound W; DuoFilm; Dermarest; Ionil; Keralyt; Oxy Maximum Action 3-in-1 Treatment Pads; Oxy Daily Defense Cleansing Pads; Oxy Daily Defense Exfoliating Face Scrub; Oxy Daily Defense Ultra Facial Cleanser; Oxy Daily Defense Advanced Facial Cleansers; Gordofilm; Exuviance Blemish Treatment; Neutrogena All-in-1 Acne Control; Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Cleanser Mask; Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub; Neutrogena Body Clear; Neutrogena Naturals; Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control; Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash; Neutrogena Rapid Clear; Salacyn; Salex; Salvax; Sebasorb Lotion; Stridex Conditioning Acne Scrub; Stridex Essential; Stridex Maximum; Stridex Natural Control; Stridex Sensitive (There may be other brand names for this medicine.)

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used on the skin to treat acne and other skin problems.

The 6% strength of this medicine may also be used to remove excess skin in certain conditions, such as psoriasis. Some forms of this medicine are used to remove warts.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I use this medicine?

Before using this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• An allergy to any medicine
• Kidney or liver disease

Do not use this medicine to treat warts if you have diabetes or circulation problems. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.

Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine is for external use only. Use it only as directed by your healthcare provider, or according to the manufacturer's directions. Do not use this medicine on moles, birthmarks, warts with hair growing from them, genital warts or warts on the face.

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Do not use it more often than directed. Do not put this medicine on skin that is sunburned, bruised, or has open cuts or scrapes.

Before you apply the medicine, wash your skin with mild soap and warm water. Rinse and pat dry with a soft towel.

If you have the cream, lotion, gel, or ointment, put a thin layer of medicine on the area where you need it or as directed by your healthcare provider or the instructions on the medicine package. Using too much medicine or using it too often can increase the risk of side effects from absorption into your body. Do not rub it in. Do not bandage or cover the area unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Wash your hands after applying this medicine.

You can buy some of these medicines without a prescription. Use this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. If your healthcare provider has not given you specific instructions, follow the directions that come with the medicine package.

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about using cosmetics, other skin care products, or other medicines on your skin while using this medicine.

Keep this medicine away from your eyes and mouth, and the inside of your nose. If it gets in your eyes, flush them with water right away.

Do not apply or store this medicine near heat or an open flame.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss an application, apply the medicine as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled application. In that case, skip the application and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not try to make up for missed applications by using more or using it more often.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

The 6% strength of this medicine should not be used on children with a virus such as the flu or chickenpox. Do NOT use this medicine on children under the age of 2 years.

If you need lab tests, tell the healthcare provider that you are taking this medicine. It may interfere with the results of certain lab tests.

Do not use this medicine on large areas of skin unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

If the medicine causes severe irritation, contact your healthcare provider. Your acne might seem to get worse during the first few weeks of treatment. It may take several weeks after you start using this medicine to see complete results. Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice if you are concerned or if your condition does not improve or gets worse.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away.): Severe irritation or rash that starts after you use the medicine; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hearing problems, dizziness, confusion, fast breathing, unexplained tiredness.

Other: Dry skin, peeling skin, stinging, burning, itching, redness.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you use this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• Aspirin and other salicylates used on the skin
• Corticosteroids such as betamethasone, cortisone, dexamethasone, fludrocortisone, hydrocortisone (A-Hydrocort, Cortef), methylprednisolone (Medrol, Solu-Medrol), prednisolone (Omnipred, Orapred, Prelone), prednisone (Prednisone Intensol), and triamcinolone (Aristospan, Kenalog)
• Diabetes medicines such as glimepiride (Amaryl), glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Glynase), and tolbutamide
• Methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, Rheumatrex, Trexall)
• Probenecid
• Products that contain vitamin A and are used on the skin, such as Retin-A and Renova
• Products that may irritate the skin such as peeling or abrasive products, waxing or hair removal products, strong or abrasive soaps, products that contain alcohol, astringents, spices, lime juice or peel, products having a strong drying effect, medicated cosmetics, and other acne medicines
• Pyrazinamide
• Warfarin (Coumadin)

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.