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Frequently Asked Acne and ACZONE® Questions

Why is acne a chronic condition?

Acne is caused by irritated cells that start below the skin’s surface. These cells hang out together, spread, and basically recruit other cells to cause major inflammation. Once it starts, it can be hard to stop.

Why should I treat my acne with ACZONE® (dapsone) Gel 5%?

No other product contains dapsone, an active ingredient used exclusively in ACZONE® Gel. How ACZONE® Gel works is unclear, but clinical study results show that it reduces acne with minimal irritation and redness.

Does ACZONE® Gel contain benzoyl peroxide?

No, it does not. It is actually a product called dapsone, with SMP™ technology, which is used exclusively in ACZONE® Gel. Benzoyl peroxide, which is found in some acne products, may bleach hair and fabrics, like clothes or furniture, but ACZONE® Gel won’t.

When should I see a dermatologist to treat my acne?

If you are currently living with acne, you may want to see a dermatologist. A doctor can assess your individual needs, advise you, and prescribe the best treatment for your specific type of acne. ACZONE® Gel has been proven to be effective in treating many types of acne, with fewer of the side effects that lead to dryness, redness, and irritation.

Does stress cause my acne?

It’s hard to say. Stress does have physiologic effects, including changes in hormones that could theoretically lead to acne. In a frustrating cycle, sometimes acne lesions can cause stress. But if your acne is being treated effectively, stress should not be a factor.

Will changing my diet improve my acne?

Despite popular belief, there is no scientific evidence that food (like chocolate, fatty foods, colas, and so on) causes or influences acne.

Will bleaching or waxing affect my acne?

Everyone’s face is different. Sometimes, bleaching and waxing can cause irritation. Check with your dermatologist first.

Can anything be done about acne scarring?

Dermatologists can use various methods to improve the scarring caused by acne. The treatment must always be individualized for the specific patient. Chemical peels may be used in some patients, while dermabrasion or laser abrasion may benefit others. The key is to prevent acne before it has a chance to do damage to your skin—the less acne you have, the less chance there is for scarring. Talk to your dermatologist to find out if ACZONE® Gel can help you get your acne under control!

How can I get ACZONE® Gel?

Ask your dermatologist if ACZONE® Gel is right for you. Need a dermatologist? Click Here to find one in your area.

How long is treatment?

ACZONE® Gel is proven effective if used as directed by a dermatologist. In clinical trials, most patients saw results in as soon as 12 weeks.1

Is ACZONE® Gel affordable?

Check with your insurance company. Many insurers cover the cost of an ACZONE® prescription, and some cover at least a portion of it.

Are there any coupons or offers available?

Yes! Click Here to register for a coupon good for a free sample of ACZONE® Gel from your dermatologist.

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Aczone

ACZONE® (dapsone) Gel 5% is approved for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not use ACZONE® Gel if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in ACZONE® Gel or if you are younger than 12 years of age.

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Like all medicines, ACZONE® Gel can cause some side effects. The most common side effects of ACZONE® Gel are dryness, redness, oiliness, and peeling of the skin being treated.

When the active ingredient of ACZONE® Gel (called dapsone) is taken orally as a pill, it has been related to the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia). If you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, you may have a greater risk for lowering your hemoglobin level. However, using ACZONE® Gel on the skin is not expected to put enough dapsone in the blood to cause clinical symptoms of hemolytic anemia. You are advised to be alert for signs and symptoms suggestive of this type of anemia (sudden onset of: back pain, breathlessness, tiredness/weakness with daily activities, dark-brown urine, high fever, and yellow or pale skin). If you experience these signs and symptoms, stop use and call your doctor immediately.

Use of benzoyl peroxide together with ACZONE® Gel at the same time may cause your skin to temporarily turn yellow or orange at the site of application.

Click Here for Full Prescribing Information

  1. Draelos ZD, Carter E, Maloney JM, et al; for United States/Canada Dapsone Gel Study Group. Two randomized studies demonstrate the efficacy and safety of dapsone gel, 5% for the treatment of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007;56(3):439.e1-439.e10.