Lymecycline and Epiduo

Lymecycline is a prescription only antibiotic suitable for treating medium and severe cases of acne. It belongs to a group of antibiotics known as tetracycline antibiotics and specifically targets bacteria which cause the inflammation typical for acne. By killing these bacteria called propionibacterium acnes, Lymecycline allows lesions to heal and prevents new inflamed whiteheads from forming.

Tetrahysal is a branded medication from the pharmaceutical manufacturer Galderma. Tetrahysal contains the active ingredient Lymecycline and therefore works exactly in the same way. Whether you are taking Lymecycline or tetrahysal, the same instructions apply and both are equally effective in treating acne.

Lymecycline effectively prevents bacteria from spreading. It destroys the bacteria’s ability to produce proteins essential to their survival. As a result, the bacteria are unable to reproduce and grow, giving your immune system a chance to fend them off. Although some bacteria have developed a resistance to Lymecycline, it is still an effective antibiotic for acne. As a broad spectrum antibiotic, it is also used to treat a range of other conditions. It is available under various brand names, including tetralysal.

Epiduo has 2 active ingredients that help to improve acne. The benzoyl peroxide helps kill the bacteria causing the acne, and the adapalene works in a similar way to vitamin A to keep your skin healthy.

There are advantages and disadvantages to taking antibiotics in order to reduce the inflammation typical for acne. Usually, Lymecycline is given to patients with severe acne or when other treatments have proven unsuccessful. Some people develop side effects while taking antibiotics. If you experience severe side effects, then the disadvantages may outweigh the advantages in your case. Usually, however, patients respond well to taking Lymecycline.

Although the effectiveness of Lymecycline can be affected by milk and milk products, this is only the case if you consume large quantities. If you want to make sure you do not diminish the effectiveness please allow some time between taking your tablet and consuming large amounts of milk, cheese or yogurt. Epiduo doesn’t interact with any food.

Alcohol can dry your skin out so it’s best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink to make sure your treatment works well.

No. Lymecycline is not to be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Exposure to Lymecycline can affect your baby’s development, especially with regards to its teeth. You should also abstain from taking it when planning to become pregnant. Lymecycline is not suitable for children under the age of 12 or patients who have previously developed and allergic reaction to an antibiotic of the tetracycline group. It’s also not clear if Epiduo is safe for pregnant women.

During your course of Lymecycline and Epiduo you may experience an increased sensitivity to sunlight. This is a side effect of the medication. You can continue taking the antibiotic but you must avoid direct sunlight as well as certain artificial light sources, for example in tanning salons.

If Lymecycline is taken as an acne medication, it is necessary to follow a course of at least 8 weeks. Acne tends to respond slowly to oral antibiotics but usually shows good results within this time frame. Once you have started treatment you should continue taking your tablets for as long as your doctor advised you to. Usually this should be reassessed at 3 months. It is best to take the antibiotic regularly, without stopping and starting, over this period because otherwise the bacteria can develop a resistance to the antibiotics. If you experience severe side effects, however, you may need to terminate the treatment immediately. Please consult a doctor if you experience visual disturbances or suffer an allergic reaction.

As Lymecycline is an antibiotic, you are strongly advised to take it regularly and as you have been advised. If you forget to take a tablet, please take it as soon as you remember, then continue with the next tablet at the normal time. If by the time you remember the next pill is due, just take one.

If you forget to use Epiduo, just apply the missed dose when you remember. Don’t use extra gel to make up for missed doses and avoid using it twice in one day.

Rare Lymecycline side effects include:

• allergic reactions
• facial swelling involving the tongue and throat
• difficulty breathing
• peeling and swelling of the skin
• rashes
• visual disturbances
• jaundice and vomiting
• dizziness
• increased sensitivity to sunlight
• increase to the pressure in the brain
• fever
• discolouration of teeth and enamel
• yeast infection (affecting the anus or genitals)

Rare Epiduo side effects:

• Feeling faint
• Tight or swollen throat
• Water retention around the eyes and a puffy face
• A rash or hives (rash with raised bumps)
• Allergic reaction
• Itching
• Inflamed skin where the gel is used
• Breathing problems
• Changes to skin colour
• Sun-sensitive skin

If you take Lymecycline, you must not take any of the following medications at the same time:

• nutritional supplements containing calcium, aluminium, magnesium, iron or zinc
• indigestion medication
• ulcer healing medication
• quinapril

You may be able to take Lymecycline if you allow two hours before and after taking these types of medication, please ask your doctor for advice.

You must also let your doctor know if you are taking any of the following:

• any other oral acne medication
• anticoagulants
• diuretics
• medicines for epilepsy (for example barbiturates)
• methoxyflurane (an anaesthetic)

Epiduo can also interact with some medications. Always tell your doctor about your current medications when ordering acne treatment.