Lymecycline and Epiduo

Lymecycline is a prescription-only antibiotic suitable for treating moderate and severe cases of acne. It belongs to a group of antibiotics known as tetracycline antibiotics. Lymecycline specifically targets bacteria which cause the inflammation typical for acne.

By killing these bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes, lymecycline allows acne to heal and prevents new inflamed whiteheads from forming.

Tetralysal is a branded medication made by the manufacturer Galderma. Tetralysal contains the active ingredient Lymecycline and therefore works exactly in the same way. Whether you‘re taking lymecycline or Tetralysal, 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. It’s 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.

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.

Lymecycline should always be used in combination with treatments that you put on your skin – like Epiduo. There’s a variety of creams, gels, and lotions that are recommended. These work differently to lymecycline and mean that your treatment is more effective.

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

No. Lymecycline should not 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 stop taking it if you're 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 not clear if Epiduo is safe for pregnant women.

During your course of lymecycline 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've started treatment, you should continue taking your tablets for as long as your doctor advised you to. The antibiotic will not work if it's not taken consistently and bacteria can develop a resistance if you discontinue the course prematurely.

If you experience severe side effects, however, you may need to stop 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 the next pill is due by the time you remember, just take one.

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
• increased pressure in the brain
• fever
• discolouration of teeth and enamel
• yeast infection (affecting the anus or genitals)

Rare Epiduo side effects include:

• 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
• your sking being sensitive to the sun

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, but please ask your doctor for advice on this.

You must also let your doctor know if you're taking:

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

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