Acne.org ProductsPregnancy
There are no well-controlled trials in pregnant women treated with adapalene / benzoyl peroxide.
Also, animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. Furthermore, such studies are not always predictive of human response.
Thus, adapalene / benzoyl peroxide gel should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.
It is not known if or how topical adapalene / benzoyl peroxide could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are, or plan to become, pregnant.
More info: Dermal teratology studies in rats and rabbits, using doses of 0.6–6.0 mg of adapalene (not adapalene / benzoyl peroxide combination) per kg per day (equivalent to 25–59 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis), showed no signs of toxic effects on the fetus. However, minimal increases in supernumerary ribs were observed in both species, along with delayed ossification in rabbits.
>> More on How to Treat Acne During Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
It is unclear whether topical adapalene / benzoyl peroxide is excreted into breast milk, and there is insufficient research data to determine the risk to infants when this medication is used during breastfeeding.
Speak to your doctor to determine if it is appropriate for you to use this medication while breastfeeding. If recommended, use it only for the shortest duration necessary. Apply it exclusively to the affected area, avoiding the nipple and areola. Make sure to wash your hands after the application of adapalene / benzoyl peroxide.
References
- DailyMed (2024). Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide. [online] Available at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=ADAPALENE+AND+BENZOYL+PEROXIDE&pagesize=20&page=1. [Accessed 16 Oct. 2024].
- Uptodate.com. (2024). Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide. [online] Available at: https://www-uptodate-com.eresources.mssm.edu/contents/adapalene-and-benzoyl-peroxide-drug-information?search=adapalene%20benzoyl%20peroxide&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~3&usage_type=default&display_rank=1. [Accessed 16 Oct. 2024].
- Epocrates.com. (2024). Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide. [online] Available at: https://online.epocrates.com/drugs/490210/adapalene-benzoyl-peroxide-topical/Monograph. [Accessed 16 Oct. 2024].
- MayoClinic.org. (2024). Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (topical application route). [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/adapalene-and-benzoyl-peroxide-topical-application-route/description/drg-20072549. [Accessed 16 Oct. 2024].