Important Safety Information

The Advanced Acne SolutionRx

Please read this information carefully before using your prescription. Keep it for reference, and message your DermClick care team if you have any questions.

01

What it is

The Advanced Acne SolutionRx is a compounded prescription topical medication, formulated by a licensed compounding pharmacy for individual patients under the direction of a licensed dermatology provider, working from protocols built by DermClick's founding board-certified dermatologists.

Active ingredients

Adapalene - a prescription-strength retinoidBenzoyl peroxide - a topical antibacterial agentClindamycin phosphate - a topical antibioticNiacinamide - a barrier-supporting vitamin B3 derivative

Inactive ingredients

Centella asiatica - a soothing botanical ingredientCeramides - barrier-reinforcing lipids

02

What it treats

The Advanced Acne SolutionRx is prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe acne, including stubborn, recurring, or treatment-resistant breakouts that have not responded to over-the-counter or first-line prescription treatment. This includes:

  • Inflammatory acne, including papules and pustules
  • Cystic and nodular acne
  • Comedonal acne, including blackheads and whiteheads
  • Clogged pores
  • Post-acne marks
  • Oiliness and uneven texture associated with acne

Your dermatology provider has determined this formulation is appropriate for your specific skin based on the assessment you completed.

03

Who should not use it

Do not use The Advanced Acne SolutionRx if any of the following apply to you. If your situation changes after your assessment, contact your DermClick care team before continuing use.

  • You are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are trying to conceive
  • You are breastfeeding
  • You have a known allergy or sensitivity to adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, niacinamide, or any other listed ingredient
  • You have used oral isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane, within the past 6 months
  • You have an active skin infection or open wounds in the application area
  • You have a history of severe inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis, which is relevant for clindamycin use
  • You have eczema or severely compromised skin barrier on the application area
  • You are under 12 years of age

04

Warnings and precautions

Sun sensitivity

This medication makes your skin significantly more sensitive to sunlight - more so than first-line acne treatments, given the combination of actives. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, and avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning beds, and sun lamps. Sunburn risk is elevated for the duration of treatment and for several weeks after stopping.

Pregnancy and nursing

This formula contains ingredients that should not be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while trying to conceive. If any of these become true during treatment, stop using the medication immediately and contact your DermClick care team.

Bleaching of fabric and hair

Benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabric, hair, towels, and pillowcases on contact. Use white linens during your treatment, allow the medication to fully absorb before bed, and rinse your hands thoroughly after each application.

Eye, lip, and nostril contact

Avoid contact with eyes, lips, the corners of the nose, and any mucous membranes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Waxing and laser treatments

Do not wax, undergo laser treatments, or use chemical peels on areas where you apply this medication. Pause use for at least one week before and after any such procedure, and consult your DermClick care team.

Drug interactions

Tell your dermatology provider about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you use, especially:

  • Other topical retinoids, including tretinoin, tazarotene, or additional adapalene products
  • Other topical antibiotics
  • Additional benzoyl peroxide products - do not double up, your formula already contains it
  • Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or other exfoliating acids
  • Vitamin C serums applied at night, which can degrade or interact with benzoyl peroxide
  • Hormonal medications

05

Possible side effects

Because The Advanced Acne SolutionRx combines three active ingredients at higher concentrations than the Core tier, side effects may be more pronounced during the adjustment period. This is expected and typically settles as your skin acclimates.

Common side effects

These may happen especially in the first 2 to 8 weeks of treatment.

  • Dryness, flaking, or peeling, often more noticeable than with lower-strength treatments
  • Temporary redness or irritation
  • Mild to moderate burning or stinging when first applied
  • Increased sensitivity to sun
  • A short-term increase in breakouts, sometimes called the purge, as the medication clears clogged pores - may be more pronounced with the Advanced formula

Less common side effects

  • Significant or persistent redness, swelling, or itching
  • Severe peeling or barrier disruption
  • Worsening or persistent burning sensation
  • Skin discoloration
  • Contact dermatitis, a skin allergy reaction to benzoyl peroxide or another active

These are typical of maximum-strength prescription acne treatment and usually settle within the first 6 to 8 weeks as your skin adjusts. Your DermClick care team can adjust your application frequency or your formula if these symptoms become uncomfortable.

Rare but serious

Contact your DermClick care team or seek emergency care if you experience:

  • Severe rash, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Signs of severe allergic reaction
  • Severe abdominal pain or persistent, watery, or bloody diarrhea, which is relevant for clindamycin use
  • Severe blistering, crusting, or skin sloughing at the application site

06

How to use it

Application

Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin on the affected area at night, after washing your face and patting it dry. Wait 20 to 30 minutes after washing before applying to reduce irritation, which matters more with a three-active formula.

Frequency

Start with every third night for the first 2 weeks. Increase to every other night in weeks 3 to 4, then to nightly as your skin tolerates it. The Advanced formula requires a more gradual ramp-up than the Core tier - do not rush this step. Your DermClick care team will adjust your ramp-up plan based on how your skin responds.

Amount

A pea-sized amount is enough for the entire face. More is not better - more will cause irritation without improving results, and the Advanced formula is sensitive to overuse.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the cap closed when not in use. Do not freeze. Benzoyl peroxide degrades with heat and light exposure - store accordingly.

Shelf life

Use within the period indicated on your prescription label. Do not use after the expiration date.

Morning

Gentle cleanser, moisturizer, broad-spectrum SPF 30+

Evening

Gentle cleanser, then The Advanced Acne SolutionRx, then a barrier-supporting moisturizer.

07

If you have a reaction

For mild irritation

Reduce application frequency to every fourth night, apply a barrier-supporting moisturizer 15 minutes after the medication, and message your DermClick care team. We can adjust your formula or your ramp-up plan.

For moderate to severe reactions

Stop using the medication. Message your DermClick care team. Send photos if you can so your dermatology provider can review and respond.

For medical emergencies

For severe rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, signs of severe allergic reaction, or persistent severe abdominal pain or diarrhea, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Contact your DermClick care team

  • Phone: 1-833-496-4045
  • Email: support@dermclick.com
Message your care team

08

About compounded medications

Compounded medications are prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy for individual patients, based on a prescription written by a licensed dermatology provider. They are not individually evaluated or approved by the FDA.

The active ingredients in The Advanced Acne SolutionRx - adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin phosphate, and niacinamide - are well-established ingredients used in clinical dermatology, individually and in combination. Compounding allows your dermatology provider to combine them into a single formulation tailored to your skin, rather than asking you to layer three separate prescription products. The combination of clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide in particular is a standard dermatology pairing - benzoyl peroxide prevents the antibiotic resistance that clindamycin can otherwise develop on its own.

Your prescription is compounded by a 503A licensed compounding pharmacy and shipped directly to you.