About Apgel

Apgel is used to treat acne (pimples) in patients 12 years or older. Acne is a common skin condition and occurs when hair follicles are blocked with dead skin cells and oil. The acne-causing bacteria feeds on sebum (natural oil produced by skin), causing redness and swelling.

Apgel contains Adapalene, which works by loosening the cells on the skin’s surface and unblocking pores by reducing oil production. Thus, it decreases pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads.

Use Apgel as prescribed. Apgel is only for external use. Avoid contact of Apgel with nose, ears, mouth, or eyes. In case Apgel comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with warm water thoroughly. Your doctor will advise you how often you take Apgel based on your medical condition. You may experience dry skin, irritation, redness, or a burning sensation of the skin in some cases. Most of these side effects of Apgel do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

If you are known to be allergic to Apgel or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Do not apply Apgel on cuts, open wounds, scrapes, sunburned, windburned, chapped, dry, or irritated skin. Avoid exposure to tanning beds or sunlight while using Apgel as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Apgel. Do not apply Apgel in large amounts or use it for a longer time than prescribed, as it does not give quick or better results but increases the risk of side effects such as irritation, scaling, or redness of the skin. If you have eczema (itchy, swollen, rough, and cracked skin) or sunburned skin, please inform your doctor before taking Apgel.

Uses of Apgel

Treatment of Acne (pimples).

Medicinal Benefits

Apgel contains Adapalene (man-made vitamin A), which is used to treat acne (pimples). Apgel loosens the cells on the skin’s surface and unblocks pores by reducing the production of oil in the skin. Thus, it decreases pimples, spots, whiteheads, and blackheads. Also, Apgel increases the production of new skin cells and helps in natural exfoliation (removal of dead skin cells) of the outer layers of the skin. Apgel has an anti-inflammatory effect and thus reduces irritation and soreness.

Directions for Use

Wash your hands before and after applying Apgel. Before using it, wash the affected area with water. Apply a small amount of the medicine as a thin layer and gently rub on the clean and dry affected area of the skin at night before going to bed or as advised by the doctor.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of Apgel

Dry skin
Skin irritation
Skin redness
Burning sensation of the skin
Desquamation (skin peeling)
Sunburn

In-depth Information

Drug Warnings

If you are known to be allergic to Apgel or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Do not apply Apgel on cuts, open wounds, scrapes, sunburned, windburned, chapped, dry, or irritated skin. Avoid contact of Apgel with nose, ears, mouth, or eyes. In case Apgel comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with warm water thoroughly. Avoid exposure to tanning beds or sunlight while using Apgel as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Apgel. Do not apply Apgel in large amounts or use for a long time than prescribed as it does not give quick or better results but increases the risk of side effects such as irritation, scaling, or redness of the skin. You are advised not to use other acne products containing erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide, or clindamycin with Apgel at the same time as it may cause excessive irritation or dry skin. Therefore, it is recommended to use Apgel at night and other products in the morning. If you have eczema (itchy, swollen, rough, and cracked skin) or sunburned skin, please inform your doctor before taking Apgel.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction: Inform your doctor if you are taking, might take or have recently taken any other medicines.

Drug- Food Interaction: No interactions found.

Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have eczema (itchy, swollen, rough and cracked skin) or sunburned skin, please inform your doctor before taking Apgel.

Habit Forming

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

Avoid sun exposure while using Apgel as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn.
Regular exercise can improve your mood and self-esteem though it doesn’t clear acne. Take a shower immediately after finishing exercise as sweat may irritate acne.
Do regular hair wash regularly and avoid hair falling across the face.
Remove the make-up completely before going to bed.
Avoid using products that may cause skin irritation such as harsh soaps, skin cleansers, shampoos, hair removers or waxes, hair colouring or permanent chemicals, detergents, and rough fabrics.

Special Advise

Do not squeeze, pop or pick spots as it may worsen them and cause permanent scarring.
You are advised to consult a dermatologist after using Apgel for 3 months to check your acne's improvement.
Apgel is for topical use (skin surface) only and is not for ophthalmic (eye), oral or intravaginal use.
Apgel should not be used by patients less than 12 years of age.

Patients Concern

Disease/Condition Glossary

Acne (pimples): It is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles are blocked with dead skin cells and oil, causing pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. Acne affects people of all ages but is most common among teenagers. The symptoms of acne include pus-filled pimples, uninflamed (not swollen) blackheads, and red, large, and tender bumps. The treatment for acne includes certain creams, cleansers, and antibiotics.

Safety Advice

Alcohol

Caution

The interaction of Apgel with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Apgel.

Pregnancy

Unsafe

Apgel is a category C pregnancy drug and is usually not recommended for pregnant women. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant.

Breast Feeding

Caution

It is unknown whether Apgel is excreted in human milk. Therefore, Apgel is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks. However, do not apply Apgel on the chest area to avoid the contact of Apgel with the baby.

Driving

Safe if prescribed

Apgel usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

Liver

Safe if prescribed

If you have any concerns regarding the use of Apgel in patients with Liver problems, please consult a doctor.