Erythromycin, Topical

Type of medicine: acne treatment

Generic and brand names: erythromycin, topical; A/T/S; Akne-Mycin; E-Solve 2; C-Solve 2; E-Glades; Erycette; EryDerm 2%; Erygel; Erymax; Erythrostatin; Erythra-Derm; Sansac; Staticin; T-Stat 2%

This medicine is used on the skin to treat acne and other skin problems.

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have:

• an allergy to any medicine

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

This medicine is for external use only. Use it only as directed by your health care provider, or according to the manufacturer's directions. Do not use it more often than directed. Do not put this medicine on skin that is sunburned, bruised, or has open cuts.

Before you apply the medicine, wash your skin with mild soap and warm water. Rinse and pat dry with a soft towel.

Put a thin layer of medicine on the area where you need it. Using too much medicine or using it too often can increase the risk of side effects from absorption into your body. Do not rub it in. Do not bandage or cover the area unless your health care provider tells you to. Wash your hands after applying this medicine.

If your health care provider prescribes another medicine to use on your skin, use it at least 1 hour before or after this medicine.

If you are using the pledgets (swabs), use each pad only once and then throw it away.

Keep this medicine away from your eyes and mouth. If it gets in your eyes, flush them with water right away.

Do not apply or store this medicine near heat or an open flame.

If you have a dark complexion, report any changes of skin color to your health care provider right away.

If the medicine causes severe irritation, contact your health care provider. It may take several weeks after you start using this medicine to see complete results. Contact your health care provider or pharmacist for advice if you are concerned.

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you cannot reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your health care provider): Severe irritation or rash that begins after you use the medicine.

Other: Dry skin, peeling skin, burning, itching, redness, sunburn.

When you use this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• products that may irritate the skin such as peeling or abrasive products, strong or abrasive soaps, products containing alcohol, astringents, products having a strong drying effect, medicated cosmetics, and other acne medicines

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.