Epiduo Forte

Epiduo Forte performs magic. It combines 2 inexpensive topical acne drugs and arrives at a cash sales price ranging between about $600-$650 for a tube weighing about one tenth of a pound. It seems the drug sells for about $6000 a pound.

Does it provide any unique advantage over non-prescription benzoyl peroxides available for less than $10-$15 a tube combined with adalapine or Differin available over-the-counter for $20-$30? The evidence for any advantage seems rather skimpy.

The idea exists that prescription medicines must be more potent than drugs readily available without the need for consultation with a healthcare provider. But not too long ago Differin and benzoyl peroxide required a prescription.

Epiduo Forte combines 0.3% adalapine with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. The only slightly older version Epiduo mixed a 0.1% adalapine with the 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. This later option still necessitates a prescription and sells for a cash price of $300-$430 a tube which represents a discount to $3000-$4300 a pound.

Studies suggest little in the way of benefit of Epiduo Forte over Epiduo. This basically means that 0.3% adalapine and 0.1% adalapine appear interchangeable. And the 0.1% adalapine can be purchased without the inconvenience of visiting a healthcare provider.

Adalapine, the generic version of Differin, works quite well against mild to moderate acne. It offers even greater advantages when combined with 2.5%-5.0% OTC benzoyl peroxide. Neither Epiduo Forte nor Epiduo routinely clear acne. In company studies both drugs reduce the active lesions by about 2/3, but this still leaves a considerable number of facial lesions. The company claims that only about 1 in 3 individuals in their studies were clear or almost clear with either product.