Duac

Duac combines two complementary agents. Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic active against the acne-associated bacteria Cutibacterium acnes. Benzoyl peroxide independently kills the same bacteria through a non-antibiotic mechanism and reduces inflammation. Together they target the bacterial-inflammatory component of acne.

Clinical response in inflammatory acne is typically assessed at 8–12 weeks. Many patients notice a reduction in papules and pustules within the first month; full effect takes longer. Response is reviewed by your pharmacist to decide whether to continue or step down.

Using a topical antibiotic alone drives antibiotic resistance in C. acnes. Combining with benzoyl peroxide kills resistant bacteria and reduces selection pressure, which is why UK guidance discourages long-term topical antibiotic monotherapy.

Epiduo is a retinoid-based combination (adapalene + BPO) — typically used where there is a comedonal (blackheads/whiteheads) component. Duac is an antibiotic-based combination (clindamycin + BPO) — typically used where inflammatory papules and pustules dominate. Your pharmacist decides which is more appropriate for you.

A thin layer over the affected areas, once in the evening. More is not better — over-application increases irritation without improving efficacy.

UK guidance recommends keeping topical antibiotic-containing treatments to the minimum effective duration — typically up to 12 weeks — to avoid driving antibiotic resistance. Your pharmacist may step you down to benzoyl peroxide alone or switch to a retinoid-based regimen for maintenance.

A gentle non-comedogenic moisturiser and daily SPF 30+ are encouraged. Avoid layering other antibiotics, strong exfoliants, or retinoids without pharmacist review — combinations meaningfully increase irritation risk.

Dryness, peeling, redness, and mild stinging in the first 2 weeks are common. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabric, pillowcases, towels, and hair — take care with fabrics.

No — Duac is not suitable if you have a history of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or antibiotic-associated colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis). Although rare with topical clindamycin, this is a standard precaution. Disclose your history at consultation.

Yes, after pharmacist review. There is limited information on Duac in pregnancy and breastfeeding, so our pharmacist will only prescribe it when the benefit outweighs the risk. If you are breastfeeding, do not apply it to your chest. If you become pregnant during treatment, tell your pharmacist or GP.

Yes — daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+. BPO is photosensitising, and acne pigmentation worsens without sun protection.

Stop treatment and seek urgent medical advice. Severe, persistent, or bloody diarrhoea during or shortly after topical clindamycin is rare but reported and requires clinical assessment.

Reduce frequency to every other night for 1–2 weeks and use a bland moisturiser. If irritation persists, stop and message the pharmacist team — Duac may not be the right fit and a different regimen may suit you better.

In discreet, unbranded packaging with a generic sender name, sent by DPD tracked delivery.

A 30g tube typically lasts around 4–6 weeks with once-daily facial application in a thin layer. We ship monthly and can adjust frequency if needed.

Yes — Duac Once Daily Gel is stored refrigerated (2–8°C) from the manufacturer and is usually acceptable at room temperature for up to 2 months after opening. Your dispatch note will cover storage in detail.

Any time. Pause, skip, or cancel from your Caremacy account with no notice period or fees.

A qualified prescriber reviews every request. Duac is prescription-only and suitability is verified before prescribing; treatment is declined where it is not clinically appropriate, including some IBD histories.

Yes. Use secure messaging in your Caremacy dashboard. For severe diarrhoea during or after treatment, or any suspected severe allergic reaction, stop treatment and seek urgent medical advice.

Because Duac contains a topical antibiotic, UK guidance is to use it for a defined course (typically up to 12 weeks) and then step down — usually to benzoyl peroxide alone or to a retinoid combination (such as Epiduo) for maintenance. Your pharmacist will plan this with you at review.

Only with your explicit consent. We recommend telling your GP you are on a prescription topical antibiotic, particularly if you are on other antibiotics.