What You Can Expect

How you'll feel

As with any acne medication, you’ll probably have some side effects during your treatment. Please refer to the Patient Medication Information document for more information. Most side effects usually decrease over time.

Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your medication or how it affects you. The more your doctor knows about how you’re responding to Clarus, the easier it is for him/her to determine if you are on the appropriate dose of medication.

The first couple of weeks

During the first few weeks of treatment, your acne may seem to get worse. Redness and itching of the affected skin are common initial effects. These should disappear as you continue to take Clarus. Most often, the first signs of healing occur after two to three weeks of treatment. It may take one to two months before beneficial effects are seen. Most patients with severe acne see a noticeable improvement after one or two courses of treatment with Clarus.

How to deal with potential side effects

If you develop a serious skin reaction with symptoms such as blisters, peeling skin, severe red/purple rash, multiple lesions and sores, particularly in your mouth, nose, eyes and genitals, as well as facial and tongue swelling, stop using Clarus and get immediate medical help.

The following table shows common side effects and offers some general advice. If you have any of these reactions, let your doctor know about it at your next visit, or even sooner if the side effects become too uncomfortable.

What you can expect

Chapped lips

What you can do

Apply a specially formulated lip ointment to moisten and soften your lips.

What you can expect

Redness of the face

What you can do

Apply a non-irritating water-based moisturizer that won’t clog your pores. To help reduce further drying, wash your face with a non-irritating, water-based cleanser.

What you can expect

Dry nose

What you can do

Apply a nasal lubricant to avoid nosebleeds. Use a humidifier in your bedroom.

What you can expect

Itchy skin, dry skin

What you can do

Apply a non-irritating water-based moisturizer that won’t clog your pores. To help reduce further drying, wash your face with a non-irritating, water-based cleanser.

What you can expect

Dry mouth

What you can do

See your doctor. He/she may need to adjust your Clarus dosage.

What you can expect

Peeling of the palms and soles.

What you can do

See your doctor. He/she may need to adjust your Clarus dosage.

What you can expect

Hair thinning

What you can do

In most cases, hair thinning is temporary, but tell your doctor because he/she may need to change your dosage. In a very small number of cases, hair thinning may be permanent.

What you can expect

Dry eyes

What you can do

Use an artificial tears product. If you wear contact lenses, choose a product that’s compatible with your contacts.

What you can expect

Increased sensitivity to the sun

What you can do

See your doctor. He/she may need to adjust your Clarus dosage.

What you can expect

Sunburn

What you can do

See your doctor. He/she may need to adjust your Clarus dosage.

What you can expect

Inflammation of the lips

What you can do

See your doctor. He/she may need to adjust your Clarus dosage.

What you can expect

Facial or body rash

What you can do

See your doctor. He/she may need to adjust your Clarus dosage.

What you can expect

Mild nose bleed

What you can do

See your doctor. He/she may need to adjust your Clarus dosage.

What you can expect

Bleeding/Inflammation of gums

What you can do

See your doctor. He/she may need to adjust your Clarus dosage.

What you can expect

Easily injured skin

What you can do

See your doctor. He/she may need to adjust your Clarus dosage.

What you can expect

Increased fatigue

What you can do

See your doctor. He/she may need to adjust your Clarus dosage.

What you can expect

Redness, dryness or irritation of the eyes

What you can do

See your doctor. He/she may need to adjust your Clarus dosage.

Pregnancy Prevention

Important Information about Prevention while taking Clarus

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A Guide For Patients

All the information you need about your medicine in a handy booklet.

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Birth Control Information

For more information about birth control or for confidential counselling call the toll-free number at 1-855-500-9991