Licoforte

Hydroquinone.

Each 100 grams of gel contain 4 grams of hydroquinone.
Excipients/Inactive Ingredients: ethanol 96%, glycolic acid 70%, propylene glycol, polyquaternium-10, ammonium hydroxide, citric acid anhydrous (E-330), sodium metabisulfite (E-223), sodium sulfite anhydrous (E-221), disodium edetate, butylhydroxytoluene (E-321) and purified water.

Gradual bleaching of hyperpigmented skin conditions such as chloasma, melasma, freckles, senile lentigines and other unwanted areas of melanin hyperpigmentation.

LICOFORTE 4% GEL is for external, cutaneous use only (on skin).
Follow the instructions unless otherwise indicated by the physician.
Adults and children over 12 years: Apply a thin layer of gel, only on small hyperpigmented surfaces, always avoiding contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.
Children: Do not use on children aged under 12 years.
If the action of LICOFORTE 4% gel is considered to be too strong or weak, inform the physician or pharmacist.
Start by applying once daily for 10 or 15 days only on the stain and continue the treatment with two daily applications, one in the morning and another at night.
If no improvement is noted after 2 months, treatment must be stopped.
The recommended course of treatment is 60 to 90 days.
This product must not be used for more than 6 months under any circumstances.
The physician shall indicate the treatment course with LICOFORTE 4% gel, do not stop treatment early as the patient may not achieve the desired effects.
If the patient forgets to use LICOFORTE 4% gel: Do not apply a double dose to compensate the missed doses. Continue with the treatment following the recommended posology.

Due to its external use, symptoms of intoxication are improbable.
In case of accidental ingestion, serious manifestations of systemic toxicity may occur similar to those of phenol. Oral ingestion of 5-15 g of hydroquinone causes shivering, convulsions and haemolytic anaemia. Gastric lavage is recommended.

Do not use LICOFORTE 4% GEL: If the patient is hypersensitive to hydroquinone or any other of the product components.
If the patient is receiving either professional or cosmetic treatment for any chemical hyperpigmentation such as ochronosis (ochre skin tone) and colloid degeneration (colloid milium).

Take special care with LICOFORTE 4% GEL: LICOFORTE must not be applied to open wounds, mucous membranes, irritated skin and sunburn.
After application of LICOFORTE avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes. In case of accidental contact with the eyes, wash with abundant water to avoid the possible production of opaque stains on the cornea. In case of contact with the lips, the patient may note a bitter flavour and slight anaesthetic effect.
If the pigmented area is extensive, it must be treated in various stages.
During treatment with hydroquinone, it is essential to protect the treated area from the sun, as minimum exposure to the sun can reactivate melanine production. It is recommended to use a high protection sunscreen and apply it every 2 or 3 hours during exposure to sun.
LICOFORTE cannot be used to prevent sunburn.
Wash hands with soap after applying LICOFORTE as hydroquinone can cause reversible brown spots on the nails.
The effects of LICOFORTE can be less visible in individuals with dark skin.
Hypersensitivity reactions may appear in some individuals, especially in those with sensitive skin. To prevent this, it is advisable to apply a small amount of the product on the underside of the forearm for at least 24 hours. In case of a strong reaction, do not use this product.
Darkening or transitory irritation of the skin may appear in some cases; if it persists, stop treatment immediately.
Depigmentation is not immediate, as the hydroquinone only interferes in the formation of new melanine and is only temporary, as when treatment is stopped, melanine is produced again. Depigmentation can be maintained between 2 and 6 months after stopping treatment. The darker the lesions, the sooner they repigment.
Stop use if the product has acquired a blackish colour.
Important information on some components of LICOFORTE 4% GEL: As it contains propylene glycol, LICOFORTE can cause skin irritation.
As it contains butylhydroxytoluene, it can cause allergic skin reactions (such as contact dermatitis) or irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes.
As it contains sodium sulphite anhydrous and sodium metabisulfite, on rare occasions it can cause serious allergic reactions and bronchospasm (sudden difficulty in breathing).
Driving and use of machines: No effects on the capacity to drive and use machines have been described.

Consult a physician or pharmacist before using this product.
Animal studies have revealed no teratogenic effects at atoxic dosage for mothers. Its use is not advised, however, as there are insufficient data in pregnant women.

Occasionally it can cause erythema (reddening), stinging and less frequently, skin sensitivity. If these manifestations do not disappear within one week, treatment must be stopped.
If it is used in prolonged treatment, cutaneous hyperpigmentation reaction may occur.
On rare occasions, in prolonged treatments (over 6 months) ochronosis was observed in black individuals.
Leukodermia (skin whitening) was observed in isolated cases.
No systemic adverse effects have been described.
In case of adverse reactions, treatment must be stopped.
If the patient observes any other reaction not described, consult the physician or pharmacist.

Inform the physician or pharmacist if the patient is using or has used recently any other medicines in the same area of the skin to be treated, including those acquired without prescription.
Simultaneous use of hydroquinone with peroxides (for example: oxygenated water, benzoyl peroxide, etc) can cause temporary coloration of skin, due to the oxidation of hydroquinone. This temporary colouration is eliminated by stopping the use of one of these medicinal products and washing the area of application with gentle soap.

Keep the container sealed after each application. Store away from light.

Other Dermatologicals

D11AX11 - hydroquinone ; Belongs to the class of other dermatologicals.