Avoquin 1.9% & 4% Cream is used for the gradual bleaching of hyperpigmented skin conditions
such as chloasma, melasma, freckles, senile lentigines, and other unwanted areas of melanin
hyperpigmentation, Topical application of hydroquinone produces a reversible depigmentation of
the skin by inhibition of the enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa)
and suppression of other melanocyte metabolic processes. Exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light
will cause depigmentation of bleached areas.

• Do not use Avoquin 1.9 & 4% Craem:
Prior history of sensitivity or allergic reaction to Avoquin 1.9% & 4% Cream or to any of the
ingredients of the products. The safety of Avoquin 1.9% & 4% Cream uses during pregnancy or
for children (12 years and under) has not been established.
• Pregnancy, nursing mothers:
- Teratogenic Effects:
Pregnancy Category C :-
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not
known whether topical hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant
woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Topical hydroquinone should be given to a pregnant
woman only if clearly needed.
Nursing Mothers:-
It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted
in human milk, caution should be exercised when topical hydroquinone is administered to a
nursing woman.
• Pediatric Use: -
Safety and effectiveness for pediatric patients below the age of 12 years have not been
established.
• Warnings and Precautions:
Contains sodium met bisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including
anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain
susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is
unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in
non-asthmatic people.
Since this product contains no sunscreen, an effective broad-spectrum sun blocking agent
should be used and unnecessary solar exposure avoided, or protective clothing should be
worn to cover bleached skin in order to prevent re-pigmentation from occurring.
Hydroquinone may produce exogenous ochronosis, a gradual blue-black darkening of the
skin. If this condition occurs, discontinue treatment and consult your physician. Most patients
developing this condition are Black, but it may also occur in Caucasians and Hispanics.
• Information for Patients -
• Sunscreen use is an essential aspect of hydroquinone therapy because even minimal
sunlight sustains melanocytic activity. To prevent depigmentation, during treatment and
maintenance therapy, sun exposure on treated skin should be avoided by application of a
broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) or by use of protective clothing. Avoid contact
with eyes and mucous membranes.
• Keep this and all medications out of reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, call a
physician or a poison control center immediately.
• Carcinogenes is, Mutagenes is, Impairment of Fertility Studies of hydroquinone in animals
have demonstrated some evidence of carcinogenicity. The carcinogenic potential of
hydroquinone in humans is unknown.
• Published studies have demonstrated that hydroquinone is a mutagen and a clastogen.
Treatment with hydroquinone has resulted in positive findings for genetic toxicity in the Ames
assay in bacterial strains sensitive to oxidizing mutagens, in in vitro studies in mammalian
cells, and in the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay.
• Drug Interactions -
Patients are cautioned on concomitant use of medications that are known to be
photosensitizing.

• Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or
pharmacist if you are not sure
• General Skin sensitivity test before using Avoquin 1.9% & 4% Cream by applying a small
amount to an unbroken patch of skin; check within 24 hours. Minor redness is not a
contraindication, but where there is itching or vesicle formation or excessive inflammatory
response further treatment is not advised. Close patient supervision is recommended.
• Avoquin 1.9% & 4% Cream should be applied to affected areas and rubbed in well twice
daily, in the morning and before bedtime, or as directed by a physician. If no improvement is seen after 2 months of treatment, use of this product should be discontinued. There is no
recommended dosage for pediatric patients under 12 years of age except under the advice and
supervision of a physician.
• Avoquin 1.9% & 4% Cream for EXTERNAL USE ONLY.
• Avoquin 1.9% & 4% Cream not for OPHTHALMIC USE.
• Over Dosage:
• There have been no systemic reactions reported from the use of topical hydroquinone.
However, treatment should be limited to relatively small areas of the body at one time, since
some patients experience a transient skin reddening and a mild burning sensation which does
not preclude treatment.
If you forget to use Avoquin 1.9% & 4% Cream:
• Do not worry if you forget to use your cream at the right time. When you remember, start
using the medicine again as you did before.
• If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
The following adverse reactions have been reported: dryness and fissuring of paranasal and
infraorbital areas, erythema, and stinging. Occasional hypersensitivity (localized contact
dermatitis) may develop. If this occurs, the medication should be discontinued and the
physician notified immediately.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible
side effects not listed in this leaflet.
You can also report side effects directly (see details below).
By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
To report any side effect(s):
• Saudi Arabia:

The National Pharmacovigilance and Drug Safety Centre (NPC)

o Fax: +966-11-205-7662

o SFDA call center: 19999

o Toll free phone: 8002490000

o E-mail: npc.drug@sfda.gov.sa

o Website: https://ade.sfda.gov.sa

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• store Below 30°C
• Shelf life of Unopened Tube: 2 Years
• Shelf life after first opening is 30 days
• Do not use after the expiry date on the box