Efracea

What is Efracea?

Efracea contains the active ingredient doxycycline, which is an antibiotic that fights bacteria causing the inflammation, redness and acne associated with rosacea.

Doxycycline belongs to the tetracycline class of antibiotics, used to treat a variety of infections including chest infections, acne, rosacea and STIs like chlamydia and syphilis.

However, Efracea is formulated to specifically treat rosacea in adults.

Efracea treats rosacea by killing the bacteria which builds up inside clogged pores. However, rosacea responds slowly to antibiotics, which means that a long-term course of treatment is required - typically this course of treatment lasts a couple of months.

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition which causes redness and inflammation on the face, including the cheeks and nose. The rash may cause irritation such as a stinging or a burning sensation.

Rosacea can present with different symptoms depending on the specific type. The 4 main types of rosacea are:

• Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is characterised by flushing, redness of the skin and blood vessels becoming visible.
• Papulopustular rosacea causes breakouts similar to acne. Skin often appears red and swollen.
• Phymatous rosacea thickens the skin and causes it to have a bumpy texture.
• Ocular rosacea affects the skin around the eyes. Eyelids appear swollen and may cause a sty-like lump. Eyes can also be red and irritated.

These 4 types of rosacea affect people differently. If you are unsure which variant of rosacea you have, speak to your doctor.

What causes Rosacea?

There are no clear causes for rosacea, but some triggers have been found to cause occasional flare-ups in some people. These include:

• Alcohol
• Spicy food
• Cheese
• Caffeine
• Intense exercise (e.g. running)
• Hot drinks
• Weather changes
• Stress

Once a trigger is known, it can be avoided to prevent a flare up from happening in the future.

If rosacea is left untreated, it can become severe and cause nasal disfigurement (rhinophyma), leading to breathing problems. The ocular rosacea type could also cause eye infections like conjunctivitis.

Can rosacea be cured?

Although there is currently no cure for rosacea, antibiotics, like those found in Efracea have been proven to help reduce the signs and symptoms of rosacea during flare-ups.

How do I take Efracea?

Take one 40 mg tablet a day with plenty of water, preferably early in the morning on an empty stomach. If taken later in the day, you should take your tablet at least one hour before a meal or two hours after a meal.

Do not take Efracea with milk or antacids as these can reduce the absorption of the medicine. Leave 2 to 3 hours after taking Efracea before drinking or eating dairy products.

Do not increase or decrease the dose without your doctor’s consent.

When taking antibiotics, it’s important to always follow your doctor’s advice and complete the course of antibiotics.

Efracea side effects and cautions

All medications carry the risk of side effects. Educating yourself on the side effects of any medication you take, is imperative for your safety.

The full list of side effects and cautions of taking Efracea, as well as the full list of its ingredients, can be found in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.

View the patient information leaflet for Efracea online (PDF)

Some common side effects of taking Efracea include:

• Anxiety
• Back pain
• Diarrhoea
• Dry mouth
• High or increased blood pressure
• Increased risk of fungal infection
• Inflammation of the nose, throat and sinuses
• Pain in the upper part of the abdomen
• Sinus headache

Cautions

You may not be able to take Efracea if you:

• have liver problems
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have had abdominal surgery
• allergic to any of the ingredients in Efracea

If you have any of the conditions listed above, you should tell your doctor before taking Efracea.

Allergic reaction

Do not take Efracea if you are allergic to doxycycline, or if you have previously experienced an allergic reaction to doxycycline.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Chest tightening
• Dry, red and cracked skin
• Itchy, red watery eyes
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face
• Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wheezing

Other safety information

Our online doctors can review your consultation to determine whether Efracea is safe for you.

Always read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine before you start taking it.

Please inform our doctor of all medicines are you currently taking, including those prescribed by your doctor, or bought over the counter, as well as any vitamin supplements.

Do not use Efracea past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The date refers to the last day of the specified month. For example, “EXP: 03/2025” refers to the 31st of March 2025.

Never throw away medicine via household or water waste as this can damage the environment. You should take any unwanted or expired medicine to your local pharmacy and ask them to dispose of it safely on your behalf.

Always store Efracea out of sight and reach from children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anybody else, even if they are experiencing the symptoms or have the same condition as you.

Frequently asked questions