Soolantra

What is Soolantra cream used for?

Soolantra cream is a topical anti-inflammatory cream used to treat rosacea.

The cream contains the active ingredient ivermectin, which helps to reduce the redness and inflammation associated with rosacea.

Ivermectin is an anthelmintic (vermicide) which is used to kill parasites that live on the skin.

It is believed rosacea is caused by a parasite called demodex mites. These mites live in and around follicles in the skin and feed on the sebum. When they die, they release bacteria which irritate the skin and cause inflammation.

If you are unsure whether your condition is caused by a parasitic mite, fungal infection, or bacteria, speak to your doctor. Depending on the cause of your skin condition, you may need a more appropriate treatment. For example, an antifungal such as fluzonazole may be more appropriate for a fungal skin condition than a bacterial skin condition.

If your order is approved by our doctor before 3pm Monday to Friday, our UK based registered pharmacy will dispense and dispatch your medicine straight to your door.

We use a fast, next-day delivery to ensure your medicines arrive as soon as possible. All items dispatched from our pharmacy are packaged in plain, non-descriptive packaging which gives no indication of its contents or where it came from, ensuring your privacy when ordering medicine online.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition which causes a rash to appear on the skin on the face, along with other symptoms of redness and inflammation.

In most cases, rosacea appears like a rash across the cheeks and/or nose, giving a rosy or flushed appearance to the affected area, which may become itchy, uncomfortable or sensitive. Rosacea on the nose may result in hardened skin to develop, creating the appearance of a bulbous, red nose. This usually develops over many years of untreated rosacea.

There are 4 distinct types of rosacea, depending on the area of the face affected and the ways rosacea affects you:

• 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 areas around the eyes, causing skin to become red and inflamed. It can cause swelling of the eyelids, irritation and dryness, sensitivity to light (photophobia) and, in severe cases, blurred vision. If rosacea is affecting your eyes and causing blurred vision, discomfort or soreness, speak to your GP.

What causes rosacea?

Rosacea flare-ups may be caused by certain triggers. Once a trigger is identified, it can be avoided to prevent a flare up from happening in the future.

Some triggers of rosacea may include:

• Alcohol
• Hot drinks
• Caffeine
• Stress
• Cheese
• Intense exercise
• Spicy foods
• Weather changes

What happens if rosacea is left untreated?

Untreated rosacea may become severe causing complications such as eye infections (conjunctivitis) and nasal disfigurement (rhinophyma).

If your symptoms are getting worse, you should speak to your doctor and discuss possible causes of your flare-ups and treatment options. There are a number of treatments available for rosacea, allowing you to find the one that works for you.

Is there a cure for rosacea?

While there is no rosacea cure, there are a number of different treatments which can help you manage your condition and reduce the presence of symptoms, such as Soolantra cream.

How does Soolantra cream work for rosacea?

Soolantra 1% cream contains the active ingredient Ivermectin, which is known to have anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory properties. Unlike some other treatments for rosacea, Soolantra does not contain an antibiotic.

When applied to the skin, ivermectin kills the microbes causing rosacea symptoms. Soolantra cream also helps to reduce inflammation of the affected area, making the condition less apparent.

How long does it take for Soolantra 1% cream to work?

During clinical trials, Soolantra was shown to reduce rosacea symptoms in 2 weeks, though it can take up to 12 weeks for any noticeable improvement. If you do not notice an improvement in your symptoms after 3 months of continuous use of Soolantra cream, speak to your doctor.

In European studies, 85% of respondents' symptoms were "clear" or "almost clear" by the 16th week of using Soolantra.

How to use Soolantra cream?

Apply Soolantra 1% cream directly to your face once a day.

The cap of the Soolantra tube is child-proofed. To open the tube, press the cap down firmly and rotate it counter-clockwise.

When removing and replacing the cap, be careful not to squeeze the tube of Soolantra cream, which may result in accidental spillage.

It is recommended to apply a pea-sized amount of the cream to the chin, forehead, bridge of the nose and both cheeks on your face.

Massage the cream gently onto these 5 areas to apply a thin layer of Soolantra cream which covers the areas most prone to flare-ups.

Avoid areas of the skin which have mucous membranes, such as the eyes, mouth and inside of your nose. If you get the cream in any of these areas, promptly wash the area with warm water.

Always wash your hands after applying Soolantra cream.

Always replace the cap once you have finished using your Soolantra cream. Press the cap down firmly and rotate it clockwise to lock the cap into place.

You should apply Soolantra cream before applying other cosmetic products such as moisturisers and make-up. Wait for the areas to dry before applying other products to the face.

If you are using other topical treatments, such as gels or creams, you should speak to your doctor to see whether it is safe to use Soolantra cream with them. The leaflet which accompanies your other medicines may contain specific instructions on how to use them with other treatments.

What should I do if I forget to use Soolantra cream when I should?

If you forget to apply Soolantra cream when you should, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for you to use it again, skip the missed application and use the cream at the regular time.

Do not use more Soolantra cream to make up for the missed dose.

What should I do if I use more Soolantra cream than I should?

If you accidentally apply more Soolantra cream than you should, wipe away any excess with a clean tissue and discard it safely.

Using more Soolantra than you should will not treat your condition any faster, but may increase your risk of developing side effects.

If you don’t know how much Soolantra cream you are supposed to use, consult the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine or ask a healthcare professional, such as your doctor or a pharmacist.

Soolantra cream side effects and cautions

Before you use Soolantra 1% cream, it’s important to read the safety information leaflet supplied. This leaflet contains important information about Soolantra cream, including the full list of side effects, cautions and its ingredients.

View the patient information leaflet for Soolantra online (PDF)

If you are unsure about anything in the leaflet, speak to your doctor or ask a pharmacist for assistance.

Side effects of Soolantra cream

Just like all medicines, Soolantra cream can cause side effects in some people. It’s important to understand the risks associated with your medication so that you can stay safe during your course of treatment.

Common side effects of using Soolantra cream include:

• Burning sensation on the skin

Uncommon side effects of using Soolantra cream include:

• Dry skin
• Inflammation
• Itching
• Redness
• Skin irritation
• Swelling of the face

Allergic reaction

Do not use Soolantra cream if you are allergic to ivermectin or any of the ingredients listed within the patient information leaflet.

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

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not use Soolantra cream if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. Speak to your doctor for further advice.

Do not use Soolantra cream if you are breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor for further advice.

You should stop breastfeeding before using Soolantra cream, and speak to your doctor for further advice.

Other safety information

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

Do not use Soolantra cream past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The date refers to the last day of the specified month.

Never throw away medicine via household or water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to your local pharmacy and ask them to dispose it safely on your behalf.

Always keep this medicine out of sight and reach from children and pets.

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

Frequently asked questions