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Efracea - Antibiotic Rosacea Treatment
| Type of medicine | Anti-inflammatory |
| Works by | Reducing inflammation associated with redness of rosacea |
| Active ingredient | Doxycycline |
| Effective within | 3 months |
| Pack size | 14 capsules |
| Strength | 40mg |
| Common side effects | Diarrhoea, Abdominal pain, Dry mouth, Inflammation of the nose and throat, Inflammation of the sinuses, Sinus headache, Fungal infections, Raised blood pressure, Back pain, Anxiety, Change in results of liver function tests, Raised blood sugar levels |
| Manufacturer | Galderma |
| Generic | No |
| Use with alcohol | No known effect |
Efracea Information
What is Efracea?
Efracea capsules are a rosacea medication which contains an active ingredient known as doxycycline in a slow-release formulation. It can be used by adults as a treatment for the pimples and red bumps around the face associated with acne rosacea. Efracea capsules are manufactured by Galderma and are only available via prescription in the UK.
Doxycycline is type of antibiotic known as a tetracycline antibiotic. It works by killing a wide range of bacteria, and is an effective treatment for bacterial infections throughout the skin and respiratory system. It can also be used to combat STDs and malaria.
Efracea is a prescription-only treatment that has been designed specifically to treat the symptoms associated with rosacea. Rosacea is a dermatological condition which can massively impact upon an individual’s life, causing patches, bumps, spots, and veins to appear on the skin and face.
How does Efracea treat rosacea?
In most cases, rosacea is a lifelong skin condition which will undergo periods of activity and inactivity. Generally, it is a condition that occurs on the face, creating a range of symptoms including thickening of the skin; visible blood vessels; abnormal redness; and flushing. Some sufferers will have small raised spots called papules and sometimes even pustules, or pus-filled bumps.
Efracea is an effective and long term treatment for these symptoms. Because of the low dosage of doxycycline present in Efracea, it can safely be used for long periods of time. Treating your rosacea with Efracea will calm the skin, decreasing redness and irritation, and in some cases, completely eliminating your rosacea symptoms all together.
For many, rosacea is a condition that will be with them throughout their lives, cycling between periods of activity and inactivity. Rosacea usually occurs mainly on the face and creates a range of symptoms including:
- Thickening of the skin.
- Visible blood vessels.
- Increased redness and flushing.
- Small spots known as papules.
- Pus-filled spots can also occur in some individuals.
The condition is fairly common with approximately 10 percent of people suffering from some form of rosacea according to the NHS. Despite its prevalence among the general population, little is known about what exactly causes rosacea in the first place.
Some medical professionals postulate that rosacea is brought about when blood vessels become dilated due to sun exposure. Others think that the cause of rosacea stems from tiny skin-mites known as demodex folliculorum. These mites are generally harmless; however they secrete damaging bacteria, and in large enough numbers can produce the symptoms listed above.
It is also thought that peptides play a role in creating the symptoms associated with rosacea. Peptides are compounds of amino acids present in your skin. It is thought that certain stimuli, such as excessive alcohol or very spicy foods, make your peptides enter a period of high activity, making your immune system react and produce the symptoms associated with rosacea.
Despite the fact that researchers are unsure as to the exact cause of rosacea, sufferers indicate certain triggers which can cause an outbreak. These triggers can include:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Dairy
- Extreme weather conditions
- Long-term exposure to UV rays
- Stress
Efracea can treat the symptoms of rosacea because of doxycycline, the antibiotic agent present in the treatment. The exact process by which this works is unknown as the underlying cause of rosacea is still not fully understood. Despite this, it is thought that doxycycline works by clearing up any pustules and stopping the bacteria from spreading. This reduces inflammation and decreases the unpleasantness of sore skin and nasty bumps.
Efracea and other rosacea treatments
Efracea capsules are an oral antibiotic treatment for rosacea. They can be combined with other topical, non-antibiotic rosacea treatments, such as:
Sources
Efracea dose
Efracea comes in capsule form and should be swallowed with a glass of water while sitting or standing. Efracea capsules should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably at least one hour prior to or two hours after the meal. Don't consume any dairy products or antacids at the same time as Efracea capsules as they can affect the rate at which doxycycline is absorbed by your gut. If in doubt, wait at least 3 hours after using Efracea capsules before consuming any high calcium products.
Efracea should usually be taken for up to 16 weeks, however if your symptoms have not improved after six weeks, consult your doctor.
The usual dosage of Efracea capsules is one 40mg capsule each day, usually taken in the morning. This is the standard dosage unless otherwise stated by your doctor.
You should also avoid exposing your skin to the sunlight for very long or during intense periods while using Efracea capsules.
Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor.
Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. If you do forget a dose, just skip it and continue as normal the next day.
Efracea ingredients
Efracea capsules contain one active ingredient known as doxycycline (monohydrate).
Efracea capsules also contain several inactive ingredients including:
- Hypromellose
- Methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylare copolymer (1:1)
- Triethyl citrate
- Talc
- Hypromellose
- Titanium dioxide
- Macrogol 400
- Yellow iron oxide
- Red iron oxide
- Polysorbate 80
- Sugar spheres such as maize starch and sucrose
The capsules themselves contain:
- Gelatin
- Black iron oxide
- Red iron oxide
- Yellow iron oxide
- Titanium dioxide
The ink printed onto the capsules contains:
- Shellac
- Propylene glycol
- Black iron oxide
- Indigo carmine aluminium lake
- Allura red AC, brilliant blue FCF, and D & C yellow no. 10 aluminium lake
Efreacea side effects
Side effects from taking Efracea are fairly common and will affect 1 to 10 users in every 100. If you do suffer any side effects they could include:
Common (affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Dry mouth
- Inflammation of the nose and throat
- Inflammation of the sinuses
- Sinus headache
- Fungal infections
- Raised blood pressure
- Back pain
- Anxiety
- Change in results of liver function tests
- Raised blood sugar levels
Unknown frequency
- Headache
- Mild increase in pressure within the skull (benign intracranial hypertension).
Stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor if you experience a severe persistent headache or any changes in your vision.
If you have any concerns regarding Efracea or experience any side effects not listed above then cease usage and consult with your doctor immediately.
Efracea warnings
Before deciding to use Efracea capsules you should consider the following warnings:
- Do not take Efracea if you have every had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients listed above.
- Do not take Efracea if you are in or have passed the fourth month of pregnancy as it may affect the unborn baby. If you become pregnant whilst taking Efracea then consult with you doctor as soon as possible.
- Do not take Efracea if you are currently using any oral retinoids.
- Do not take Efracea if you suffer from achlorhydria (an absence of stomach acid) or have had any surgery on the duodenum (upper part of the gut).
You should always consult with you doctor before beginning a course of efracea if you:
- Have liver disease.
- Are predisposed to candidiasis overgrowth.
- Are currently suffering from an oral or vaginal fungal or yeast infection.
- Currently suffer from muscle disease.
- Currently suffer from colitis.
- Experience any oesophageal ulceration or irritation.
- Have rosacea affecting the eyes.
- Expose yourself to strong UV light as sunburn can occur more easily.
Always speak to your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medication as this may interfere with Efracea.
You should not use Efracea if you are currently using the medication isotretinoin as this can increase the risk of pressure in the brain.
Do not use any of the following products within three hours of taking efracea:
- Antacids
- Vitamin supplements
- Any product which contains calcium – this includes dairy products
- Products containing aluminium, magnesium, iron, and bismuth
- Cholestyramine
- Activated charcoal
- Sucralfate
Some medications for ulcers and heartburn may reduce the effectiveness of Efracea and should not be taken within two hours of each other.
If you suffer from diabetes, or are currently on blood thinners, consult with your doctor about altering your dosages.
Certain antibiotics can become less effective when used alongside Efracea.
The following medications may reduce the length of time that Efracea will remain active within body:
- Carbamazepine (epilepsy)
- Barbituates (sleeping pills or short-term pain killers)
- Primidone (anti-convulsant) or cyclosporine (organ transplant)
- Rifampicin (tuberculosis)
- Diphenylhydantoin and phenytoin (seizures of the brain)
Efracea should also not be used in conjunction with the anaesthetic methoxylfluorane as this can cause severe damage to your kidneys.
Efracea capsules should always be taken with plenty of water in order to properly wash down them down your throat, reducing irritation in the gullet. Any dairy products, such as milk, should not be taken at the same time as Efracea as calcium can decrease its effectiveness.
Always read the label and accompanying product information before making any decision regarding new medication.
Efracea 40mg MR Capsules reviews
Efracea 40mg MR Capsules FAQs
Efracea is a treatment for the skin condition known as rosacea. It contains an antibiotic called doxycycline which is known to treat the symptoms associated with rosacea in adults.
Each capsule contains 40mg of doxycycline in a slow release form. This will have anti-inflammatory effect, decreasing the symptoms of rosacea locally, without any unnecessary absorption elsewhere in the body.
You should take one capsule of efracea in the morning, every day. Each dose should be accompanied by plenty of water. Efracea can become less effective when interacting with certain types of food. For this reason each capsule should be taken two to three hours before eating.
Efracea can take a long time to work, and you may not see any results for the first several weeks. If after six weeks there is still no sign of improvement then speak to your doctor and review the treatment.
Efracea capsules are recommended for people that are suffering from rosacea and have tried topical treatments, such as Rozex, Mirvaso, or Finacea, with little success.
Efracea cannot be used by everybody and should not be used by people who:
- Suffer from liver problems.
- Suffer from achlorhydria (lack of stomach acid).
- Have had a duodenum bypass.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are currently taking any other medications then you should consult with your doctor before you start taking Efracea. Extra caution should be given if you are currently taking any of the following:
- Cyclosporin.
- Other antibiotics.
- Anticoagulants.
- Quinapril.
It should also be noted that the effectiveness of the oral contraceptive pill can be reduced if taken at the same time as a course of Efracea.
Some antibiotics can cause your body to have a negative reaction such as an inflammation of the bowel (colitis). This has not been reported in efracea as the levels of the antibiotic doxycycline are so low. If, however, you experience severe diarrhoea or bloody stools, cease use of this medication immediately.
Studies have shown that the active ingredient in efracea, doxycycline, will be less effective at treating rosacea if large amounts of alcohol have been consumed. It is unlikely that drinking small amounts while on a course of efracea will cause any problems, however if you experience any negative effects, cease usage and consult your doctor.
There may be an increased risk of benign intracranial hypertension (increased skull pressure) when using efracea in conjunction with retinoids, such as acitretin, isotretinoin, and tretinoin.
Certain other medications can decrease your body’s absorption of doxycycline, making it less effective. Three hours should be given before or after each efracea capsule is taken if you are using any of the following:
- Medication for heartburn or indigestion that contains aluminium, magnesium, calcium, or magnesium.
- Any kind of calcium supplement.
- Iron preparations such as ferrous sulphate.
- Kaolin.
- Magnesium salts.
- Ranitidine bismuth citrate
- Zinc salts.
Doxycycline can also increase the effects of anticoagulants (blood-clotting agents) such as warfarin. If you are taking any anticoagulants then you should speak to your doctor before starting this treatment.
There is a chance that doxycycline may increase your blood levels of immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine. If you are taking these two medications together then you should consult with your doctor as they may want to monitor your situation.
Efracea capsules can only be purchased via a prescription. At The Independent Pharmacy, our doctors will review your online consultation and take care of the prescription for you, meaning our pharmacy can send you the medication you need as soon as the next working day.
Keep Efracea capsules at a temperature below 30°C and out of the reach of children.
Efracea capsules are not suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
In short, yes. There are unlikely to be any effects that impair your ability to drive. That being said, if you do experience any side effects that may make driving more difficult or unsafe, do not drive and let your doctor know.
Still unsure about this treatment?
Ask our medical team for impartial information and advice about any treatment we provide or medical condition that we treat before you buy.
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