Rozex 0.75% Gel

Rozex is a gel containing the antibiotic and antiprotozoal medicine, metronidazole. It is used to treat pustules and pimples (and the redness & inflammation associated with them) found on the face in mild to moderate rosacea. It is not related to penicillin and can be used with penicillin allergies.

Read more about Rozex gel uses here.

Metronidazole, the active ingredient in Rozex gel, interferes with DNA inside bacterial and protozoan cells and prevents new DNA from being formed. This kills existing bacteria and stops bacteria from being formed. This helps to treat the infection and reduce rosacea symptoms.

1. Wash and dry your face first.
2. Using a clean finger, apply a thin layer of Rozex gel evenly over the affected area twice daily.
3. Avoid applying the gel to wet skin as it may run in to eyes or mouth.
4. Rozex is not to be used anyone under the age of 18.
5. Avoid getting gel in the eyes, mouth or nostrils and wash with plenty of water if this occurs.
6. Rozex gel becomes ineffective when exposed to strong sunlight or sun lamps. Use a high factor sun cream when exposed to strong UV light to ensure Rozex remains effective.
7. Apply any cosmetics or make up after the gel has been absorbed and dried.

Rozex Gel is used to treat mild to moderate skin eruptions in rosacea and the inflammation that is associated with it. It is used twice a day and needs to be used continuously for several weeks for an improvement to be seen. Side effects are moderate as it is applied locally and little is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Mirvaso Gel is used to reduce the redness on the face that occurs in rosacea. It is applied daily to the affected areas and continues to work for as long as it is used. The most common side effect of Mirvaso gel is worsening redness at the start of treatment.

Skinoren Cream is also used for the same symptoms, applied twice a day and can take several weeks for the results to be seen. However the effects of Skinoren may be slightly better compared to Rozex, however it has a higher chance of side effects.

Erythromycin is an oral antibiotic used to treat the same symptoms as Skinoren and Rozex. However it is used when the condition is severe or unresponsive to the creams and gels. The effect is usually seen after a 4 - 6 weeks if taken continuously. They cannot be taken at the same time as foods or medicines that contain metal ions. Calcium in milk and iron in indigestion remedies are good examples that combine with these antibiotics and make them inabsorbable.

Rozex needs to be used continuously for a least a few weeks for the positive effects to be seen. If you miss an application, apply it when you can. If it’s time for the next treatment by the time you remember, don’t apply it twice. Forget about the missed treatment and resume your normal schedule. Do not apply Rozex more than twice a day, or use a double dose in any circumstances.

As Rozex is applied topically and only a small amount enters the circulation, side effects tend to be limited to where it is applied. Dryness, itching, a burning sensation and possibly worsening of rosacea symptoms are the most common side effects that affect up to 10% of patients.

We are all different and how we react to medication varies form one person to another. Although the side effects of medication can be daunting, not everybody will suffer with them.

Depending on the case, it can take a few weeks of continuous use before the positive effects of Rozex become apparent.

Read our ‘how long does Rozex cream take to work’ guide for more info.

Yes, you can. You just need to apply the Rozex first and allow it to absorb and dry before you apply make up and/or any other cosmetics.

Although unlikely, patients who are on blood thinning medication should not use Rozex because of the small chance it may interfere with the blood clotting action of your medicaitom.

Patients who suffer from other blood disorders are also advised not use Rozex.

The chance of interaction of Rozex with other medicines is low because very little of it is absorbed in to the blood stream.

Alcohol taken whilst being treated with metronidazole tablets can cause nausea and vomiting, however is unlikely with the topical gel. Even though the chances of this reaction happening with the gel are small, the manufacturer still advises that patients still avoid alcohol whilst using Rozex gel.

The active ingredient from this topical treatment, Metronidazole, passes into the bloodstream in low amounts after application to the skin. However, its safety during pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, Rozex should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless considered absolutely essential by a doctor.

Rozex contains the active ingredient Metronidazole, which is an antibiotic.

In rare cases, yes. If your skin becomes irritated when using this gel, try using it less frequently or have a break for a few days. Consult your doctor if it persists.

No. While some cases of rosacea may manifest themselves in acne-like pimples, acne and rosacea are two different skin conditions and are treated in different ways.

It is advisable that you avoid drinking alcohol when using Rozex. This is because Metronidazole is an antibiotic that can react with alcohol, causing side effects such as hot flushes and abdominal cramps.

No, Rozex is not a steroid. It is recommended that you avoid using steroid treatments on Rosacea, as it may irritate your skin further.

No. Rosacea primarily affects the face, while eczema can appear almost anywhere on your body and is related to allergies.

It’s important to use a non-comedogenic moisturiser on dry areas of skin when suffering from rosacea. Any oil-based moisturiser may further irritate the skin by clogging pores.

Seborrheic dermatitis is also an inflammatory skin disorder, and most commonly appears inside the ears, on the forehead, in the eyebrows, and around the nose. It’s characterised by scaly/greasy/yellow patches of skin and is often accompanied by dandruff – but no acne bumps or pustules, as with rosacea.

If you’re uncertain what you’re suffering from, get a free online consultation and we’ll help to identify your condition. Often, people with rosacea also have seborrheic dermatitis, and these different conditions must be treated separately. If you’re only suffering from dermatitis, you will likely be prescribed a treatment like E45 Itch Relief Cream or Dermol Cream.

You should use this gel for as long as your doctor recommends – this will usually be for 3-4 months, until your rosacea has cleared up. However, this may be extended depending on how your skin responds to treatment.

You should store your Rozex Gel 0.75% at room temperature at or below 25°C, but do not keep in a fridge or freezer.