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Twice daily Rozex gel or cream

Rozex gel or cream is available from Dr Fox pharmacy on prescription to treat mild to moderate inflammatory pimples, papules, redness, and pustules (spots) of rosacea. Rosacea is a skin condition which affects the face, causing flushing and redness, as well as papules, pimples, and pustules. The skin is hot and red due to increased blood flow. Flushing and redness can be reduced by Mirvaso gel which can be used at the same time as Rozex.

Rozex contains metronidazole, an antibiotic, which also has anti-inflammatory actions. It is unclear exactly how it works in rosacea.

Rozex should only be used by adults (over 18 years) and only on the face.

How to apply Rozex

• Use a mild cleanser to wash the face before applying Rozex gel or cream.
• Apply a thin layer of Rozex to the areas affected by rosacea only.
• Keep out of the eyes and mouth (if it gets in the eyes, rinse well with large amounts of water).
• If applied too close to the eyes it can cause eye watering.
• Wash hands after applying.

If also using Mirvaso gel, first apply the Mirvaso gel and once dried, apply the Rozex gel/cream.

Other cosmetic products can be applied after Rozex has dried.

Rozex gel should be used twice a day on the face, initially for 2-3 months, to assess the effect. If rosacea has not improved after 3 months, stop using Rozex gel. If improving, continue use until the rosacea has cleared completely. Always use the least amount of Rozex gel or cream and for the shortest time required (to help prevent antibiotic resistance).

If necessary it can be continued long term, but take at least a six month break and use an alternative treatment after using it for a year.

Rosacea is a recurrent condition so repeated courses of treatment may be necessary.

Who should not use Rozex

Do not use Rozex without checking with your regular doctor first if:

• Under 18.
• You suffer from any type of blood disorder (blood dyscrasia).
• Taking warfarin or other coumarin type blood thinning tablets (anticoagulants where you need regular blood tests).

Dr Fox pharmacy does not supply if any of the above apply.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Rozex should not be used in pregnancy or if breastfeeding.

Sunlight and sunbeds

Keep out of strong sunlight and avoid exposure to ultraviolet light (e.g. sunbeds) as this can make Rozex less effective. They will also worsen rosacea.

Possible side effects

When using Rozex, very little active metronidazole is absorbed into the system. In fact studies have shown that the level measured in the blood after applying Rozex to the face is 100 times less than the level when taking a standard metronidazole tablet (250mg).

Most side effects are therefore limited to the skin.

Up to 10% of people may develop skin dryness, redness, itching, burning, or stinging feelings, or worsening of rosacea.

If the skin is irritated, it should settle by using Rozex less frequently, or stopping it for a while.

A full list of possible side effects can be found in the patient information leaflet.

Alcohol and Rozex

Metronidazole (the active ingredient in Rozex) when taken by mouth can react with alcohol, causing an Antabuse/disulfiram reaction. This is very unlikely with Rozex because it is only applied to the skin. However, the manufacturers still advise not to drink alcohol whilst using Rozex as the Antabuse reaction has occasionally been reported. Antabuse reaction includes nausea, vomiting, flushing, dizziness, throbbing headache, chest and abdominal discomfort. If affected, seek medical advice.