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Adeel Arshad
Authored on 24 Jan 2024 by Adeel Arshad,Medically reviewed 24 Jan 2024 by Dr Ruch Karunadasa.Next review due: 24 Jan 2025

Soolantra

Prescription medication

Like all medication, Soolantra cream can sometimes cause patients to experience unwanted side effects. These do not happen to everyone, but common side effects include -

Medication effect duration

Like any other prescription medication you must consult a doctor before using it. PrivateDoc offers a confidential free consultation service that may result in you receiving a prescription for Soolantra if it is deemed appropriate and Soolantra can be prescribed safely.

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How much does Soolantra cost?

What are the side effects associated with Soolantra?

Like all medication, Soolantra cream can sometimes cause patients to experience unwanted side effects. These do not happen to everyone, but common side effects include -

  • Burning feeling on the skin
  • Local irritation of the skin
  • Itching of the skin
  • Dry skin
  • Localised allergic reactions, such as redness, inflammation, etc.

Read the patient information leaflet for a full list of side effects.

How does Soolantra work?

The active ingredient in Soolantra is called Ivermectin. This works as an anti-inflammatory which reduces the redness associated with rosacea. In addition, ivermectin also kills parasites which cause inflamed skin in rosacea sufferers known as demodex mites.

What should I do if I apply/take too much or miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, then treatment should be applied as soon as you remember. If this is close to when the next dose would be due, do not apply a double dose. Instead continue as normal from when the next dose would be due.

There are no reports of overdosage with Soolantra. Accidental exposure to unknown quantities of veterinary products containing ivermectin in humans has resulted in rash, oedema, headache, dizziness, gastrointestinal effects (nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea). Other reported effects have included seizure, ataxia, dyspnea, abdominal pain, paresthesia, urticaria and contact dermatitis.

Where accidental ingestion is suspected, supported therapy should be initiated such as fluids and electrolytes. Respiratory support may be required a pressor agents needed if significant hypotension is present.

Should you suspect you have used too much Soolantra, or you have accidentally ingested some of the product, medical advice should be sought immediately.Should you suspect you have used too much Soolantra, or you have accidentally ingested some of the product, medical advice should be sought immediately.

How long does it take Soolantra to work?

As with all medication for rosacea, the length of time before patients start to notice a difference can vary for each patient. Most patients will start to witness the effects of Soolantra after four weeks of treatment. In some cases however, it can take longer. If no improvement is noticed after three months of applying Soolantra, then treatment should be discontinued.

Is it safe to buy Soolantra online?

Soolantra is a prescription only medicine. This means that the medication can only be issued following the presentation of a valid NHS or Private prescription. At PrivateDoc we have a team of GMC and GPhC registered doctors and pharmacists, all with many years of experience in prescribing for skincare issues. Once a consultation is completed, this is reviewed by one of our prescribers. If deemed appropriate, a prescription is issued and sent securely to our GPhC registered pharmacy, where the treatment will be dispensed and shipped securely.

How do I use Soolantra cream?

Soolantra cream is applied once daily for up to 4 months. Courses can be repeated.

Patients should apply a small pea sized amount of the cream to each of the following areas -

  • Forehead
  • Chin
  • Nose
  • Each cheek

Ensure the entire face is covered with a thin layer of the cream, making sure to avoid the eyes, mouth and inside of the nose. Wash hands immediately after application. Soolantra cream should only be applied to the face.

Cosmetic products can be used following application of Soolantra, but the cream must be allowed to dry first.

What condition can Soolantra cream be used for?

Soolantra cream is used to treat the inflammatory lesions caused by rosacea in adult patients.

Who cannot use Soolantra cream?

The safety and efficacy profile of Soolantra cream has not been established in those under the age of 18 and therefore should not be used in this patient group.

You should not use Soolantra cream if you are allergic or sensitive to the active ingredient or any of the excipients.

For a full list of contraindication and cautions, click here.

Can I use Soolantra if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

There is little to no data available of the safety profile of Soolantra in pregnant females. Oral studies in animals have shown teratogenic effects. Although the systemic absorption from topical preparations in humans is not likely to cause harm, the cream is not indicated for pregnant females.

Following oral administration, ivermectin is excreted into breast milk. Concentrations in human milk following topical administration have not been established. A theoretical risk to a breastfed child cannot be excluded. The decision to treat should be based on whether the risks of not treating outweigh the benefits of breastfeeding the child (in which case breastfeeding should stop and treatment started).

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