Efracea

Efracea is indicated to reduce papulopustular lesions in adult patients with Rosacea. Efracea is a prescription only treatment which comes in a slow-release capsule formulation and its active ingredient is Doxycycline. Doxycycline is from a class of antibiotics called tetracyclines. At a low 40mg dose Doxycycline does not contain any antibiotic activity. It is understood that Efracea reduces inflammation in the facial skin and therefore the redness associated with rosacea. Efracea can be used alone or as part of combination therapy with Soolantra or Mirvaso. Successful treatment length is up to 16 weeks however patients should see effect after 4 weeks with 50% reduction in redness.

Efracea should taken once daily. The capsule should be taken in the morning on a empty stomach preferably at least one hour prior to or two hours after a meal. The capsule should be taken with adequate amounts of water to reduce any stomach irritation. If no improvement is seen after 6 weeks treatment should be discontinued. Efracea should be swallowed whole whilst in an upright sitting or standing posture.

Do not consume any high calcium products such as diary products or antacids as this will disrupt the absorption of doxycycline in the gut. The absorption of doxycycline may be inhibited with aluminum, zinc, calcium, magnesium or by iron preparations, activated charcoal, cholestyramine, bismuth chelates and sucralfate. These products or foodstuffs should be taken after a period of 2-3 hours following use of doxycycline.

It is important to avoid excessive sunlight or UV e.g sunbathing or sunbeds, whilst taking doxycycline as you may erupt in a phototoxic skin rash. Sunscreens or sunblock should be considered. Treatment should stop immediately at the first sign of photosensitivity.

Miss the dose and take the next dose as normal on the next day. Never take double the dose.

The risk of side effects with Efracea is a lot lower than taking full dose doxycycline however some patients may still experience the following: sinusitis, fungal infection, nose inflammation, anxiety, sinus headache, change in blood pressure or blood tests, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dry mouth, back pain.

Efracea should be used in caution in patients:

• with history of vaginal thrush.
• Liver problems
• Myasthenia gravis

Stop Treatment immediately if you develop:

• Photosensitivity: Rash or skin eruptions
• Diarrhea

Patients should not use Efracea if:

• Rosacea eye symptoms and/or blepharitis.
• Allergic to doxycycline or Efracea recipients.
• Hereditary problems of fructose, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase isomaltose insufficiency.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Colitis
• Oesopheagal irritation or ulceration
• Under 12 years old.

Efracea may also interact with certain conditions or medications such as warfarin. Please fill in the questionnaire honestly and accurately so the prescriber can make an informed decision.