Rozex (Cream and Gel)

What is Rozex used for?

Rozex is a topical antibiotic treatment, available as a cream or gel, used to treat a skin condition called rosacea. Redness, inflammation, spots and pustules characterise the skin condition.

The active ingredient in Rozex is metronidazole, a type of antibiotic. It works by fighting the bacteria that cause rosacea and helps clear the symptoms over time.

You can buy Rozex online from Prescription Doctor’s UK-registered pharmacy following a quick online medical consultation. If our doctor approves your order before 3pm, our pharmacy will dispense and dispatch your item straight to your door via discreet, next-day delivery.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition that causes rashes, redness, and inflammation on various areas of the face. The rash may cause irritation, resulting in a stinging or burning sensation.

According to the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), rosacea is more common in women, though it may present more severe symptoms in men. While rosacea is more likely to affect people between the ages of 40 and 60 with fair skin, it can develop at any age in individuals of any skin type.

Rosacea may affect people differently, depending on the specific type. Some people may experience a rash on the cheeks, while others may experience acne-like breakouts on the chin. The four main types of rosacea are:

• Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea is characterised by flushing, redness of the skin and blood vessels becoming visible.
• Papulopustular rosacea causes breakouts similar to acne. Skin often appears red and swollen.
• Phymatous rosacea thickens the skin, causing it to have a bumpy texture.
• Ocular rosacea affects the skin around the eyes. Eyelids appear swollen and may cause a sty-like lump. Eyes can also be red and irritated.

What causes Rosacea?

A variety of factors or triggers may cause rosacea flare-ups, although poor hygiene is not a direct cause, according to the NHS.

Once a trigger is known, it can be avoided to prevent a flare-up from happening in the future.

Some triggers of rosacea may include:

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Cheese
• Hot drinks
• Intense exercise
• Spicy foods
• Stress
• Weather changes

Untreated rosacea can become severe, leading to complications such as eye infections (conjunctivitis) and nasal disfigurement (rhinophyma).

Is there a cure for rosacea?

There is currently no cure for rosacea, but several treatments are available, including Rozex, which has been proven to reduce the symptoms of the condition.

It is possible to manage rosacea without medicine by:

• switching skincare products to the ones designed for sensitive skin
• avoiding make-up
• adjusting your diet to consume fewer foods which might trigger your rosacea.

How to use Rozex cream or gel

Rozex should be applied twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, to the affected areas. Always follow your doctor's instructions for your treatment.

Before applying Rozex, wash the affected area with warm water and a mild soap. Pat dry before applying the treatment.

Gently massage a small amount of Rozex onto the affected area, covering the area with a thin layer of the treatment.

Wash your hands after every application.

Take care when applying the cream around the eyes. If you get Rozex in your eyes, rinse your eyes thoroughly with water.

What should I do if I forget to use Rozex when I should?

If you forget to use Rozex when you should, use it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled application, in which case you should skip the missed dose and continue using Rozex as you normally would. Do not use more Rozex to make up for the missed dose.

What should I do if I apply more Rozex than I should?

If you accidentally apply more Rozex cream or gel than recommended, wipe away the excess with a clean tissue and discard it safely. Using more Rozex will not clear up rosacea any faster, but may increase your risk of experiencing side effects.

How long does Rozex take to work?

Rosacea responds slowly to antibiotics, so it can take up to 3 to 4 months of treatment with Rozex for effective results.

It’s important to take antibiotics as prescribed. Stopping antibiotic treatment early can cause infections to recur or make the condition more difficult to treat.

Rozex side effects and cautions

All medicines pose a risk of side effects, although not everyone experiences them. It’s important to familiarise yourself with the patient information leaflet (PIL) enclosed with your treatment, which includes the full list of side effects, cautions and ingredients of your medicine.

View the Patient Information Leaflet for Rozex Cream (PDF)

View the Patient Information Leaflet for Rozex Gel (PDF)

Common side effects of using Rozex include:

• Dry skin
• Redness of the skin
• Skin discomfort
• Skin irritation
• Worsening of rosacea

Uncommon side effects of using Rozex include:

• Numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes
• Metallic taste
• Nausea

If you experience irritation or stinging at the site of application, reduce the amount of the treatment you use or stop the treatment for a few days. Seek immediate medical advice if irritation persists.

Rozex is for external use only on the face. 

Do not ingest (swallow) the treatment.

Allergic reaction

Do not use Rozex if you are allergic to metronidazole or any of the ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

Signs of an allergic reaction may include:

• Chest tightening
• Dry, red and cracked skin
• Itchy, red, watery eyes
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face
• Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wheezing

Other safety information

Always seek your doctor’s advice before you buy Rozex online from Prescription Doctor.

Please inform our doctors of all other medicines you are currently taking. Include medicines prescribed by your doctor, bought over the counter from a pharmacy, as well as herbal supplements.

Do not use Rozex past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The date refers to the last day of the specified month.

Never dispose of your medicine in household or water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medication to your local pharmacy to be disposed of safely on your behalf.

Always store medicine out of sight and out of reach of children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anybody else, even if they have the same symptoms or have been diagnosed with the same condition as you.

Frequently asked questions