Soolantra

What is Soolantra Cream Used For?

Soolantra cream is a topical anti-inflammatory cream used to treat rosacea. It contains the active ingredient ivermectin, which helps to reduce the redness and inflammation associated with rosacea.

The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, and how Soolantra specifically improves symptoms is not fully understood. A parasite called Demodex mites may contribute to skin inflammation. Ivermectin is an anthelmintic (vermicide) used to kill parasites that live on the skin, which may be one way it treats rosacea.

If you are unsure whether your condition is caused by a parasitic mite, a fungal infection, or bacteria, consult your clinician. Depending on the cause of your skin condition, you may need a more appropriate treatment. For example, an antifungal medication such as fluconazole may be more suitable for treating a fungal skin condition than a bacterial skin condition.

Understanding Rosacea

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that causes a rash on the face, along with redness and inflammation. In most cases, it appears as a rash across the cheeks and/or nose, giving the affected area a rosy or flushed appearance that may become itchy, uncomfortable, or sensitive. Rosacea on the nose may cause hardened skin to develop, creating the appearance of a bulbous, red nose. This usually develops over many years.

There are 4 distinct types of rosacea, depending on their main symptoms and clinical features. It’s important to note that these subtypes can overlap:

• Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: Characterised by flushing, skin redness, and visible blood vessels.
• Papulopustular rosacea: Causes breakouts similar to acne. Skin often appears red and swollen.
• Phymatous rosacea: Thickens the skin, giving it a bumpy texture.
• Ocular rosacea: Primarily affects the eyes and eyelids, causing the skin to become red and inflamed. It can cause eyelid swelling, irritation and dryness, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and, in severe cases, blurred vision. If rosacea affects your eyes and causes blurred vision, red eye, gritty feeling, or eye pain, speak to your GP urgently or contact NHS 111.

More information about rosacea, including how it could affect you and how to get rid of it, is available on our website. 

How Does Soolantra Work for Rosacea?

Soolantra 1% cream contains the active ingredient Ivermectin, which has antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties. Unlike some other rosacea treatments, Soolantra does not contain an antibiotic.

When applied to the skin, ivermectin is thought to kill the Demodex mites that could contribute to rosacea symptoms. Soolantra cream also helps reduce inflammation and clear up papules and pustules in the affected area, making the condition less noticeable.

How Long Does Soolantra Take to Work?

Soolantra starts working within 2 to 4 weeks of starting treatment, although it may take up to 12 weeks for noticeable improvement. In a European study, around 85% of respondents reported symptoms that were "excellent" or "good" by the 16th week of using Soolantra.

If you do not notice an improvement in your symptoms after 3 months of continuous use of Soolantra cream, speak to your doctor.

How Effective is Soolantra Cream for Rosacea?

Soolantra is considered a safe and effective rosacea treatment. One clinical trial found that more than 60% of people who used ivermectin 1% cream rated improvement in their rosacea symptoms as excellent or good, compared with less than 40% of people who received a vehicle cream.

Another study found that 38.4% of people who used Soolantra cream were rated clear or almost clear of symptoms after 12 weeks, compared with 11.6% who received a vehicle cream.

How to Use Soolantra for Rosacea 

Apply Soolantra only to the skin on your face, and use it exactly as your clinician has told you to. It is usually applied once per day to your forehead, chin, nose, and each cheek, being careful to avoid your eyes, mouth, and any mucosal linings. Soolantra is intended for external use only and must not be swallowed.

To apply Soolantra, you should:

1. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly.
2. Apply a pea-sized amount of Soolantra cream to each of the five areas of your face (forehead, chin, nose, and each cheek).
3. Spread the cream so that a thin layer covers your entire face.
4. Replace the child-resistant cap and wash your hands immediately after applying the cream.

Apply Soolantra cream before other cosmetic products, such as moisturisers and make-up. Wait for the areas to dry before applying other products to the face.

If you are using other topical treatments, such as gels or creams, consult your doctor to determine whether it is safe to use Soolantra cream with them. The leaflet that accompanies your other medicines may contain specific instructions on how to use them in conjunction with other treatments.

Should I Use Soolantra in the Morning or at Night?

You can apply Soolantra in the morning or at night, whichever is most convenient for you, but you should apply it consistently. Some people find that it is best to apply Soolantra at night because the cream can be absorbed overnight without interference from sunscreen, make-up, and daily pollution.

If You Forget to Use Soolantra 

If you forget to use Soolantra cream, use it as soon as you remember, as long as it is within the same day. If not, just use your next dose as normal. Do not apply a double dose to make up for one you have missed. 

If You Use Too Much Soolantra Cream

Do not use more Soolantra cream than prescribed, as doing so will not make your rosacea symptoms go away any faster. If you do exceed the required dose, please contact your doctor or clinician for advice on what to do next. 

Soolantra Side Effects and Cautions

Soolantra can cause side effects, which are listed in the patient information leaflet that is supplied with the medication. Familiarise yourself with Soolantra’s potential side effects, so you know what to expect, how to deal with them, and when you may need to seek medical advice.

Potential Soolantra Cream Side Effects

Although Soolantra can cause side effects, not everyone who uses it will experience them. Most of the side effects occur at the application site and are mild and temporary. You should be able to manage most of the side effects at home.

Possible side effects of Soolantra cream include: 

Additional Side Effects of Soolantra

Other Soolantra side effects have been reported, although available data do not determine their frequency. These include:

• Inflammation of the skin
• Swelling of the face
• Redness of the skin
• Liver enzyme elevations

More details on Soolantra cream side effects are in the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the treatment. If you experience any adverse reactions, including anything not listed, contact your clinician or use the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme. 

Soolantra Cream Warnings and Interactions

Soolantra cream is an effective treatment for rosacea, but it is not suitable for everyone. Do not use the medication if you are allergic to ivermectin or any other ingredients in the medicine.

At the start of treatment, you may experience worsening of rosacea symptoms, though this usually resolves within one week. Soolantra cream also contains cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, which may cause local skin reactions. Speak to your clinician or doctor if this happens.

Other treatments may affect Soolantra. It’s therefore important to inform your clinician of any other medicine you are using, have recently used, or might use. This includes prescribed and over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies. 

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Advice

Soolantra is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. You will need to stop breastfeeding before using Soolantra, but you should discuss this with your clinician first.

Before starting Soolantra, you must tell the clinician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or think you might be pregnant, or trying to get pregnant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Soolantra Cream