Soolantra (Ivermectin) 45g Cream

How does Soolantra Cream treat rosacea?

Soolantra Cream is the newest effective treatment for acne rosacea. It’s a topical treatment that improves the condition of blemishes and bumps in as little as 2 weeks when applied directly to the affected area. The anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory properties work to improve your complexion and alleviate the symptoms of rosacea. Soolantra Cream can be used for up to 4 months continuously without a break.

How do you use Soolantra?

Soolantra should only be applied to skin on the face, avoiding the eyes and mouth. The standard dosage is one application per day, for anything up to four months.

The directions for use are as follows:

• Apply a pea-sized amount of ivermectin cream to each of the affected areas
• Spread the ointment as a thin layer across the face, avoiding the eyelids and lips
• Wash hands after application
• Wait for it to dry before applying other creams or makeup

The best time to apply Soolantra or any prescription rosacea medication is either morning or night; just aim to keep it relatively consistent.

Note: Soolantra cream is a topical treatment and not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.

How long does Soolantra cream take to work?

When using Soolantra Cream for treating rosacea, most people find that they experience an improvement in their skin after around four weeks of treatment. You should start to notice a gradual improvement in your condition before this time; however, you will not see the full effects for at least four weeks.

Most people continue to see an improvement in their symptoms after this period, so it’s important to continue with treatment — even if your symptoms quickly improve.

Is Soolantra Cream suitable for everyone?

Although Soolantra Cream is very effective at treating affected areas of acne rosacea, it’s not suitable for everyone. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using a new treatment. Soolantra may not be the right treatment for you if the following applies

• You are allergic to any of the ingredients listed on the patient information leaflet.
• You are under the age of 18.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Soolantra Cream results

According to clinical studies³, patients using Soolantra 1% Cream saw:

• 27% fewer bumps and blemishes after two weeks and up to 75% fewer after twelve weeks
• 38% of study subjects were “clear” or “almost clear” of rosacea symptoms after twelve weeks
• Continued symptom improvement over time in a year-long study
• Greater clearance of bumps and blemishes than metronidazole 0.75% cream (Rozex) in a 16-week study
• Fewer treatment-related side effects compared to subjects treated with Rozex (twice daily) or Finacea gel (twice daily)

If you find there’s no improvement after three months, stop using Soolantra and consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Soolantra alternatives

Here are some of the common alternatives to Soolantra cream for treating rosacea:

• Rozex gel contains the antibiotic metronidazole, an effective topical treatment for acne rosacea. However, it may cause skin irritation, and you will need to avoid alcohol while using it. Metronidazole tablets are also used for BV.
• Finacea gel helps to treat the spots and pimples associated with rosacea but is less effective at treating redness. It isn’t recommended for people with asthma.
• Dermalex Rosacea Cream is an over-the-counter rosacea treatment to help with redness and spider veins. It repairs and strengthens the skin’s barrier function, creating a protective film for daily support against external triggers.

For more information on how this treatment compares to other similar ones, visit our: Soolantra vs Finacea and other treatments page.

Sources

1. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1517/14656566.2014.945423?journalCode=ieop20
2. https://web.archive.org/web/20160305154203/http://www.galderma.com/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/79/Galderma-Announces-Positive-Outcome-of-European-Decentralised-Procedure-for-Approval-of-SOOLANTRA-ivermectin-Cream-10mgg-for-Rosacea-Patients
3. https://www.soolantra.com/about-rosacea-treatment
4. Soolantra Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6819/pil
5. Soolantra BNF listing: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/ivermectin.html

How to use Soolantra Cream

Soolantra should only be applied to skin on the face, avoiding the eyes and mouth. The standard dosage is one application per day, for anything up to four months.

The directions for use are as follows:

• Apply a pea-sized amount of Soolantra Ivermectin Cream to each of the affected areas.
• Spread the ointment as a thin layer across the face, avoiding the eyelids and lips.
• Wash hands after application.
• Wait for it to dry before applying other creams or makeup.

The best time to apply Soolantra or any prescription rosacea medication is either morning or night; just aim to keep it relatively consistent.

Note: Soolantra Cream is a topical treatment and not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. If you miss a dose, do not attempt to make up for it by using twice the amount the next time — just continue as normal.

We advise customers to use this medicine as prescribed — please check with our online team (or a doctor or pharmacist) if you’re unsure.

What are the ingredients in Soolantra?

Soolantra cream contains the active ingredient ivermectin. On average, 1g of cream contains 10mg of ivermectin. Other ingredients contained in Soolantra include:

• Glycerol
• Isopropyl palmitate
• Carbomer
• Dimethicone
• Disodium edetate
• Citric acid monohydrate
• Cetyl alcohol
• Stearyl alcohol
• Macrogol cetostearyl ether
• Sorbitan stearate
• Methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218)
• Propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216)
• Phenoxyethanol
• Propylene glycol
• Oleyl alcohol
• Sodium hydroxide
• Purified water

Soolantra side effects

Just like many other topical medicines, Soolantra can cause side effects. These will not necessarily affect everyone. The most common side effect of using Soolantra cream is a burning sensation on the skin after application. Other, less common side effects include itchy, irritated or dry skin.

Soolantra cream shouldn’t cause redness or inflammation, since these are the same symptoms it’s used to combat. Should you experience aggravated redness or inflammation of the skin after use, or any other unexpected side effect, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Read our full guide to Soolantra side effects for more details.

Soolantra cream warnings

If you are allergic to topical ivermectin or any of the other ingredients, do not use Soolantra cream. These ingredients include:

• Cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol
• Methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218)
• Propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216)
• Propylene glycol

If you’re unsure, talk to a doctor or pharmacist before you start using Soolantra. Drug interactions are possible, so be sure to disclose any other medications you’re using or taking when you complete your online consultation.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

We do not recommend using Soolantra rosacea treatment cream while pregnant. This medicine is also unsuitable if you are breastfeeding. You may wish to weigh up the benefits of using Soolantra vs. the benefits of breastfeeding, depending on the severity of your condition.

Driving and operating machinery

Soolantra has no known influence on users’ ability to drive and use machines. If you are concerned, speak to your pharmacist.