What is Soolantra Cream?

Soolantra Cream is a prescription-only topical medicine used to treat inflammatory lesions of rosacea, particularly papulopustular rosacea – a common subtype that causes red bumps and spots on the face. Each gram of Soolantra Cream contains 10 mg of ivermectin, a medication with anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic properties.

Soolantra is applied once daily to affected areas of the face and is designed to reduce the number of spots and pimples while also helping to calm redness and improve the overall appearance of the skin.

What Is Soolantra Cream Used For?

Soolantra is recommended for adults with papulopustular rosacea, helping to manage symptoms and improve skin condition through multiple therapeutic effects:

• Treatment of Inflammatory Rosacea: Helps reduce facial spots and pustules caused by inflammation.
• Reduction of Skin Redness: Regular use can ease persistent facial redness and improve skin tone.
• Targeting Demodex Mites: Ivermectin targets Demodex mites, which are thought to play a role in rosacea symptoms in some individuals.
• Improving Skin Barrier Function: By reducing inflammation and mite populations, Soolantra supports healthy skin barrier recovery.

How Does Soolantra Cream Work?

Soolantra works via two main mechanisms to treat rosacea:

Anti-Inflammatory Action

Ivermectin helps to regulate the immune response in the skin, reducing inflammation, redness, and swelling.

Antiparasitic Effect

The cream lowers the number of Demodex mites living on the skin. These mites are naturally present in small numbers, but can multiply and contribute to rosacea symptoms in some people.

Together, these actions help relieve the discomfort and visible signs of rosacea, while supporting healthier skin.

Who Can Use Soolantra Cream?

Soolantra may be suitable if you are:

• An adult with papulopustular rosacea
• Looking for a topical (cream-based) rosacea treatment
• Someone who has not responded well to other rosacea medications
  
  

Who Should Not Use Soolantra Cream?

• People with a known allergy to ivermectin or any of the cream’s ingredients
• Children and adolescents under 18 years of age
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women – unless advised by a healthcare professional
• Always speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

Can I Buy Soolantra Cream Over the Counter in the UK?

No, Soolantra Cream is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. It cannot be purchased over the counter in pharmacies or supermarkets. You must complete a consultation with a doctor or online prescribing service to check that the treatment is suitable for you.

This ensures the safe and appropriate use of the medication, as well as monitoring for any possible side effects.

Precautions While Using Soolantra Cream

• Avoid contact with eyes, lips, and mucous membranes. Rinse thoroughly with water if accidental contact occurs
•  Do not apply to broken, inflamed, or irritated skin
•  Wash your hands before and after application
•  Monitor for allergic reactions such as redness, itching, or swelling. Stop use and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or if you experience a severe reaction
  
  

Alternative Treatments for Rosacea

If Soolantra Cream is not suitable for you, several other licensed treatments for rosacea are available in the UK:

Finacea Gel (Azelaic Acid)

Finacea contains azelaic acid, which helps to reduce inflammation and redness associated with rosacea. It also assists in clearing blocked pores and has antibacterial properties.

Mirvaso Gel (Brimonidine)

Mirvaso contains brimonidine, a topical treatment that works by constricting blood vessels in the skin to reduce facial redness. It offers temporary relief from flushing related to rosacea.

Rozex (Metronidazole)

Rozex is available as a gel or cream and contains metronidazole, an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. It is used to treat facial redness, bumps, and pustules linked to rosacea.

These medications work differently, so it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific rosacea symptoms.

How to Use Soolantra (Ivermectin) Cream 10mg/g

1. Cleanse the skin: Gently wash your face using a mild cleanser and pat it dry.
2. Apply a pea-sized amount: Use a small amount for each area of the face (forehead, chin, nose, and cheeks).
3. Avoid sensitive areas: Do not apply the cream near the eyes, lips, or inside the mouth or nostrils.
4. Wash hands after use: Ensure hands are washed thoroughly to prevent accidental contact with sensitive areas.
5. Once daily application: Use Soolantra Cream once per day, ideally at the same time each day.
6. Be consistent: Regular application is important to achieve the best results.

Active ingredient:

Ivermectin (10 mg/g)

Inactive ingredients include:

Cetyl alcohol
Stearyl alcohol
Methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218)
Propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216)
Propylene glycol

Always refer to the patient information leaflet for the full list of ingredients, especially if you have known allergies.

Soolantra is generally well tolerated, but like all medicines, it may cause side effects in some users.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

Burning or stinging sensation on the skin
Irritation at the application site
Itching (pruritus)
Dry skin

Uncommon side effects:

Temporary worsening of rosacea symptoms (usually resolves within a week)
Rash
Contact dermatitis (red, inflamed skin)
Swelling at the site of application

Rare but serious side effects:

1. Allergic reactions

Signs: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, hives
Action: Stop using the cream and seek emergency medical help

2. Eye irritation

Signs: Redness, watering, or discomfort if the cream gets into the eyes
Action: Rinse thoroughly with water and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist

3. Severe skin reactions

Signs: Intense redness, blistering or peeling
Action: Discontinue use and contact a healthcare provider

Managing side effects:

• Minor symptoms may be soothed with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser
• Speak to a healthcare professional if any side effects are persistent or concerning

Reporting side effects: Patients in the UK can report adverse effects via the Yellow Card Scheme to support safe use of medicines.