ORACEA (DOXYCYCLINE)

Description of Oracea

There are 4 subtypes of rosacea, Oracea is prescribed for treating adults with moderate to severe subtype 2 Papulopustular rosacea with inflammatory lesions. Symptoms of this subtype include acne breakouts, excessively oily skin, red patches of raised, irritated skin, and visible broken blood vessels. Many people mistake Papulopustular rosacea for acne and should see a dermatologist for an exam to verify what skin condition is going on so you can begin treatment sooner.

How Oracea Works

The anti inflammatory dose of Oracea is 40mg which you take orally once a day. The active ingredient is Doxycycline Delayed Release and it will work to reduce the release of cytokines, which are pro inflammatory molecules; search for and inhibit free radicals such as nitric oxide and other reactive oxygen species; and reduce the formation of new blood vessels. The low-dose formula of this tetracycline drug will reduce the bumps and blemishes of rosacea but is not strong enough to work as an antibiotic.

Conditions Treated by Oracea and Other Tips for Skin Care

Managing your symptoms at the earliest is important as they can become worse with time. Besides taking Oracea, you can start to recognize and eliminate triggers that may cause a flare-up. Since everybody is different, a few common examples of things that could be responsible are alcohol, chocolate, some dairy products, menopause, and stress.

Daily skin care is also a must for your skin when you have rosacea. Remember to avoid cleansers that dry out your skin, apply sunscreen on your face every day and check for those with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide so the risk of irritation is decreased. A moisturizing cream that contains ceramides will provide your skin with a good barrier to prevent water loss and a mineral-based make-up is a good choice.

Before Oracea is Prescribed

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding so you can be aware of any health risks to your unborn or nursing baby if you take Oracea. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies with your doctor and list any current OTC or Rx drugs you take or use, including supplements and alternative medicine. This will help your doctor determine if Oracea is safe for you. You may be advised to use a non hormonal method of birth control as Oracea can cause birth control pills to be less effective.

Precautions for Oracea

Oracea should not be given to children under the age of 8 years due to possible discoloration of teeth. It may take some time before you notice any improvements in your skin with Oracea, so be patient. Take Oracea with a full glass of water 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating and do not lay down for awhile as it could cause throat irritation. Tell medical staff you are taking Oracea if you are scheduled for a dental or surgical procedure so you can stop taking it beforehand.

Possible Side Effects of Oracea

• More sensitive to sunlight
• Upset stomach
• Vaginal itching
• Headache
• Skin rash