Efracea 40mg MR Capsules: Buy Online for Rosacea Treatment

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What are Efracea 40mg MR Capsules?

Efracea is a medication that contains the active ingredient doxycycline, an antibiotic known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is primarily used in adults to manage and reduce the appearance of inflammatory lesions such as pimples, red bumps, and pustules associated with rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects the face, leading to persistent redness, visible blood vessels, and acne-like eruptions. Efracea is specifically formulated as a low-dose, modified-release capsule, which allows for long-term treatment by targeting inflammation while minimizing the antibacterial effects of doxycycline. This makes it an effective option for managing the symptoms of rosacea without contributing to antibiotic resistance.

What is the active ingredient in Efracea 40mg MR Capsules?

Efracea capsules contain one active ingredient known as doxycycline (monohydrate)

What are Efracea 40mg MR Capsules used for?

Efracea 40mg MR Capsules are used to treat the inflammatory lesions associated with rosacea in adults. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that typically affects the face, causing redness, visible blood vessels, and acne-like bumps or pimples. Efracea helps reduce the severity and number of these lesions, improving the appearance of the skin and managing the symptoms of rosacea over time. The medication is particularly effective in treating the red bumps and pustules (papules and pustules) that are common in rosacea.

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects the face, causing redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes small, red, pus-filled bumps or pimples. The condition often begins with a tendency to blush or flush more easily than other people. Over time, the redness may become more persistent, and blood vessels can become visible on the skin's surface. Rosacea can vary in severity and may also cause other symptoms, such as:

Swelling: The affected skin may become swollen and sensitive.
Eye Irritation: Some people with rosacea experience dry, irritated, or swollen eyes, a condition known as ocular rosacea.
Thickened Skin: In more severe cases, particularly in men, the skin may thicken, especially around the nose, leading to a condition called rhinophyma.

The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Common triggers for rosacea flare-ups include:

Sun exposure
Stress
Alcohol consumption
Spicy foods
Hot beverages
Extreme temperatures

Rosacea is more common in fair-skinned individuals and typically develops in adults over the age of 30. Although there is no cure for rosacea, the symptoms can be managed with treatments such as topical medications, oral antibiotics, and lifestyle changes aimed at avoiding triggers.

How do Efracea 40mg MR Capsules work?

Efracea 40mg MR Capsules contain the active ingredient doxycycline, a type of antibiotic classified under tetracyclines. While doxycycline is traditionally used to treat bacterial infections, the dosage in Efracea is sub-antimicrobial, meaning it works primarily through its anti-inflammatory properties rather than exerting a strong antibiotic effect. Here's how Efracea 40mg MR Capsules treat rosacea:

Anti-Inflammatory Action: The low-dose doxycycline in Efracea effectively reduces the inflammation associated with rosacea. This helps alleviate redness, swelling, and the formation of pimples and red bumps on the face.
Inhibition of Enzymes: Doxycycline inhibits certain enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which play a role in the inflammatory process. By reducing the activity of these enzymes, Efracea helps control and manage rosacea symptoms.
Mild Antibacterial Effect: Although the doxycycline dose in Efracea is below the threshold for full antibiotic activity, it still exerts a mild antibacterial effect. This helps reduce bacterial presence on the skin, which can contribute to inflammation and rosacea symptoms.
Extended-Release Formula: Efracea is a modified-release (MR) formulation, which means the medication is gradually released over time. This provides a steady, low dose of doxycycline throughout the day, enhancing its anti-inflammatory effects while minimizing potential side effects.

By focusing on reducing inflammation and mildly controlling bacterial activity, Efracea helps manage rosacea symptoms, leading to clearer skin and fewer flare-ups.

Rosacea and Efracea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that often persists throughout life, with periods of flare-ups and remission. It primarily affects the face and manifests through a variety of symptoms, including:

Thickened skin
Visible blood vessels
Increased redness and flushing
Small raised spots called papules
Pus-filled bumps (pustules)

Approximately 10 percent of the population experiences some form of rosacea, though the exact cause remains unclear. Possible triggers include sun exposure, tiny skin mites called Demodex folliculorum, and certain peptides in the skin that become overly active due to factors like alcohol, spicy foods, or stress. These triggers can provoke the immune system, leading to the characteristic symptoms of rosacea. Efracea is an effective long-term treatment for managing rosacea symptoms. It contains a low dose of the antibiotic doxycycline, which can be safely used over extended periods. While the precise mechanism by which doxycycline alleviates rosacea is not fully understood, it is believed to work by reducing inflammation, preventing the spread of bacteria, and helping to clear up pustules and other skin lesions. As a result, Efracea can calm the skin, reduce redness and irritation, and in some cases, significantly diminish or even eliminate rosacea symptoms altogether. Common triggers for rosacea flare-ups include:

Alcohol
Caffeine
Dairy products
Extreme weather conditions
Long-term sun exposure
Stress

By addressing the underlying inflammation and bacterial activity, Efracea helps manage these symptoms, providing relief for those with this persistent skin condition.

How do you take Efracea 40mg MR Capsules?

Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you are unsure about the instructions, check with your doctor or pharmacist. The recommended dose is one Efracea capsule per day, taken in the morning on an empty stomach. Ideally, take it at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. Swallow the capsule whole without chewing it. Be sure to take Efracea with a full glass of water while sitting or standing to prevent any irritation to your throat. If you take more Efracea than prescribed: Overdosing on Efracea can cause damage to your liver, kidneys, or pancreas. If you accidentally take more than the recommended dose, seek immediate advice from your doctor. If you forget to take a dose: Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed capsule. Simply continue with your next scheduled dose. If you stop taking Efracea: Continue taking Efracea as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medication unless instructed by your doctor. If you have any further questions about using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Who should not use Efracea 40mg MR Capsules?

When Not to Take Efracea

Allergies: Do not take Efracea if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to doxycycline, minocycline, or any other tetracycline antibiotics, or to any of the other ingredients in this medicine.
Pregnancy: Efracea should not be used from the 4th month of pregnancy, as it may harm the unborn child. If you suspect or discover that you are pregnant while taking Efracea, contact your doctor immediately.
Retinoid Use: Avoid using Efracea if you are taking oral retinoids, which are used to treat certain skin disorders like severe acne.
Achlorhydria or Upper Gut Surgery: Do not take Efracea if you have a condition causing an absence of acid in the stomach (achlorhydria) or if you have had surgery on the upper part of the gut (duodenum).
Children Under 12: Efracea should not be taken by infants or children under 12 years old, as it may cause permanent tooth discoloration or problems with tooth development.

Warnings and Precautions

Non-Infectious Use: Efracea must not be used to treat bacterial infections.
Liver Disease: Talk to your doctor if you have liver disease before taking Efracea.
Yeast or Fungal Infections: If you have a predisposition to candidiasis (yeast infections) or are currently experiencing an oral or vaginal yeast or fungal infection, consult your doctor.
Myasthenia Gravis: Inform your doctor if you have myasthenia gravis, a muscle disease.
Colitis: Consult your doctor if you suffer from colitis.
Esophageal Issues: If you have esophageal irritation or ulceration, talk to your doctor before using Efracea.
Ocular Rosacea: If your rosacea affects your eyes, inform your doctor.
Sunlight Exposure: Avoid strong sunlight or artificial sunlight (like solariums) while using Efracea, as it may increase your risk of severe sunburn. Use sunscreen or sunblock, and discontinue Efracea if your skin becomes sunburned.
Sugar Intolerance: If your doctor has informed you that you have an intolerance to certain sugars, contact them before taking this medicine.
Tooth Discoloration: Efracea may cause permanent tooth discoloration.

During Treatment with Efracea

Diarrhea: If you develop severe, prolonged, or bloody diarrhea during or after using Efracea, contact your doctor immediately. This could be a sign of bowel inflammation (pseudomembranous colitis), which may require you to stop the treatment.
Dosage: Take Efracea exactly as prescribed. Taking more than the recommended dose may increase the chance that intestinal bacteria will become resistant to Efracea.

Efracea with Food and Drink

Water: Always take Efracea with a full glass of water to minimize the risk of irritation or ulcers in the throat or esophagus.
Dairy Products: Do not consume milk or dairy products at the same time as Efracea, as they can reduce its effectiveness. Wait 2 to 3 hours after taking Efracea before consuming dairy.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnancy: Efracea must not be used during pregnancy, as it may cause permanent tooth discoloration in the unborn child.
Breastfeeding: Efracea should not be used long-term by breastfeeding mothers, as it may cause tooth discoloration and reduced bone growth in the infant.
Consultation: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

Driving and Using Machines

Effects: Efracea has no or negligible influence on your ability to drive or use machines.

Additional Information

Contains Sucrose and Allura Red AC Aluminium Lake (E129): If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine. The ink used to print on the capsule contains Allura red AC aluminium lake (E129) which may cause allergic reactions.

What are the side effects with Efracea 40mg MR Capsules?

Possible Side Effects of Efracea

As with any medication, Efracea may cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. If you notice any of the side effects listed below, contact your doctor as soon as possible:

Serious Side Effects:

Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction: This reaction can cause fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and a skin rash, typically occurring after starting doxycycline treatment for infections like Lyme disease. This reaction is usually self-limiting.

Common Side Effects:

The following side effects may commonly occur (affecting 1 to 10 users in 100) during treatment with Efracea:

Inflammation of the nose and throat (nasopharyngitis)
Sinus inflammation (sinusitis)
Fungal infection
Anxiety
Sinus headache
High or increased blood pressure (hypertension)
Diarrhea
Pain in the upper abdomen
Dry mouth
Back pain
General pain
Changes in blood tests (such as blood glucose levels or liver function tests)

Rare Side Effects:

These side effects are rare (affecting 1 to 10 users in 10,000) and may occur during treatment with tetracyclines, the class of medicines to which Efracea belongs:

Allergic reactions throughout the body*
Changes in the number or type of blood cells
Increased pressure in the brain (intracranial hypertension)
Inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart (pericarditis)
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia
Liver damage
Skin rashes or hives
Abnormal reaction of the skin to sunlight (photosensitivity)
Increased blood urea levels

Very Rare Side Effects:

These side effects are very rare (affecting less than 1 user in 10,000) and may occur during treatment with tetracyclines:

Allergic reaction causing swelling of the eyes, lips, or tongue*
Yeast infection around the anus or genitals
Damage to red blood cells (hemolytic anemia)
Brown-black microscopic discoloration of thyroid tissue (not affecting thyroid function) with long-term use
Increased pressure in the brain in infants
Inflammation of the tongue (glossitis)
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Inflammation or ulceration of the esophagus (esophagitis)
Inflammation of the intestine (enteritis)
Inflammation of the skin causing flakiness
Worsening of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Separation of the nail from the nail bed after sun exposure (photo-onycholysis)

Side Effects of Unknown Frequency:

These side effects have been reported, but their frequency cannot be estimated from available data:

Increased pressure in the brain
Other allergic reactions*

*Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; hives; itchy skin or eyes; rapid heartbeat (palpitations); or feeling faint. These may be symptoms of a severe allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction.

Reporting Side Effects

If you experience any side effects, including those not listed here, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search for "MHRA Yellow Card" in the Google Play or Apple App Store. Reporting side effects helps provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Do Efracea 40mg MR Capsules interact with other medicines?

Drug Interactions: Efracea may interact with certain medications. Inform your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines.
- Retinoids: Do not use Efracea with isotretinoin, a medication for severe acne, due to the risk of increased brain pressure.
- Antacids and Supplements: Avoid taking antacids, multivitamins, or products containing calcium, aluminum, magnesium, iron, or bismuth within 2 to 3 hours of taking Efracea, as these can reduce its effectiveness.
- Heartburn Treatments: Ulcer or heartburn treatments may also reduce Efracea's effectiveness and should not be taken until at least 2 hours after Efracea.
- Blood Thinners: If you are on blood thinners, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.
- Diabetes Treatments: If you are taking diabetes medications, your doctor may need to check if the dose needs to be adjusted.
- Other Antibiotics: Efracea may make certain antibiotics, including penicillins, less effective.
- Other Drugs: Barbiturates, rifampicin, carbamazepine, diphenylhydantoin, phenytoin, primidone, or cyclosporin may reduce the time Efracea stays active in your system.
- Anesthetics: Using Efracea with the general anesthetic methoxyflurane may cause serious harm to the kidneys.

Efracea 40mg MR Capsules FAQs

What is Efracea?

Efracea capsules are a prescription medication used to treat rosacea, specifically targeting the pimples and red bumps that appear on the face due to this condition. The active ingredient in Efracea is doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, formulated in a slow-release capsule. This medication is intended for adult use and is available only via prescription in the UK.

How does doxycycline in Efracea work?

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that typically works by killing a wide range of bacteria. It is commonly used to treat bacterial infections in the skin, respiratory system, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and even malaria. However, in the case of rosacea, Efracea’s low-dose doxycycline primarily works by reducing inflammation rather than acting as a strong antibiotic. This makes it a safe, long-term treatment option for managing rosacea symptoms.

What is rosacea, and how does Efracea help?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that often affects the face, causing symptoms such as skin thickening, visible blood vessels, increased redness, flushing, and small, raised spots known as papules. In some cases, pustules, or pus-filled bumps, may also appear. Efracea is effective in treating these rosacea symptoms. The low dosage of doxycycline in Efracea can be used safely over an extended period, helping to calm the skin, reduce redness and irritation, and, in some cases, eliminate rosacea symptoms altogether.

How Does Efracea Treat Rosacea?

Rosacea is often a lifelong condition that cycles between periods of activity and inactivity. Efracea works by addressing the inflammation that underlies rosacea, helping to reduce symptoms like thickened skin, visible blood vessels, abnormal redness, and flushing. It can also help diminish the appearance of papules and pustules. The low-dose doxycycline in Efracea reduces inflammation and irritation without the stronger antibiotic effects typically associated with higher doses of doxycycline.

What causes rosacea, and what are its triggers?

The exact cause of rosacea remains unclear, but it is believed to be linked to several factors, including dilated blood vessels due to sun exposure, tiny skin mites known as Demodex folliculorum, and certain peptides in the skin that can become overactive and trigger an immune response. Common triggers that can cause rosacea flare-ups include:

Alcohol
Caffeine
Dairy products
Extreme weather conditions
Long-term exposure to UV rays
Stress

Can Efracea be combined with other treatments?

Yes, Efracea capsules can be used alongside other topical, non-antibiotic rosacea treatments to enhance effectiveness. Some common complementary treatments include:

Soolantra Cream
Finacea Gel
Dermalex Rosacea Treatment
Mirvaso Gel

These treatments target various aspects of rosacea, such as redness, inflammation, and pimples, providing a comprehensive approach to managing the condition.

Download patient leaflet

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6652.pdf