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Rozex 0.75% Gel

Rozex 0.75% Gel

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About Rozex (Metronidazole)

Rozex is an effective rosacea treatment based on the powerful antibiotic metronidazole. Rozex 0.75% gel works fast to kill the bacteria that cause rosacea. It works the same as Rozex Cream, as they have the same quantities of the active ingredient metronidazole. It’s very easy to use; just apply it twice daily and it can clear up your skin condition in a matter of months.

To buy Rozex, you’ll need an online prescription from one of our medical professionals. Click ‘start consultation’ above to get started with a free consultation today and see if Rozex is right for you. If it is, you can buy it directly from The Independent Pharmacy at a competitive price. Order today and receive same day dispatch (before 4pm) to any UK address.

Read Rozex Gel reviews below from our patients who have used this treatment.

  • Suitable for age:18 Years +
  • Maximum per order:4
  • Consultation required?Yes
    This treatment requires an online consultation for review by our medical team. The decision to supply the specific treatment and quantity requested will be based on whether our medical team are satisfied that it will be safe, appropriate, and effective.
Type of medicineAntibiotic
Works byKills the bacteria that cause rosacea
Active ingredientMetronidazole
Effective within4 weeks
Pack size40g
Common side effectsDry skin, Redness of the skin (erythema), Itching of the skin (pruritus), Skin discomfort (burning, pain, stinging), Skin irritation, Worsening of rosacea
ManufacturerGalderma
GenericNo
Use with alcoholAvoid

Rozex - Important Information

  • What is rosacea?

    Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness, visible blood vessels in your face, and small, red, pus-filled bumps. They usually appear across the nose and cheeks. It’s a long-term condition that’s more common in women than men, particularly those with lighter skin tones. The underlying cause is unknown; however, triggers include alcohol, spicy food, hot drinks and exposure to sunlight.

    Do I have rosacea or acne?

    Rosacea is commonly confused with acne, as the two conditions can look similar due to the appearance of raised and bumpy skin; however, they do have different symptoms. Rosacea tends to only affect the centre of the face, whereas acne can appear on the face, neck, back and other areas of the body. Additionally, acne is a result of hormonal changes in the body, which is why it tends to affect teenagers (although adult acne can occur), while rosacea is more common among those over 30 years of age.

    Read more in our Acne or Mild Rosacea guide.

    How does Rozex Gel work?

    Rozex Gel works quickly to treat rosacea, a chronic condition caused by inflammation. Rosacea usually occurs on the cheeks, nose, forehead, chin and eyelids. It can result in acne-like outbreaks or increased redness in these areas of the face. When you apply Rozex Gel or Cream, it treats the skin infections that cause or worsen skin irritation, bringing down the inflammation and redness.

    Once you start using Rozex, it will usually take two to three months for the skin to become clear from spots. Even if you’re not seeing results after several weeks, it is recommended that you finish the prescribed treatment. Treatment with Rozex Gel doesn’t normally go on longer than four months (your doctor will inform you if there's a good reason to use it for longer than that). Read our full guide on how long Rozex takes to work for a better understanding of what to expect.

    Metronidazole — a powerful antibiotic

    Rozex works because of metronidazole, its active ingredient. Metronidazole belongs to a group of medicines called nitroimidazole antibiotics. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms called protozoa. It eliminates them by damaging their DNA, leaving them unable to multiply.

  • How to apply Rozex Gel

    To apply Rozex Gel, simply follow these steps:

    • First, wash and dry the affected areas of your skin.
    • Apply a thin layer of the gel to all the affected areas. Rub the gel in well.
    • Always replace the cap and wash your hands after use.
    • Rozex Gel should be used in this way twice a day, morning and evening.

    If used for three to four months, Rozex Gel should help clear up your rosacea (Rozex Gel should be used for a minimum of three months to see the full effect). If your rosacea has not fully cleared up after three or four months, you might want to undergo another three to four-month course of treatment. See what your doctor recommends.

    Applying Rozex Gel when pregnant or breastfeeding

    Metronidazole, the active ingredient in Rozex, enters the bloodstream in low amounts after being applied, and it’s unknown how that might affect a pregnancy or a breastfed baby. Unless your GP says otherwise, do not use Rozex while pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Rozex ingredients

    Rozex contains 0.75% w/w of the active substance Metronidazole which is mainly used to treat the symptoms of rosacea. Because of its potency, it is classified as a prescription-only medicine, and every 40g tube of gel comes with a comprehensive Patient Information Leaflet.

    The other ingredients are as follows:

    • Carbomer 940
    • Disodium Edetate
    • Methyl Parahydroxybenzoate
    • Propyl Parahydroxybenzoate
    • Propylene Glycol
    • Sodium Hydroxide
    • Purified Water

    Be sure to speak to a doctor or pharmacist before and during your Rozex treatment.

  • Rozex side effects

    Like all medicines, Rozex can cause side effects, which are most likely to occur at the start of treatment. Most side effects last for less than a week and are mild.

    Common side effects of Rozex Gel can include:

    • Dry skin
    • Redness of the skin (erythema)
    • Itching of the skin (pruritus)
    • Skin discomfort (burning, pain, stinging)
    • Skin irritation
    • Worsening of rosacea

    If you experience side effects when using Rozex Gel, you can try decreasing the frequency of application to once daily for a week or so, then build back up to twice daily if the side effects have abated. For further information on Rozex Gel and its side effects, see the Patient Information Leaflet contained within your medicine, or consult our medical team.

  • Rozex warnings

    Do not use Rozex if you are allergic to metronidazole or any of the other listed ingredients. An allergic reaction to Rozex may produce a rash or itching. Do not use Rozex while pregnant or breastfeeding unless a doctor says it’s essential.
    Before using Rozex, talk to a doctor or pharmacist, and take the following precautions:

    • Avoid contact with the eyes. If you get Rozex Gel in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with large amounts of warm water or eye wash until it’s completely gone from the area.
    • If you suffer from any blood disorders, be sure to get confirmation from your doctor that Rozex is safe for you before you use it.
    • Do not use Rozex to treat children.
    • Avoid strong sunlight (including sunbathing) and exposure to ultraviolet light (eg. solariums, sun lamps) while you are using Rozex.
    • Once your rosacea has fully cleared up, stop your course of treatment.

    If you are taking, have recently taken, or intend to take any other medicines in the near future, inform your doctor before using Rozex. It could interfere with certain other drugs used to reduce blood clotting (anticoagulants) such as warfarin and dicoumarin.

    Because metronidazole can react with alcohol (and contains cetostearyl alcohol), it is advised that you avoid alcohol while using Rozex gel.

    Rozex 0.75% Gel Patient Information Leaflet:

    https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.924.pdf


  • Alternative medical treatments for rosacea

    Rozex Gel is a great choice for treating mild to moderate skin eruptions and inflammation in rosacea sufferers. It is used twice a day and needs to be used continuously for several weeks for an improvement to be seen. Side effects are moderate, as it is applied locally and little is absorbed into the bloodstream. Metrogel is an alternative to Rozex gel that also contains metronidazole.

    Mirvaso Gel is specifically used to reduce the skin redness that occurs in rosacea. You can apply it once per day, and it will work to reduce redness for as long as you need it. The main side effect of Mirvaso Gel is worsened redness at the start of treatment.

    For more serious flare-ups, Finacea Gel can be used — with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it treats rosacea very effectively (it contains azelaic acid, which is also believed to be beneficial for the skin in many other ways).

    A relatively new rosacea application that many people are finding success with is Soolantra, which contains the active ingredient ivermectin. Both anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic, it attacks the human skin parasites commonly linked with rosacea — as such, it may prove effective in cases where Rozex has no success.

    Erythromycin is an oral antibiotic used to treat the same symptoms as Finacea and Rozex, but it is only considered when rosacea is very severe or unresponsive to creams and gels. It takes 4 to 6 weeks of treatment for Erythromycin to show results, and it cannot be taken with any foods or medicines that contain metal ions (anything containing calcium or large quantities of iron or calcium will combine with Erythromycin and prevent it from being absorbed). Erythromycin should be taken in courses of 6 to 12 weeks.

    Home remedies for rosacea

    Although rosacea treatments are very effective, you can also calm your rosacea symptoms through lifestyle changes. Rosacea is a long-term condition, so knowing your triggers will allow you to reduce rosacea symptoms in other ways.

    Here are the common triggers for rosacea and what you can do to minimise flare-ups:

    • Exposure to hot or cold temperatures: In hot temperatures, wear a hat or stay in the shade to minimise exposure. In cold weather, it’s a good idea to cover up with a scarf.
    • Alcohol, spicy foods and hot drinks: It’s not uncommon for some people to become flushed when they have particular foods or drink alcohol; if you have rosacea, it can exacerbate your symptoms.
    • Sunlight exposure: Sunlight can cause uncontrollable flushing and redness on rosacea-prone skin. Wear a high factor sun cream to protect your skin.
    • Stress: Psychological factors, such as stress and anxiety, may even aggravate flushing in rosacea — so managing stress properly is key.
Rozex 0.75% Gel reviews

Rozex 0.75% Gel FAQs

  • Rozex is a gel containing the antibiotic and antiprotozoal medicine, metronidazole. It is used to treat pustules and pimples (and the redness & inflammation associated with them) found on the face in mild to moderate rosacea. It is not related to penicillin and can be used with penicillin allergies.

    Read more about Rozex gel uses here.

  • Metronidazole, the active ingredient in Rozex gel, interferes with DNA inside bacterial and protozoan cells and prevents new DNA from being formed. This kills existing bacteria and stops bacteria from being formed. This helps to treat the infection and reduce rosacea symptoms.

    1. Wash and dry your face first.
    2. Using a clean finger, apply a thin layer of Rozex gel evenly over the affected area twice daily.
    3. Avoid applying the gel to wet skin as it may run in to eyes or mouth.
    4. Rozex is not to be used anyone under the age of 18.
    5. Avoid getting gel in the eyes, mouth or nostrils and wash with plenty of water if this occurs.
    6. Rozex gel becomes ineffective when exposed to strong sunlight or sun lamps. Use a high factor sun cream when exposed to strong UV light to ensure Rozex remains effective.
    7. Apply any cosmetics or make up after the gel has been absorbed and dried.
  • Rozex Gel is used to treat mild to moderate skin eruptions in rosacea and the inflammation that is associated with it. It is used twice a day and needs to be used continuously for several weeks for an improvement to be seen. Side effects are moderate as it is applied locally and little is absorbed into the bloodstream.

    Mirvaso Gel is used to reduce the redness on the face that occurs in rosacea. It is applied daily to the affected areas and continues to work for as long as it is used. The most common side effect of Mirvaso gel is worsening redness at the start of treatment.

    Skinoren Cream is also used for the same symptoms, applied twice a day and can take several weeks for the results to be seen. However the effects of Skinoren may be slightly better compared to Rozex, however it has a higher chance of side effects.

    Erythromycin is an oral antibiotic used to treat the same symptoms as Skinoren and Rozex. However it is used when the condition is severe or unresponsive to the creams and gels. The effect is usually seen after a 4 - 6 weeks if taken continuously. They cannot be taken at the same time as foods or medicines that contain metal ions. Calcium in milk and iron in indigestion remedies are good examples that combine with these antibiotics and make them inabsorbable.

  • Rozex needs to be used continuously for a least a few weeks for the positive effects to be seen. If you miss an application, apply it when you can. If it’s time for the next treatment by the time you remember, don’t apply it twice. Forget about the missed treatment and resume your normal schedule. Do not apply Rozex more than twice a day, or use a double dose in any circumstances.

  • As Rozex is applied topically and only a small amount enters the circulation, side effects tend to be limited to where it is applied. Dryness, itching, a burning sensation and possibly worsening of rosacea symptoms are the most common side effects that affect up to 10% of patients.

    We are all different and how we react to medication varies form one person to another. Although the side effects of medication can be daunting, not everybody will suffer with them.

  • Depending on the case, it can take a few weeks of continuous use before the positive effects of Rozex become apparent.

    Read our ‘how long does Rozex cream take to work’ guide for more info.

  • Yes, you can. You just need to apply the Rozex first and allow it to absorb and dry before you apply make up and/or any other cosmetics.

  • Although unlikely, patients who are on blood thinning medication should not use Rozex because of the small chance it may interfere with the blood clotting action of your medicaitom.

    Patients who suffer from other blood disorders are also advised not use Rozex.

  • The chance of interaction of Rozex with other medicines is low because very little of it is absorbed in to the blood stream.

    Alcohol taken whilst being treated with metronidazole tablets can cause nausea and vomiting, however is unlikely with the topical gel. Even though the chances of this reaction happening with the gel are small, the manufacturer still advises that patients still avoid alcohol whilst using Rozex gel.

  • The active ingredient from this topical treatment, Metronidazole, passes into the bloodstream in low amounts after application to the skin. However, its safety during pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, Rozex should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless considered absolutely essential by a doctor.

  • Rozex contains the active ingredient Metronidazole, which is an antibiotic.

  • In rare cases, yes. If your skin becomes irritated when using this gel, try using it less frequently or have a break for a few days. Consult your doctor if it persists.

  • No. While some cases of rosacea may manifest themselves in acne-like pimples, acne and rosacea are two different skin conditions and are treated in different ways.

  • It is advisable that you avoid drinking alcohol when using Rozex. This is because Metronidazole is an antibiotic that can react with alcohol, causing side effects such as hot flushes and abdominal cramps.

  • No, Rozex is not a steroid. It is recommended that you avoid using steroid treatments on Rosacea, as it may irritate your skin further.

  • It’s important to use a non-comedogenic moisturiser on dry areas of skin when suffering from rosacea. Any oil-based moisturiser may further irritate the skin by clogging pores.

  • Seborrheic dermatitis is also an inflammatory skin disorder, and most commonly appears inside the ears, on the forehead, in the eyebrows, and around the nose. It’s characterised by scaly/greasy/yellow patches of skin and is often accompanied by dandruff – but no acne bumps or pustules, as with rosacea.

    If you’re uncertain what you’re suffering from, get a free online consultation and we’ll help to identify your condition. Often, people with rosacea also have seborrheic dermatitis, and these different conditions must be treated separately. If you’re only suffering from dermatitis, you will likely be prescribed a treatment like E45 Itch Relief Cream or Dermol Cream.

  • You should use this gel for as long as your doctor recommends – this will usually be for 3-4 months, until your rosacea has cleared up. However, this may be extended depending on how your skin responds to treatment.

  • You should store your Rozex Gel 0.75% at room temperature at or below 25°C, but do not keep in a fridge or freezer.

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