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If you struggle with persistent redness, inflammation, or acne-like breakouts on your face, Rozex may be the perfect solution for you.
Rozex (Metronidazole) 0.75% Gel is a prescription-only topical treatment for managing rosacea symptoms. The active ingredient is metronidazole, which is a powerful antibiotic that, when applied to the skin, targets the bacteria on the skin to ease the inflammation leading to common rosacea flare-ups.
When used regularly, Rozex can help calm irritated skin, clear up acne-like outbreaks and reduce the redness typically associated with rosacea. The gel has a lightweight texture that absorbs easily, making it ideal for many skin types, including oily or sensitive skin.
If you’ve been living with rosacea symptoms and want to take steps to reduce them, complete our free and fast consultation to see if Rozex is right for you.
Read Rozex Gel reviews below from our patients who have used this treatment.
Rozex Gel is a prescription treatment with the active ingredient metronidazole. It’s designed to help treat the symptoms of rosacea, particularly the pimples, pustules and redness. Metronidazole is an antibiotic that can reduce inflammation and soothe irritation.
Rozex Gel is a topical medication, which means that you apply it directly to the affected areas. When used regularly, Rozex Gel can help calm flare-ups and support you to keep your rosacea symptoms under control.
Rozex 0.75% Gel contains the antibiotic metronidazole as its active ingredient. Metronidazole works by targeting specific bacteria on the skin, killing them and preventing them from spreading. It does this by damaging the bacteria’s DNA, which stops them from multiplying. It also calms your immune system response to the bacteria that causes the redness and swelling linked to rosacea.
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 Cream/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.
Our clinical team will explain to you how to use Rozex, and you should use it as they advise. Firstly, you should wash and dry your face. Apply a thin layer of the gel to the affected areas and rub the gel in well, avoiding your eyes. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after using Rozex, so it doesn’t spread to areas where it’s not supposed to be used.
Use Rozex twice a day, morning and evening. Your prescriber will tell you how long to use it for, but typically it takes around three to four months to get your rosacea under control.
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 50g tube of gel (cream also comes in a tube of 50g) comes with a comprehensive Patient Information Leaflet.
As with all medications, Rozex Gel can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Potential side effects to look out for include dry skin, redness, itching, burning sensations, and skin irritation. Most of the time, these symptoms are mild, and you should notice that they improve as you continue to use the Rozex Gel. If you experience severe symptoms or they don’t subside after a while, speak to a member of our clinical team for advice.
You should not use Rozex if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in the gel - this includes both metronidazole and the inactive ingredients. You should also speak to your doctor before using Rozex if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Children shouldn’t use it, and people with blood disorders should avoid it unless advised by a doctor.
Rozex can make your skin more sensitive than normal, so you should stay out of strong sunlight and avoid sunbeds while using the medication. Take care to avoid getting the gel in your eyes, and always wash your hands after use.
Metronidazole taken by mouth can react with alcohol. Although it’s unlikely to react with alcohol when used in topical form, it’s still recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while you’re using Rozex Gel.
It is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet in full before you take this medicine.
Rozex 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 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.
Compared to many over-the-counter rosacea treatments, Rozex Gel packs a more powerful punch. This is mainly due to its prescription strength formulation - Rozex Gel contains metronidazole, which is an antibiotic designed to directly target the bacteria and inflammation linked to rosacea flare-ups. It has been clinically proven to treat the underlying cause of symptoms, not just cover them up.
Rozex Gel can help reduce the spots, pus-filled bumps, and redness associated with rosacea, and give you back your confidence.
Unlike some treatments, Rozex Gel is lightweight and doesn’t leave a greasy layer, so it’s ideal if you have oily or combination skin. Regularly using Rozex Gel can help manage rosacea long-term by providing you with clearer and calmer skin.
Rosacea is a common, long-term skin condition characterised by redness, visible blood vessels, and acne-like spots on the face. The exact cause of rosacea isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to be linked to inflammation, skin sensitivity, and bacteria on the skin. These bacteria cause the skin to react with inflammation, leading to the redness, swelling, and spots often seen with rosacea.
Rozex takes time to work, so patience is essential. Most people start to see an improvement after two to three months of regular use. Your healthcare provider may suggest a second course if you don’t see the results you’re looking for after a three-month course. Speak to them for advice. To get the best results from your treatment, consistency is important. It’s not the end of the world if you miss an application here or there, but you do need to make sure you’re using it as directed where possible. You also need to complete the full course of Rozex for the best results.
Both the gel and cream have the same active ingredient - metronidazole 0.75%, and both work in the same way to treat your rosacea. However, they differ slightly in the formulation. Depending on your skin type, you may find one better than the other. Rozex Gel is more suitable for oily or sensitive skin, as it’s lighter, feels less greasy and absorbs more easily. Rozex Cream may be better if you have dry or flaky skin, as it’s thicker and more moisturising. Our team of licensed clinicians will help you to decide which formulation is best for your skin type.
When you first use Rozex, you may notice that your symptoms get a little bit worse. It’s usually a temporary reaction as your skin adjusts to the treatment. If you experience this, you may want to drop down to using the Rozex gel once a day instead of twice. If the symptoms persist, speak to your prescriber for advice. Most people find that the symptoms disappear a little while after they begin.
After washing your face with a gentle cleanser, wait a few minutes for it to fully dry. Apply a thin layer of your Rozex Gel to the areas of your face affected by rosacea. Leave it to absorb fully before following up with a fragrance-free moisturiser if your skin needs a little extra hydration.
When using Rozex in the morning, always follow up with sun cream to protect your skin. Rosacea-prone skin can be sensitive to the sun already, and metronidazole can increase the sensitivity.
The main outcome of treatment with Rozex is a reduction in the papules and pustules (acne-like spots) associated with rosacea. That’s not to say that there won’t be some impact on the redness, but Rozex isn’t designed to target flushing or broken blood vessels, so this may only be small. While reducing inflammation and calming the skin, Rozex could help make the redness appear less intense over time. However, your prescriber may recommend additional treatments to tackle the redness if necessary.
You can make lifestyle changes alongside using Rozex to help maximise the positive impact of your treatment. Try to avoid common rosacea triggers like spicy foods, alcohol, hot drinks, and sudden changes in temperature, as these can make redness and flare-ups worse. Exposure to the sun can also make rosacea worse, so you should make sure an SPF is an integral part of your skincare routine. Your routine should be as simple as possible - use mild, fragrance-free skincare products to avoid irritation and help keep your skin calm and balanced.
Rozex works for many people, but don’t worry if it doesn’t work for you. If, after a few months of treatment, you haven’t seen enough improvement, there are alternative treatment options available. Our clinical team may suggest a different topical treatment, like azelaic acid, or if your symptoms are more severe, you may need to try oral antibiotics such as doxycycline. Everyone’s skin is different, so finding the right treatment may take a little time and adjustment.
You can wear makeup while using Rozex Gel, but there are some considerations to be aware of. First of all, wait until the gel is fully absorbed before applying any makeup. Make sure you use non-irritating makeup products suitable for rosacea-prone skin. Mineral makeup can often be a good option, but whatever you use, make sure you remove it before applying the Rozex Gel.
To get Rozex Gel from The Independent Pharmacy, first you’ll have to complete a discreet, quick and easy online consultation; That’s because Rozex is a prescription medication, so our licensed clinicians must ensure it’s suitable and safe for you. If approved, we’ll issue you a prescription and send your treatment discreetly to your door.
We think accessing healthcare should be easy. Whether we’re fulfilling NHS prescriptions or helping people find the right treatments, we aim to offer our customers dependable, economical and convenient access to medicines with a personal and discreet service.
Visit our Rosacea page for treatments, advice and FAQs.
