Oracea
® (
doxycycline) is a prescription medication approved to treat inflammatory lesions of
rosacea. Inflammatory lesions are the acne-like bumps and blemishes that occur with rosacea. This medication is not approved to treat redness due to rosacea. Oracea is the only doxycycline product approved for treating rosacea.
Currently, this medication is made by Catalent Pharma Solutions, LLC for Galderma Laboratories, L.P.
Oracea is part of a class of drugs called
tetracyclines. Although the active ingredient in this medication is frequently used at higher dosages as an antibiotic, Oracea is different; it contains a lower dose of doxycycline that works by decreasing inflammation. This lower dosage helps to minimize side effects.
Oracea capsules are unique in that they contain a combination of immediate-release and delayed-release beads.
Considerations for people taking this drug include the following:
- The medication comes as a capsule that is usually taken once daily in the morning.
- Oracea works best if you take it on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after breakfast.
- It is important to take the capsules with plenty of water (or other fluids) while in an upright position, in order to prevent the medication from irritating the throat. Do not lie down immediately after taking Oracea.
- Do not chew, crush, or open the capsules, as this may destroy the slow-release mechanism of the medication.
- Oracea should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medication in your system.
- For the drug to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
Dosing Information for Oracea
There is only one standard recommended dosage for this medication. As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor, meaning that they either require no treatment or can easily be treated by your healthcare provider. Common side effects of this drug include, but are not limited to:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Oracea?
You should talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
- Liver disease or liver failure
- Kidney disease such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- Frequent yeast infections
- Any other allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose of This Medicine?
People who take too much Oracea may have overdose symptoms that could include, but are not limited to:
If you happen to overdose on this medication, seek immediate medical attention
(see Doxycycline Overdose).
How Should Oracea Be Stored?
Oracea capsules should be stored at room temperature and kept protected from light and moisture. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your dosage as scheduled, simply skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
This medication comes in one strength -- Oracea 40 mg capsules.
This medication is not available in generic form
(see Generic Oracea).
