How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Ivermectin belongs to the class of medications called antiparasitics. Topically, it is used by adults 18 years old and over, to reduce the inflammatory lesions of rosacea. The exact way that this medication works in rosacea is not known.
Rosacea is a chronic (long lasting) skin condition that produces red, pus-filled bumps or pimples on the nose, cheeks forehead and chin in adults. The way that this medication works to reduce the bumps and pimples of this condition has not been determined.
It can take more than 4 weeks to provide some improvement in the skin condition, however for some people it may take longer. If you do not see improvement after 3 months, stop the medication and talk to your doctor.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
1% cream
Each gram of white to pale yellow topical cream contains 10 mg ivermectin. Nonmedicinal ingredients: Carbomer copolymer (type B), cetyl alcohol, citric acid monohydrate, dimeticone (20 Cst), disodium edetate, glycerol, isopropyl palmitate, macrogol cetostearyl ether, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, oleyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium hydroxide 10% w/w aqueous solution, sorbitan stearate (Type 1), and stearyl alcohol.
How should I use this medication?
This cream is applied to the face at bedtime. Before applying the cream, wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat your skin dry. Wash your hands well. A pea-sized amount of cream should be applied to each area of the face – chin, nose, forehead, and each cheek. Gently rub the cream into the skin to provide a smooth and even application across the face. Avoid the eyes and lips. Wash your hands with soap and water after applying the cream.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ivermectin or any ingredients of the medication.
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication.
Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- burning feeling of the skin
- dry skin
- itchiness
- skin irritation or redness
- worsening symptoms of rosacea
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- severe skin irritation
- signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Cleansers and cosmetics: Before applying ivermectin cream, wash your face with a mild cleanser. Avoid using alcohol-based cleansers, astringents, peeling agents or any other products that may irritate the skin.
Cosmetics may be applied to the skin after ivermectin has dried.
Sun exposure: It is not clear whether ivermectin makes the skin more sensitive to the effects of the sun’s rays, however exposure to the sun does cause rosacea to become worse. It is advisable to limit your exposure to sun and tanning beds while treating your rosacea.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if ivermectin applied to the skin passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
For a full list of interactions, use the Drug Interaction Checker available on the Drugs.com website.
If you are taking other medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2025. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Rosiver
