Soolantra

Soolantra is a prescription-only cream for the treatment of papulopustular rosacea – the form with red papules and pustules on the face. The active ingredient ivermectin is an antiparasitic agent that also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition with redness, dilated small blood vessels, and inflammatory lesions on the face. Soolantra works specifically against the inflammatory changes (papules, pustules), not against the redness alone.

The cream is applied once daily and shows first improvements after 2-4 weeks.

Ivermectin acts through several mechanisms in rosacea:

Antiparasitic effect:

• Kills Demodex mites that live in the hair follicles
• Increased Demodex colonization is associated with rosacea
• Reduces the mite density in the skin

Anti-inflammatory effect:

• Inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators
• Reduces the activity of immune cells in the skin
• Decreases the formation of papules and pustules

Results: The inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules) decrease markedly. Facial redness is also improved indirectly through the reduction of inflammation.

Soolantra is suitable for:

• Adults with papulopustular rosacea
• Rosacea with papules and pustules on the face
• As maintenance therapy after improvement

Not suitable for:

• Purely erythematous rosacea (redness only, no pustules)
• Rosacea with severely dilated small blood vessels
• Rhinophyma (bulbous nose) alone
• Ocular rosacea (other treatment needed)

Cream:

• Ivermectin 10 mg/g (1%)

Pack sizes:

• 30 g tube
• 60 g tube

Application: Once daily, preferably in the evening.

Application: 1. Wash the face with a mild cleanser 2. Let the skin dry 3. Spread a pea-sized amount over the forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks 4. Massage in thinly and evenly 5. Avoid sensitive areas (eyes, lips)

Frequency:

• Once daily, every day
• Preferably in the evening before going to bed
• Use for at least 12 weeks

Notes:

• For external use only
• Not on open wounds or mucous membranes
• Use sun protection during the day
• Initial worsening possible in the first weeks

Soolantra must not be used in cases of:

• Hypersensitivity to ivermectin or the excipients

Caution in cases of:

• Pregnancy (not sufficiently studied)
• Breastfeeding (passage into breast milk after application to the skin has not been studied)
• Children and adolescents under 18 years of age

Pregnancy: Use is not recommended because sufficient data are not available.

Breastfeeding: After oral intake, ivermectin passes into breast milk in small amounts. Whether this also happens after application to the skin has not been studied. A risk to the breastfed child cannot be ruled out. A decision must be made whether you interrupt breastfeeding or forgo treatment with Soolantra.

Common (1-10%):

• Burning of the skin

Uncommon (0.1-1%):

• Skin irritation
• Itching
• Dry skin
• Worsening of rosacea at the start

Frequency not known:

• Reddening of the skin (erythema)
• Contact dermatitis (allergic or irritant)
• Swelling of the face
• Increase in liver values (transaminases)

Initial worsening: A temporary worsening of rosacea may occur. It usually settles within one week if treatment is continued. This may be an immune reaction to dead Demodex mites. In the event of a serious worsening with a strong skin reaction, the treatment must be stopped.

No relevant interactions known.

Systemic absorption with topical use is minimal.

Do not use at the same time as:

• Other irritating skin products
• Peels or AHA/BHA acids (may increase irritation)