Oracea

Generic name: DoxycyclineBrand names: Oracea

Why is Oracea prescribed?

Oracea is a prescription medicine to treat only the pimples or bumps on the face caused by a condition called rosacea. Oracea may not lessen the facial redness caused by rosacea.

Most important fact about Oracea

The effects of using Oracea for more than 9 months are unknown. Prolonged usage of Oracea may cause bacteria to become resistant to it, leading to a large infection.

How should you take Oracea?

Do not take Oracea with or right after a meal; it may not work as well. If you take Oracea close to meal times, you should take it at least one hour before your meal or two hours after your meal. Take Oracea with a full glass of water while sitting or standing. To prevent irritation to your throat, do not lay down right after taking it. Do not take Oracea with or right after taking antacids or supplements that contain calcium, aluminum, magnesium, or iron; Oracea may not work as well. If you take too much Oracea, or overdose, stop taking Oracea and talk to your doctor.

• If you miss a dose...If you miss a dose of Oracea, skip that dose and take the next dose at your regular time.

• Storage instructions...Store at room temperature, away from light.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Oracea.

• Side effects may include:Darkening of your skin, scars, teeth, or gums, diarrhea, dizziness/double vision, severe headaches, sinus infection, sore nose and throat

Why should Oracea not be prescribed?

Do not take Oracea if you are allergic to any medicine known as a tetracycline, including doxycycline and minocycline. Oracea should not be given to infants and children 8 years or younger. It may cause stained teeth in infants and children. The yellow-, gray-, brown-colored staining will not go away.

Special warnings about Oracea

Do not spend time in sunlight or artificial sunlight, such as a tanning booth or sunlamp, as you could get severely sunburned. Use sunscreen and wear clothes that cover your skin if you have to be in sunlight. You should not take Oracea if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Oracea. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, including if you have had an allergic reaction to doxycycline or other medicines known as tetracyclines, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Oracea may harm your unborn baby. Oracea passes into your breast milk and may harm your baby.

Also if you have kidney or liver problems, have had surgery on your stomach, or a yeast or fungus infection in your mouth or vagina, tell your doctor before beginning treatment with Oracea. If you spend time in sunlight or artificial sunlight, such as a tanning booth or sunlamp, talk to your doctor because Oracea may cause you to get severe sunburns.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Oracea

If Oracea is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Oracea with the following:

Antacid medicines containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesiumAnti-infective medicationAnti-seizure medication (barbiturates)Birth controlCarbamazepineDilantinIron-containing productsPhenobarbitalPhenytoin

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are nursing. Oracea will cause the permanent discoloration of teeth/gums in an unborn baby, and will be passed through your breast milk to your nursing child.

Recommended dosage for Oracea

ADULTS

The usual dose of Oracea is one capsule in the morning.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.