Oracea

Generic name: Doxycycline

What is Oracea?

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

What is the most important information I should know about Oracea?

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.

Oracea should not be used for the treatment of infections.

Birth control pills may not work as well when taken with Oracea. Speak to your doctor about other methods of birth control when you are taking Oracea.

While taking Oracea, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or sunlamps. Oracea may cause you to get severe sunburns (photosensitivity).

Oracea has not been studied for use longer than 9 months.

Who should not take Oracea?

Do not take Oracea if you are allergic to any medicine known as a tetracycline, including doxycycline and minocycline, or any of the ingredients of Oracea. Do not take Oracea if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant; Oracea may harm your unborn baby. Do not take Oracea if you are breastfeeding your baby because it passes into your breast milk and may harm your baby.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Oracea?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking to avoid an interaction with Oracea. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have a history or predisposition to yeast or fungal infections, are allergic to doxycycline or tetracyclines, if you have had an allergic reaction to doxycycline or other medicines known as tetracyclines, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, have kidney problems, have liver problems, have had surgery on your stomach, have or had a yeast or fungal infection in your mouth or vagina, spend time in sunlight or artificial sunlight (such as a tanning booth or sunlamp).

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: One Oracea capsule should be taken once a day in the morning.

Oracea should not be used in children

How should I take Oracea?

Take Oracea in the morning, unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor. Take Oracea on an empty stomach, preferably at least one hour before or two hours after a 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 you take Oracea.

What should I avoid while taking Oracea?

While taking Oracea, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or sunlamps. Do not take Oracea with or right after taking antacids or products containing calcium, aluminum, magnesium, or iron.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with 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 any of the following: antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminum; barbiturates; bismuth subsalicylate; blood thinners (anticoagulants) such as warfarin or Coumadin; carbamazepine (Tegretol); isotretinoin; iron products; methoxyflurane; oral contraceptives; phenobarbital; phenytoin (Dilantin); proton pump inhibitors; psoriasis or acne medicines

What are the possible side effects of Oracea?

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

Side effects may include: coughing; darkening of skin, scars, teeth, or gums; diarrhea; dizziness; double vision; increased blood pressure; light sensitivity; nasal congestion; rash; runny nose; sinus infection; severe headaches; sneezing; sore throat and nose

If you notice any of the following, stop taking Oracea and notify your doctor: skin rash, redness or severe sunburn, swelling, difficulty swallowing, tightness in your throat, stomach cramps, high fever and bloody diarrhea, joint pain, or if you become pregnant

What should I do if I miss a dose of Oracea?

If you miss a dose of Oracea, skip that dose and take the next scheduled dose at the regular time. Do not double your dose.

Can I receive Oracea if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Oracea should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How should I store Oracea?

Store Oracea at room temperature. Keep it away from light in a tightly closed container, and keep out of the reach of children.