Mirvaso Gel: New Help for People with Rosacea (Red Face) from Dr Fox
Bristol, UK (PRWEB UK) 16 October 2014 -- A new prescription only treatment for rosacea is now available. Mirvaso gel (brimonidine) received a UK medicines license in February 2014 and is now being supplied through regulated UK online clinics.
Rosacea is a common medical condition. People with rosacea have unsightly reddening of skin on the face. They tend to flush easily in response to sunlight, stress, alcohol and a whole range of triggers, and they tend to stay red in between. The cheeks, nose, forehead and chin are usually the worst affected areas. Apart from reddening of the skin, there may also be prominent surface blood vessels, and in severe cases, inflammation and roughening of the skin surface, and even cyst formation.
Rosacea is not well understood. It is not the same as acne, although it is sometimes called ‘acne rosacea’. In rosacea surface blood flow is increased, possibly because of increased sensitivity of blood vessels. There tends also to be some surface inflammation.
The flushed sensation of rosacea can be uncomfortable, however the main problem is the appearance. People with active rosacea are usually red in the face. Cosmetics can cover it up, but this is not ideal, and greasy products can actually make the condition worse.
In the past treatment has focused on reducing inflammation with a variety of topical preparations including antibiotics and exfoliating creams. Occasionally tablets, which reduce the sensitivity of blood vessels, are prescribed.
Mirvaso gel, which contains the active ingredient brimonidine, is a new topical treatment. Applied to the skin once a day, it acts on blood vessels to reduce surface blood flow. In most cases the gel starts to work within 30 minutes and continues to work for 12 hours. In studies 7 out of 10 subjects showed improvement after 3 hours. Very little of the active ingredient is absorbed into the circulation, and therefore there are few interactions with other medicines or generalised side-effects. Most people can use Mirvaso long-term, although some people experience sensitivity reactions. Makeup can be applied on-top once Mirvaso has dried. Other prescription treatments for rosacea can be used at the same time.
Mirvaso is not available without a doctor's prescription. A diagnosis of rosacea is required and suitability checks must to be carried out before starting treatment. Patients using Mirvaso should receive advice about its proper use, and advice about what to expect from treatment, and what to do if they experience side effects.
This new treatment is relatively expensive, at around £40 per 30 gram tube, and even more from some clinics. For this reason, and because it is quite a new treatment, NHS doctors may be reluctant to prescribe Mirvaso.
Mirvaso can be purchased after an online consultation from the Dr. Fox online clinic; currently the lowest cost supplier. A prescription is issued by our doctors and the medicine dispensed and despatched by a regular NHS pharmacy in the UK. One tube should last about a month.
Dr. Fox Medical Director Dr Tony Steele shared his insight about the newly approved medication, stating “Patients are asking their GP’s for Mirvaso, but it is often refused. It is a promising new treatment, which for many sufferers has potential to make all the difference.”
Given the distress rosacea can cause and its frequency, easy availability of this new treatment should help a large number of sufferers. The gel does not work in everyone and care is needed with the use of any new prescription medicine. People who think they have rosacea and might benefit should see their own doctors before undertaking an online consultation.
Further information about rosacea and Mirvaso gel.
Dr Tony Steele, Index Medical Ltd, http://www.doctorfox.co.uk, +44 7901557412, [email protected]
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