Amzeeq
Amzeeq is a topical foam containing minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic. It's used to treat pimples in people ages 9 years and older who have moderate-to-severe non-nodular acne. You'll apply Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) to the affected area(s) once daily, ideally at least an hour before bedtime. Wash your hands afterwards because the medication can stain clothes and fabrics. Common side effects you might notice include mild redness or warmth at the application site. In some cases, you could also experience darkening of the skin in the treated area.
What is Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam)?
What is Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) used for?
- Treatment of moderate-to-severe non-nodular acne
How Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) works
Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) is a tetracycline antibiotic. It's thought to treat acne and ease inflammation by fighting the bacteria that causes acne.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Amzeeq |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Tetracycline antibiotic |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Skin redness (up to 14%)
- Darkening of skin around application site (up to 12%)
- Dry skin (up to 7%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Itchy skin
- Skin peeling
The following Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Change in skin color
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
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Pros and cons of Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam)
Pros
- Applied once a day
- Option for children ages 9 years and older
- Generally well-tolerated with no serious side effects
Cons
- Can't bathe, shower, or swim for at least 1 hour after application
- Might cause penicillin antibiotics to not work as well
- Can stain clothing, bedsheets
Pharmacist tips for Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam)
- Store Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) at room temperature. Throw away any leftover medication after 3 months. Don't refrigerate this medication after you receive it from the pharmacy.
- When you pick up Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) from the pharmacy, it might be cold to touch because has been stored in the refrigerator at the pharmacy. Once you pick up the medication, you don't need to refrigerate it anymore. Let the medication warm to room temperature first before using it.
- Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) comes in a can which is highly flammable. Avoid open fire, heat, or smoke during and immediately after applying this medication.
- Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) should only be used on the outside of your body (i.e., skin). Don't take this medication by mouth or insert vaginally, and never use it in your eyes, nose, or ears.
- Don't bathe, shower, or swim for at least an hour after applying Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) since it can wash off the medication.
- Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) might cause you to sunburn more easily. To lower your risk, make sure to limit or avoid sun exposure during treatment. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outside, even on overcast days. How to use Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam)
- Wash your face with a mild, non-medicated cleanser and pat dry your face completely before applying Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam). Shake the can really well before you use it.
- Press the top of the Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) can to dispense a cherry-sized amount of foam onto your fingertips. Apply and gently rub the foam into the affected areas.
- Apply this medication at least an hour before bedtime to avoid staining your clothes. If your sheets and clothes do get stained, you can remove the stain by washing them in cold water.
- Wash your hands after applying Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam). Avoid touching other things or people until after you've washed your hands.
Risks and warnings for Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam)
Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk of fire
- Risk factors: Being near open fire or heat during or after applying Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) | Smoking during or after applying Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) | Damage to the can
Because of the propellant in Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam), this product can easily catch on fire. Make sure to handle this medication carefully during and after application. Don't store the can in extreme heat or temperatures above 120°F. Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) is under pressure, so avoid damaging the can by puncturing holes or leaving it by open flame.
Drug-resistant bacteria
- Risk factors: Using antibiotics for a non-bacterial infection | Using Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) to treat infections
Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) isn't FDA-approved to treat infections. Don't use this medication to fight off bacterial infections because we don't know whether it's safe or works well. Doing so can also make your infection worse since it prevents you from receiving the right medication in the meantime. In addition, using Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) for an infection might cause antibiotics to not work well against future infections. It's important to use Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) only for acne, as directed by your healthcare team.
Risk of new infections
- Risk factor: Using Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) differently than prescribed
As with other antibiotics, using Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) can lead to overgrowth of other bacteria or fungi. This can lead to a new infection, such as a skin yeast infection. Don't use this medication longer than prescribed. Let your healthcare team know if you experience symptoms of an infection, such as itching, burning, or rash.
Risk of sunburns or skin-related side effects
People who took oral tetracycline antibiotics, like minocycline, have experienced skin-related side effects. These include higher risk of sunburns or darkening of skin color.
It's unclear whether Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) will make your skin more sensitive to the sun. To be safe, you should still avoid direct sun exposure or tanning beds during treatment. Make sure to apply sunscreen before going outside and wear sun-protective clothing. Talk to your healthcare team if you notice symptoms of sunburn, such as swelling, skin redness, or pain. Your care team might ask you to stop this medication.
Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) can cause darkening of skin around the application site. But this is more likely related to healing of acne.
Though rare, people who used oral minocycline have experienced very serious allergic or skin-related reactions. Get medical care immediately if you have a fever, chills, rash, and blistering or peeling skin.
Risk of harm to bones in children
Oral tetracycline antibiotics, including minocycline, can slow or stop bone growth in children, Typically, normal bone growth restarts once the medication is stopped. Though it's unclear whether Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) will cause this side effect, this medication shouldn't be taken by children younger than 9 years old.
People who are pregnant also shouldn't use Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam). Animal studies suggests that oral tetracycline antibiotics can affect bone growth in unborn babies, when taken by mothers during pregnancy.
In addition, taking oral tetracycline antibiotics over a long period of time can cause teeth to turn yellow-brown. This is typically seen in children, including babies born to mothers who took tetracycline antibiotics during pregnancy. It's not known whether Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) will cause the same side effect.
Rare risk of other side effects related to oral minocycline
Taking oral tetracycline antibiotics can raise the risk for other serious side effects, including infectious diarrhea, liver problems, and brain- or nervous system-related conditions. These side effects haven't been linked to Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) for acne. But you can talk with your healthcare team if you have questions about any side effects related to tetracycline antibiotic.
Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) dosage
Can of foam| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30g of 4% | 1 can | $390.92 | $390.92 |
Typical dosage for Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam)
Amzeeq contains minocycline 4% topical foam.
- Adults and children 9 years and older: Shake can well and dispense a cherry-sized amount of foam to the fingertips. Gently rub the foam into affected area(s) once daily, at least 1 hour before bedtime.
How much does Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) cost?
$390.92
Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to tetracycline antibiotics
