Key takeaways
Soolantra (ivermectin) and Avar (sulfacetamide/sulfur) are both topical medications used to treat rosacea, but they have some key differences. Soolantra is an antiparasitic cream that works by reducing inflammation and possibly killing mites in the pores, while Avar is a combination of an antibiotic (sulfacetamide) and sulfur, which stops bacteria from growing and helps renew the skin. Soolantra is applied once daily, whereas Avar can be used once or twice a day depending on the formulation. Avar is also used to treat acne and seborrheic dermatitis, making it more versatile than Soolantra, which is only for rosacea. Soolantra is known to be expensive without insurance, even though a generic is available, while Avar is available as a lower-cost generic. Both medications can cause skin irritation, but Avar has a higher risk of severe allergic reactions, especially if you have a sulfa allergy.
