Seysara
Seysara (sarecycline) is a tetracycline antibiotic that treats moderate-to-severe non-nodular acne, such as whiteheads, blackheads, and papules. It can be prescribed for adults and children ages 9 years and older. Seysara (sarecycline) is a tablet that's taken by mouth once per day for up to 3 months. Most people don't experience side effects from Seysara (sarecycline), but a few have reported nausea.
What is Seysara (sarecycline)?
What is Seysara (sarecycline) used for?
Moderate-to severe-non-nodular acne (whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, and cysts) in people ages 9 years and older
How Seysara (sarecycline) works
Seysara (sarecycline) is a tetracycline antibiotic. The exact way it works to treat acne isn't known. In general, tetracycline antibiotics work by stopping bacteria from making certain proteins inside their cells. As a result, the bacteria aren't able to grow and spread.
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What are the side effects of Seysara (sarecycline)?
Common Side Effects
- Nausea (3%)
Other Side Effects
- Vaginal yeast infection
Serious Side Effects
- Infectious (C. difficile-related) diarrhea: foul-smelling diarrhea, fever, frequent bowel movements
- High blood pressure in the brain: changes in vision, headache, nausea, vomiting
Source: DailyMed
More on Seysara (sarecycline) side effects
The following 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
- Increased pressure around the brain—severe headache, blurry vision, change in vision, nausea, vomiting
- Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
- Sensitivity to light
- Severe diarrhea, fever
- Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Dizziness
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- Nausea
Pros and cons of Seysara (sarecycline)
Pros
Most people taking Seysara (sarecycline) had almost clear or clear skin after 3 months of treatment
Tends to have less side effects compared to other tetracycline antibiotics for acne
Taken by mouth once a day
Can be taken with or without food
Cons
Can make you more sensitive to the sun and cause more painful sunburns
Shouldn’t be used during pregnancy
Not recommended for children 8 years and younger because of risk of teeth discoloration and slow bone growth
Can cause fertility problems in males who are trying to have a child
Pharmacist tips for Seysara (sarecycline)
Let your HCP know if you're pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding before starting Seysara (sarecycline). This medication must be avoided because of the risk of harm to babies, such as growth problems and permanent tooth discoloration.
You can take Seysara (sarecycline) with or without food. If it's upsetting your stomach, try taking it with food to help.
Seysara (sarecycline) can cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded, or like the room is spinning. Avoid performing any activity that requires a lot of attention (such as driving) until you know how this medication affects you.
Seysara (sarecycline) can make your skin more sensitive to the sun to both natural and fake sunlight, which can lead to more serious and painful burns. If possible, try to avoid or limit the amount of time you’re in the sun. Also, try to avoid or limit your use of tanning beds or UVA/B treatment. Stop Seysara (sarecycline) and let your provider know right away if you do get sunburned.
It's important to protect your skin while you're taking Seysara (sarecycline). If you need to go outside, make sure to wear sunscreen, long-sleeve clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Make sure to stay well-hydrated by drinking enough fluids while taking Seysara (sarecycline). Doing so helps prevent dehydration if you get diarrhea while taking Seysara (sarecycline).
If you start to have fever and watery or bloody diarrhea anytime during treatment or after stopping Seysara (sarecycline), get medical help right away. These might be signs of infectious diarrhea, which needs medical attention right away.
Make sure to tell your HCP and pharmacist about all the medications you're taking before and during treatment with Seysara (sarecycline). Especially let your prescriber know if you're taking blood thinners or digoxin (Lanoxin) because Seysara (sarecycline) can raise the risk of side effects from these medications.
Don’t take Seysara (sarecycline) at the same time as antacids, such as products with aluminum, calcium, magnesium, bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol), or iron. These medications can prevent your body from absorbing the full dose of Seysara (sarecycline).
Frequently asked questions about Seysara (sarecycline)
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What are the risks and warnings for Seysara (sarecycline)?
Seysara (sarecycline) 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.
Not for use during pregnancy or nursing
Risk factors: Second and third trimester of pregnancy | Currently breastfeeding
Like all tetracycline antibiotics, Seysara (sarecycline) must be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Seysara (sarecycline) can cause poor bone growth and teeth discoloration in the developing baby if taken by mothers during pregnancy. Seysara (sarecycline) can also pass through breast milk and cause similar problems in a breastfed baby. Let your healthcare team know if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, so they can help you find a safer treatment.
Infectious diarrhea
Seysara (sarecycline) can raise your risk of getting infected with a bacteria called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). This infection can cause severe diarrhea. Like many other bacteria, C.diff naturally lives in your gut. These bacteria normally don’t cause any problems. But taking Seysara (sarecycline) or other antibiotics can cause certain bacteria to grow out of control. When C. diff grows out of control, it can cause fatal diarrhea due to dehydration and swelling of the colon. Your risk for CDAD is higher if you are over the age of 65 or have a weak immune system. Before starting Seysara (sarecycline), let your dermatologist know if you’ve taken any other antibiotics within the past 2 months. Stop Seysara (sarecycline) and contact your healthcare team right away if you experience fever, tiredness, or bloody or watery stool, as these might be a sign of CDAD.
Dizziness and light-headedness
Seysara (sarecycline) can make you feel dizzy, light-headed, or feel like the room is spinning. You should avoid activities that need more attention (such as driving) until you know how the medication will affect you. These symptoms can disappear during treatment or when you stop taking Seysara (sarecycline). Continue taking Seysara (sarecycline) as prescribed and let your healthcare team know if you experience dizziness, light-headedness, or head-spinning symptoms.
High blood pressure in the brain
Risk factors: Use of other medications that can raise pressure in the brain, such as isotretinoin | Females with larger body weight and of childbearing age
Though not common, Seysara (sarecycline) can raise blood pressure in the brain, also known as intracranial hypertension. High brain pressure is temporary, but it can lead to permanent vision changes. Your risk is higher if you're also taking other medications that can raise brain pressure, such as isotretinoin (Absorica). You should get your vision checked before starting Seysara (sarecycline). Let your healthcare team know if you experience unusual headaches and blurred vision while taking Seysara (sarecycline).
Sun and light sensitivity
Seysara (sarecycline) makes your skin more sensitive to the sun or ultraviolet (UV) light. This means you can get sunburns more easily than usual. This can happen even during the winter and on overcast days. To lower your risk, make sure to wear sunscreen when going outside and wear long-sleeved clothing to protect your skin. Also avoid being exposed to light or sun for a long time.
Drug-resistant infections
Seysara (sarecycline) can raise the risk of infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria, fungi, or yeast. This can lead to infections that are harder to treat in the future. Since Seysara (sarecycline) affects only some bacteria, it can also cause other bacteria, fungi, or yeast to grow out of control and cause infections. Contact your healthcare team if you experience symptoms of infection, such as fever and chills.
Seysara (sarecycline) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Seysara (sarecycline)
Your dermatologist will determine your dose of Seysara (sarecycline) based on body weight.
People who weigh 33 to 54 kg (73 to 119 lbs): The typical dose is 60 mg by mouth once daily.
People who weigh 55 to 84 kg (121 to 185 lbs): The typical dose is 100 mg by mouth once daily.
People who weigh 85 to 136 kg (187 to 299 lbs): The typical dose is 150 mg by mouth once daily.
More on Seysara (sarecycline) dosage forms
How much does Seysara (sarecycline) cost?
Seysara (sarecycline) contraindications
Allergy to any tetracycline antibiotic
What are alternatives to Seysara (sarecycline)?
Moderate-to severe-non-nodular acne (whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, and cysts) in people ages 9 years and older
Respiratory tract infections, including in the nose, throat, and lungs
Infections caused by ticks, mites, or fleas (Rocky Mountain spotted fever or typhus fever)
Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, chancroid, and syphilis
Lyme disease
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Severe acne
Anthrax
Plague
Cholera
Moderate-to-severe acne
Respiratory tract infections, including in the nose, throat, and lungs
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, chancroid, and syphilis
Skin infections
Rickettsial infections (usually from ticks, fleas, or mites), such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and typhus fever
Other infections such as anthrax, plague, cholera, and more. Seysara (sarecycline) can be used to treat many other less common infections not listed here.
What is the latest news about Seysara (sarecycline)?
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References
Best studies we foundAlmirall, LLC. (2023). Seysara- sarecycline hydrochloride tablet, coated [package insert]. DailyMed.
Baldwin, H. (2020). Table 2. Common side effects of oral antibiotics. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About C. diff.
Moore, A., et al. (2018). Once-daily oral sarecycline 1.5 mg/kg/day is effective for moderate to severe acne vulgaris: Results from two identically designed, phase 3, randomized, double-blind clinical trials. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.
Reynolds, R. V., et al. (2023). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Shutter, M. C., et al. (2023). Tetracycline. StatPearls.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018). Drug Trials Snapshot: Seysara.
Zhanel, G., et al. (2018). Microbiological profile of sarecycline, a novel targeted spectrum tetracycline for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy.
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