Ivermectin cream (Soolantra) works well for treating rosacea in adults. You apply the topical cream onto the affected areas of the face once a day. Ivermectin cream (Soolantra) is an antiparasitic medication, but it's not clear how it works to help with rosacea. Side effects aren't common but can include skin burning and irritation at the application site.
Ivermectin cream (Soolantra) is an antiparasitic medication. It's not clear how the medication works to treat rosacea symptoms like red bumps on the face.
Research suggests that people with rosacea have more small mites living in the skin pores that cause skin inflammation than people without rosacea. They believe that ivermectin can kill these mites and lower the amount of inflammation in the skin.
Source:Â DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common—for the treatment of river blindness (onchocerciasis) only
Eye or eyelid irritation, pain, redness, or swelling
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common—for the treatment of river blindness (onchocerciasis) only
joint or muscle pain
painful and tender glands in neck, armpits, or groin
rapid heartbeat
Less common—for the treatment of river blindness (onchocerciasis) only
Headache
swelling of the face, hands, arms, feet, or legs
Rare—for the treatment of river blindness (onchocerciasis) only
Lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
Rare—for the treatment of strongyloidiasis only
Loss of appetite
shaking or trembling
sleepiness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Can take a few months to see the full effects
Not clear whether the medication is safe for children or for people who are pregnant
Gently wash your face before you apply ivermectin cream (Soolantra).
You should only need a pea-sized amount of ivermectin cream (Soolantra) to treat each area of your face that's affected by the rosacea (forehead, each cheek, nose, and chin). Be careful to avoid your eyes, nostrils, and mouth while you're applying the medication. Be sure to spread the cream into a thin layer over the affected areas smoothly and evenly.
Apply ivermectin cream (Soolantra) onto your face only. Don't apply the cream to other areas of your body (e.g., in your mouth, eyes, or vagina).
Wash your hands well with soap and water after you use ivermectin cream (Soolantra). Forgetting to wash your hands after you use the medication can cause irritation to the skin on your hands. It might also make it more likely for you to accidentally get the medication into your eyes. Be sure to rinse any areas of irritation with plenty of water.
You can use cosmetics, such as makeup, and sunscreen with ivermectin cream (Soolantra). Apply ivermectin cream (Soolantra) first and wait until the medication has completely dried on the skin before you apply other products on the skin.
Ivermectin cream (Soolantra) 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.
Rarely, some people can get red, dry, and itchy skin after they apply ivermectin cream (Soolantra) onto the skin. This could be a sign of an allergic reaction. Talk to your dermatologist or healthcare professional if you notice an unusual reaction on your skin, especially if you also have a high fever or if the rash starts to blister.
Apply a thin layer of ivermectin cream (Soolantra) to the affected areas of the face once a day. Be sure to avoid putting the medication near the eyes and lips.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.
Cardwell, L. A., et al. (2016). New developments in the treatment of rosacea - role of once-daily ivermectin cream. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.
Del Rosso, J. Q., et al. (2019). Update on the management of rosacea from the American Acne & Rosacea Society (AARS). The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
Galderma Australia Pty Ltd. (2020). Soolantra® cream.
Padagis US LLC. (2023). Ivermectin cream [package insert]. DailyMed.
Raedler, L. A. (2015). Soolantra (ivermectin) 1% cream: A novel, antibiotic-free agent approved for the treatment of patients with rosacea. American Health & Drug Benefits.
Stein Gold, L., et al. (2014). Long-term safety of ivermectin 1% cream vs azelaic acid 15% gel in treating inflammatory lesions of rosacea: Results of two 40-week controlled, investigator-blinded trials. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.
Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.