Efracea
Book a quick face-to-face video consultation with a certified prescribing pharmacist, nurse, or doctor. If approved, your Efracea will be prescribed* and delivered straight to your door with free next-day delivery†. No hidden fees. No delays. Just expert care.
* Includes Free Private Prescription & Consultation.
† Applies to UK only.
Other Related Treatments
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Efracea Key Facts
About Efracea
Efracea capsules are a prescription only medication, manufactured by Galderma, containing doxycycline as the active ingredient. Doxycycline is classed as a tetracycline antibiotic, effective against a wide range of bacteria. Efracea may be used by adults to treat pimples around the face associated with the skin condition acne rosacea. Symptoms include thickened skin, visible blood vessels, flushing and abnormal redness. Some patients may also have papules and pustules (pus-filled bumps). Doxycycline is thought to work by clearing up pustules and preventing bacteria from spreading, helping to reduce inflammation.
Efracea is available with a prescription only. NowPatient offers Efracea as a treatment for rosacea only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Efracea
- For the treatment of acne rosacea
- Efracea can take up to 6 weeks to show any effect
- Efracea has some common side effects which include diarrhoea and abdominal pain
- It can be dangerous if you take Efracea with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
Who is Efracea not suitable for?
Efracea may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking Efracea if you:
- Have had an allergic reaction to doxycycline or any of the other ingredients in Efracea such as sucrose, gelatin, or propylene glycol
- Are over four months pregnant as it may affect the unborn baby
- Are using any oral retinoids
- Suffer from achlorhydria or have had surgery on the duodenum
- Have liver disease
- Have an oral or vaginal fungal infection
- Suffer from colitis
- Have oesophageal ulceration or irritation
How and where to get Efracea capsule?
You can buy Efracea safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of rosacea, you can discuss if Efracea is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength of Efracea for acne rosacea
Efracea is available as 40 mg modified release capsules when used for rosacea.
Information about how to take Efracea for acne rosacea
Take one 40mg Efracea capsule in the morning. Efracea should be swallowed whole, with a glass of water while standing or sitting, on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after food.
Do not take Efracea capsules at the same time as any dairy products or antacids as this may affect how fast doxycycline is absorbed into your gut. Also, wait at least 3 hours after taking Efracea capsules before taking any products high in calcium.
What happens if you take too much Efracea?
If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much Efracea and you experience any side effects.
What are the side effects of Efracea?
Common side effects of Efracea include:
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Dry mouth
- Inflammation of the sinuses
- Sinus headache
- Fungal infections
- Raised blood pressure
- Back pain
- Anxiety
- Changes in liver function tests
- Raised blood sugar
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication? – NowPatient
Information about taking Efracea at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Efracea. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.
Some medicines taken for ulcers or heartburn may affect the effectiveness of Efracea. Do not use antacids, vitamin supplements, products containing calcium, such as dairy products, aluminium, magnesium, iron, bismuth, cholestyramine, or sucralfate within three hours of taking Efracea.
Certain medications may reduce the effectiveness of Efracea, these include:
- Carbamazepine
- Primidone
- Cyclosporine
- Rifampicin
- Diphenylhydantoin and phenytoin
Can Efracea taken for rosacea be taken long term?
Efracea should normally be taken for up to 16 weeks. If your symptoms have not improved after 6 weeks, speak to your doctor.
Is there a herbal Efracea?
No. Herbal Efracea does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women take Efracea?
Women can take Efracea for the treatment of acne rosacea, but it is not recommended if you are over 4 months pregnant.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Efracea?
You should avoid dairy products or antacids when taking Efracea capsules as this may affect how fast doxycycline is absorbed into your gut. Also, wait at least 3 hours after taking Efracea capsules before taking any products high in calcium.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with rosacea?
Lifestyle changes you can make include:
- Not washing affected areas of skin more often than twice a day as this may irritate your skin and make spots worse
- Washing affected skin with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water
- Never squeeze spots as this can cause permanent scars
- Not to use too much make-up or cosmetics and use water-based make-up and toiletries that are less likely to block skin pores
- Avoid certain triggers, such as alcohol, caffeine, dairy, extreme weather conditions, long-term exposure to UV rays, and stress
Alternatives to Efracea
Alternatives for the treatment of acne rosacea include Soolantra, Finacea gel, Epiduo gel and Mirvaso gel.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
Related Articles
FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Efracea
What is Efracea?
Efracea is a prescription-only modified-release capsule containing doxycycline 40 mg. It is specifically licensed for the treatment of papulopustular rosacea (rosacea with red bumps and spots) in adults. Unlike standard doxycycline doses used as an antibiotic (100–200 mg), the 40 mg dose in Efracea works primarily as an anti-inflammatory agent at a sub-antimicrobial level. This means it reduces inflammation associated with rosacea without the antibiotic effects, significantly reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.
How does Efracea work?
Efracea contains doxycycline at a sub-antimicrobial dose (40 mg), which targets the inflammatory pathways involved in rosacea without acting as a conventional antibiotic. At this low dose, doxycycline inhibits matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are enzymes that break down tissue and contribute to the redness and inflammation seen in rosacea. It also suppresses inflammatory cytokines and reduces reactive oxygen species. This anti-inflammatory action helps reduce the papules (bumps) and pustules (spots) of rosacea.
Is Efracea the same as Doxycycline?
Efracea contains doxycycline but at a lower, sub-antimicrobial dose (40 mg) compared to standard antibiotic doxycycline (100–200 mg). The key difference is that Efracea does not work as an antibiotic — it works purely as an anti-inflammatory. This is clinically important because it does not contribute to antibiotic resistance, and it can be used for longer courses (up to 16 weeks or more) without the concerns associated with prolonged antibiotic use. Efracea also uses a modified-release formulation that releases 30 mg immediately and 10 mg over a sustained period.
How do I take Efracea?
Take one Efracea capsule (40 mg) once daily in the morning, on an empty stomach, ideally at least 1 hour before your first meal of the day. Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water while sitting or standing upright. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking the capsule to prevent oesophageal irritation. If you experience stomach upset, your prescriber may advise taking it with a light snack, though absorption is best on an empty stomach.
How long should I take Efracea for?
The recommended treatment duration for Efracea is 16 weeks (4 months). After this period, your prescriber should review your rosacea. If rosacea symptoms have improved, treatment can be stopped and topical treatments used for maintenance. If symptoms return, a further course of Efracea may be considered. Some patients may benefit from longer-term use, but this should be under medical supervision with regular reviews.
What are the side effects of Efracea?
Because Efracea uses a low dose of doxycycline, side effects are generally milder and less frequent than with standard antibiotic-dose doxycycline. Common side effects include headache, nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort. Photosensitivity can still occur at this dose, so use SPF 30+ sunscreen daily. Oral and vaginal thrush are less likely than with antibiotic-dose doxycycline but can still occur. Oesophageal irritation is possible if the capsule is not taken with adequate water.
What medications interact with Efracea?
Efracea has the same interaction profile as doxycycline. Antacids, calcium, iron, and zinc supplements reduce absorption — take at least 2–3 hours apart. Warfarin’s effect may be enhanced. Avoid concurrent use with oral retinoids due to benign intracranial hypertension risk. Rifampicin and carbamazepine reduce doxycycline levels. Oral contraceptives are not affected by Efracea per current FSRH guidance. Do not take Efracea with other tetracycline antibiotics.
Can I take Efracea during pregnancy?
No, Efracea should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Although the dose is lower than standard doxycycline, it is still a tetracycline and carries the same risks of tooth discolouration and bone development effects in the foetus. If you become pregnant while taking Efracea, stop the medication immediately and contact your doctor. Safe alternatives for rosacea management during pregnancy include topical azelaic acid (Finacea).
How can I get a prescription for Efracea?
Efracea is available on NHS prescription from your GP or dermatologist, or through online services such as NowPatient. Your prescriber will assess your rosacea severity and may recommend Efracea alongside a topical treatment such as metronidazole gel, ivermectin cream, or azelaic acid gel. NowPatient offers convenient online consultations with qualified UK prescribers.
Experienced a Side Effect?
Report to Yellow Card (UK) or MedWatch (US)
Report to
OUR CUSTOMERS VIEW
What Customers Love About Our Service
We want everyone to be happy and healthy, that’s what keeps us going. Read what some of them have to say about us.
Medicines Experts
Meet Our Medical Team
We are a broad skilled and passionate group of clinicians with experience of operating in health systems in the United Kingdom & United States. Providing excellent care and advice is at the heart of everything we do. You can read more about our medical team by visiting the medical team page or learn more about how we curate content by visiting our editorial process
Rajive Patel
Medical Writer
Daniel Cheung
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber, Pharmacist
Navin Khosla
UK Responsible Person (UKRP), Pharmacist Independent Prescriber, Clinical Safety Officer (CSO), Pharmacist
DeLon Canterbury
US Board Certified Pharmacist/PGX & Deprescribing Specialist
Ihtesham Sabri
Medical Director
Jamie Winn
US Board Certified Pharmacist
Aseel Hamoud Bedan
Hospital Consultant
Ketan Patel
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber, Pharmacist
Stefano Mirabello
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber, Clinical Safety Officer (CSO), Pharmacist
Amish Patel
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber, Superintendant Pharmacist, Pharmacist
Monica Khosla
Medical Writer