How to get Soolantra (ivermectin) cream?

Table of Content:
What is ivermectin cream? | Using ivermectin cream for rosacea | How to get a prescription? | What is the price? | Side-effects | How effective is it? | How to use it? | How long does it take to work? | Ivermectin + metronidazole | Ivermectin + niacinamide | FAQ

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What is ivermectin cream and what is it used for?

Ivermectin cream (commercially known as Soolantra) is a topical antiparasitic agent that is mainly used in the treatment of papulopustular rosacea. In addition to this chronic skin condition, it is also used off-label treatment of other skin problems such as scabies, lice, acne, and seborrheic dermatitis.

Using ivermectin cream for rosacea 

Dr. Aditi Shende, board-certified dermatologist, says that ivermectin cream is most commonly prescribed for the treatment of rosacea, specifically inflammatory lesions of rosacea (papulopustular rosacea). Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by redness, pimples, and, in some cases, thickened skin. Ivermectin helps reduce the inflammatory lesions and redness associated with this condition.

Ivermectin cream helps reduce redness, inflammation, and the number of pimples associated with rosacea. The cream also targets Demodex mites, which are thought to contribute to rosacea symptoms.

Can you buy ivermectin (Soolantra) cream over the counter?

Dr. Shende says that ivermectin (Soolantra) cream is not available over the counter. It is a prescription medication, therefore you need to have a consultation with a healthcare provider  in order to get it.

How to get a prescription for ivermectin (Soolantra) cream?

You can get a prescription for Soolantra (or a generic version of ivermectin cream) by having a photo-consultation with a board-certified dermatologist via Miiskin. The price for the consultation is $59. If you need to refill the prescription (such in the case of rosacea) the price is $39.

Where to buy ivermectin (Soolantra) cream online?

After you have received your prescription, you can then buy your ivermectin (Soolantra) cream in any local or online pharmacy. You can also buy a customized prescription medication for your rosacea vía Skin Medicinals. This medication would include several active ingredients to address your skin problem in one customized formula, which saves you time and money.

What is the price of Soolantra cream?

Be aware that Soolantra cream is quite expensive if you don’t have a pre-authorization from your health insurance with the cost typically around $400 for a 30-gram tube and approximately $780 for a 45-gram tube. Getting a generic ivermectin cream or a compounded ivermectin cream will be considerably cheaper than buying the brand version. 

Topical ivermectin side-effects 

The side effects of topical ivermectin cream are usually temporary and resolve as the skin adjusts to the treatment. Common side-effects include:

• Skin irritation (redness, burning, or stinging)
• Dry skin or peeling
• Itching at the application site
• Eye irritation if the cream comes into contact with the eyes

Dr. Shende says that if you experience any severe reactions or allergic symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. However, such severe allergic reactions are rare with topical ivermectin.

How effective is ivermectin cream?

Dr. Shende says ivermectin cream is a highly effective medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of papulopustular rosacea. Clinical studies have shown significant improvement in patients with moderate-to-severe papulopustular rosacea and saw significant reductions in lesions. Unlike other rosacea treatments that may take a month to show results, ivermectin cream showed improvement in about two weeks, but individual responses may vary. A clinical study revealed that 40-80% of patients experienced clear or nearly clear skin after three months.

How to use ivermectin 1% cream?

Dr. Shende says that to use ivermectin 1% cream, apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin once daily, usually in the evening. Spread it evenly over the affected areas, avoiding the eyes, mouth, and any open wounds. After applying, wash your hands to prevent the spread of the cream to unintended areas. It’s important to use the cream consistently as prescribed, and results typically become noticeable within a few weeks. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for the best outcomes.

How long does topical ivermectin take to work?

Dr. Shende says that topical ivermectin usually starts showing improvement within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent use. However, significant results, such as the reduction of redness, bumps, and other symptoms of rosacea, typically occur after about 12 weeks of regular application. The exact time can vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual response to the treatment. Continuous use is crucial for maintaining results and preventing rosacea flare-ups.

What is ivermectin metronidazole cream used for?

Dr. Shende says the combination of  ivermectin + metronidazole + azelaic acid cream is specifically designed to address rosacea symptoms. Ivermectin is used to treat rosacea by reducing breakouts and facial redness by addressing rosacea with both anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic properties. Azelaic acid is an anti-inflammatory agent that helps improve redness and diminishes dark spots related to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma. Metronidazole, a topical antibiotic, decreases breakouts through its anti-inflammatory effects. You can get this customized medication for your skin by having a photo-consultation, then ask your doctor to give you a prescription via Skin Medicinals. 

What is ivermectin niacinamide cream used for?

Dr. Shende says this combination of ivermectin + niacinamide cream is also used for rosacea. Ivermectin helps reduce skin inflammation and combat Demodex mites, which can aggravate rosacea, while niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) enhances the skin barrier, reduces redness, and has anti-inflammatory properties. This combination aims to soothe the skin, decrease redness, and improve the overall appearance of rosacea-affected skin. It may also be used for other skin conditions as directed by a healthcare provider. You can also get this customized medication via Skin Medicinals. However, Dr. Shende says that although they are widely prescribed off-label, these combinations are not FDA-approved for Rosacea.

Frequently asked questions about ivermectin cream

What does ivermectin do to your skin?

Dr. Shende says ivermectin targets Demodex mites, which are microscopic parasites that can cause or worsen conditions like rosacea. By killing these mites and reducing inflammation, ivermectin helps alleviate symptoms like redness, bumps, and irritation. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties that further soothe the skin, improving the overall appearance and health of the skin in affected areas.

Can you absorb ivermectin through the skin?

Dr. Shende says that ivermectin can in fact be absorbed through the skin when applied topically, but the systemic absorption is minimal compared to oral administration. This means that while it effectively treats the skin condition locally, it is unlikely to cause significant systemic effects or side effects. This low absorption is one reason why topical ivermectin is generally well-tolerated with a low risk of serious side effects.

What parasites does ivermectin treat?

Dr. Shende says that ivermectin is effective against a variety of parasites. It’s widely used to treat scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei), a skin infestation caused by mites. It also treats onchocerciasis (river blindness) caused by Onchocerca volvulus and strongyloidiasis, a roundworm infection. Additionally, ivermectin is used in veterinary medicine to treat a range of parasitic infections in animals. Its broad-spectrum activity makes it a versatile antiparasitic agent.

Can you use ivermectin cream for lice?

Dr. Shende says you can also use topical ivermectin 0.5% (often in the form of shampoo or lotion) to treat lice. The topical form is preferred because it can be directly applied to the affected areas, effectively targeting the lice on the scalp and hair. Oral ivermectin is typically reserved for cases where topical treatments have failed, in severe infestations, or in situations where topical application is not practical. It is also used in cases where the lice have developed resistance to standard topical treatments.

Can you use ivermectin cream for scabies?

Dr. Shende says that some studies show that oral and topical ivermectin are equally effective in the treatment of scabies, a highly contagious skin rash caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. In cases where topical treatments are preferred, ivermectin cream may be applied to the entire body.

What else can you use ivermectin cream for?

Dr. Shende says that new clinical studies show that topical ivermectin is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for mild and moderate perioral dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and acne vulgaris. All patients experienced a significant reduction in inflammatory skin lesions, with most achieving near or complete clearance. The majority of patients reported a very good response to treatment, with only mild side effects. 

Patients should consult healthcare providers for off-label use as effectiveness and safety profile may differ.

Article References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4665052/
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2016/0915/p512.html
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2016/0915/p512.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9069911/
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1200107