Oracea (doxycycline) is used to treat blemishes, bumps, and acne-like lesions caused by rosacea in adults. It works by reducing skin inflammation caused by rosacea.
Oracea is a tetracycline antibiotic. Tetracyclines are often used to treat infections, however this formulation has not been evaluated in the treatment or prevention of infections.
Oracea may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not use Oracea if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause permanent tooth discoloration later in life.
You should not take Oracea if you are allergic to any tetracycline antibiotic.
Children should not use doxycycline. It can cause permanent yellowing or graying of the teeth in children younger than 8 years old.
Doxycycline can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while using this medicine.
Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Oracea if you are allergic to doxycycline or to other tetracycline antibiotics such as demeclocycline, minocycline, tetracycline, or tigecycline.
To make sure Oracea is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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liver disease;
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kidney disease;
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asthma or sulfite allergy;
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a history of increased pressure inside your skull; or
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if you take isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis, Sotret).
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Oracea if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause permanent tooth discoloration later in life. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Oracea can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while using this medicine.
Doxycycline passes into breast milk and may affect bone and tooth development in a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking Oracea.
Children should not use Oracea. This medicine can cause permanent yellowing or graying of the teeth in children younger than 8 years old.
How should I take Oracea?
Take Oracea exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take Oracea with a full glass of water (8 ounces) while sitting or standing. To prevent irritation to your throat, do not lay down right after taking a capsule.
The usual dose of Oracea is one capsule in the morning on an empty stomach. You should take at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.
Do not take Oracea with or right after taking antacids or products that contain calcium, aluminum, magnesium, or iron. It may not work as well.
Do not crush, break, or open a Oracea delayed-release capsule. Swallow the capsule whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Take this medicine for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Do not give this medicine to another person, even if they have the same condition you have.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking Oracea. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Throw away any unused Oracea when it expires or when it is no longer needed. Do not take this medicine after the expiration date printed on the label. Using expired doxycycline can cause damage to your kidneys.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What should I avoid while taking Oracea?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking Oracea and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Oracea can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours before or after taking Oracea.
Oracea side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Oracea: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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changes in your vision;
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diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
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fever, swollen glands, body aches, flu symptoms, weakness;
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skin rash, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
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upper stomach pain (may spread to your back), loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
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chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, feeling short of breath;
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confusion, nausea and vomiting, swelling, rapid weight gain, little or no urinating;
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new or worsening cough with fever, trouble breathing;
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increased pressure inside the skull--severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes; or
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severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Common Oracea side effects may include:
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upset stomach;
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mild nausea, mild diarrhea;
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mild skin rash or itching; or
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vaginal itching or discharge.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Oracea?
Other drugs may interact with doxycycline, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
