Mirvaso gel

Mirvaso gel is a topical treatment for rosacea containing brimonidine tartrate. It works by causing the blood vessels near the surface of your skin to temporarily narrow. Mirvaso is used to treat persistent facial redness caused by rosacea.

While Mirvaso gel is designed to improve the appearance of redness in the face, it cannot treat spots, pimples, or visible blood vessels caused by rosacea. If you have these rosacea symptoms, you may need a different type of medication.

Mirvaso gel works by narrowing widened blood vessels in the skin. The active ingredient brimonidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. This reduces blood flow near the skin’s surface, helping the face appear less red after application.

Rosacea can make your blood vessels widen. This causes redness and flushing in some people, especially across the cheeks and nose. Mirvaso temporarily narrows these blood vessels to minimise or completely stop visible redness. It works for as long as you use it, and the best results are seen when applied daily.

How long does Mirvaso gel last?

Mirvaso gel lasts around 12 to 24 hours, and the effects slowly wear off throughout this time. It’s recommended to apply it in the morning so that it can reduce redness throughout the day.

Mirvaso gel does not fully wear off after 12 hours, but studies show its effect is reduced by around 14% by the 12-hour mark.

How long does Mirvaso gel take to work?

Mirvaso gel starts working within 30 minutes of applying it. Many people notice a visible reduction in redness within the first few hours after use, but the best effects are seen after 29 days.

How effective is Mirvaso gel?

By day 29 of treatment, the percentage of people reporting an improvement in their rosacea redness was:

• 71% after 3 hours of application
• 69% after 6 hours of application
• 64% after 9 hours of application
• 57% after 12 hours of application

It was also found that long-term use of Mirvaso gel for 1 year was safe and effective, and results from treatment remained consistent throughout this time.

You should apply Mirvaso gel once a day to clean, dry skin on the face. Apply it to the affected areas of your face only, which may include the:

• forehead
• chin
• nose
• cheeks

To use Mirvaso gel, follow these steps:

1. Choose a time that works for you. Many people prefer using it in the morning because the effects last throughout the day. Try to stick to this schedule and always apply Mirvaso gel before other products.
2. Clean your face with water and a gentle cleanser.
3. Spread the prescribed amount of gel evenly in a thin layer across the face. Avoid applying more than the recommended amount, as using too much can increase the risk of side effects.
4. Wash your hands after applying it.
5. Wait for the gel to dry completely before applying moisturiser, sunscreen, or makeup.

Mirvaso gel dosage

The starting dose of Mirvaso gel is 1 pea-sized amount spread evenly across the face. This can be increased slowly up to a maximum recommended dose of 1 gram of gel once daily (5 pea-sized amounts), following your doctor’s instructions.

How long do you need to take Mirvaso gel for?

You can use Mirvaso gel for as long as it remains effective and suitable for your rosacea symptoms. Rosacea is a long-term condition, so treatment is also long-term.

Your doctor will review your treatment regularly to make sure it’s still working well for you.

What should I avoid while using Mirvaso gel?

Mirvaso should not be applied:

• near the eyes, mouth, or inside the nose
• on irritated or broken skin

If you’re having a rosacea flare-up and have other symptoms like spots or bumps, speak to your doctor.

While using Mirvaso gel, avoid anything that may irritate your skin or worsen your rosacea symptoms, such as:

• too much sun exposure, especially without sunscreen
• harsh skincare products, such as alcohol-based products
• very hot temperatures, like a very hot shower or a sauna
• drinking too much alcohol or eating spicy foods (if these trigger your rosacea)

Avoiding or limiting exposure to these triggers can help reduce flushing, burning, and skin sensitivity.

Mirvaso gel can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. The most common side effects affect the skin where the gel is applied. This typically goes away as your skin gets used to treatment, but it may continue for a short time after application before settling.

Common side effects can affect up to 1 in 10 people and include:

• skin irritation, including redness, burning, or itching
• flushing
• excessive whitening of the skin (pallor)

Some people can also experience worsening rosacea symptoms after using Mirvaso.

Uncommon side effects can affect up to 1 in 100 people and include:

• acne
• dry mouth
• headache
• dizziness
• blocked nose
• swelling of the eyelids
• feeling hot
• feeling cold in hands and feet
• urticaria (hives or ‘nettle rash’)

Rare side effects can affect up to 1 in 1,000 people and include:

• low blood pressure
• slowed heart rate

If you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, call 999 straight away. This is very rare, but can cause:

• swelling of the face or throat
• difficulty breathing
• severe rash
• fainting

You can also read about the side effects of Mirvaso gel in the patient information leaflet.

How long do Mirvaso gel side effects last?

Most mild side effects improve within a few hours to a few days as your skin adjusts to treatment. Skin irritation and redness are often more noticeable when you first start using Mirvaso. However, for some people, this does not get better. If this is the case, Mirvaso may not be suitable for you.

What to do if you get Mirvaso gel side effects

Stop using Mirvaso gel and talk to your doctor if you get:

• severe skin irritation or inflammation
• a sensation of pins and needles in the face
• worsening of rosacea

Make sure you’re only using a pea-sized amount of gel to reduce the chance of skin irritation when starting Mirvaso gel. You can also take over-the-counter painkillers to help with side effects like a headache.

Mirvaso gel may not be suitable for everyone. Certain medical conditions, medications, and skin sensitivities can increase the risk of side effects or make treatment less suitable.

Before starting Mirvaso, tell your doctor about your medical history and any medication you take, including over-the-counter treatments and herbal remedies.

You should not use Mirvaso gel if you are:

• allergic to brimonidine or any ingredients in the gel, including methylparahydroxybenzoate (E218), which may cause delayed allergic reactions
• under 18 years old
• pregnant or breastfeeding

Speak to your doctor before using Mirvaso gel if you have:

• depression
• irritated skin or open wounds on your face
• circulation problems
• heart problems, such as coronary insufficiency or severe cardiovascular disease
• low blood pressure on standing
• reduced blood flow to the brain or heart
• scleroderma or Sjögren’s syndrome (a chronic disease)
• decreased blood flow to the hands, feet, or skin (Raynaud's syndrome)
• kidney or liver problems
• had, or plan to have, a laser procedure on your face
• thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger’s disease)

Some medications can interact with Mirvaso gel and increase the risk of side effects. Tell your doctor if you take:

• antidepressants or Parkinson's disease medications, such as selegiline, moclobemide, and imipramine – these should not be taken with Mirvaso gel
• medication used for the treatment of pain, sleep disorders, or anxiety disorders
• medication which also narrows blood vessels, such as those used in the treatment of high blood pressure, slow heart rate, or asthma
• medication used for the treatment of psychiatric disorders (chlorpromazine) or for hyperactivity (methylphenidate)
• digoxin and other medications used to treat heart problems
• low blood pressure medication, such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers

Alcohol may also worsen flushing and rosacea symptoms in some people. Let your doctor know if you drink alcohol regularly.

You can buy Mirvaso gel online from regulated services like Asda Online Doctor after completing a short online assessment. It’s a prescription-only medication, so a doctor will need to check it is suitable for you before treatment is approved.

Can I buy Mirvaso gel online?

Yes, you can request Mirvaso gel online with a prescription. To order Mirvaso gel from our rosacea treatment service:

1. Complete a short online questionnaire and send some photos of the affected areas of your face, so our doctors can make sure you get the right treatment and dose for your symptoms.
2. A doctor will review your answers, and treatment will be prescribed if suitable.
3. Your order can be collected from an Asda pharmacy or sent to your home.

We can prescribe rosacea treatment for the first time or as a repeat prescription. If you’re not sure which treatment is best, our doctors can recommend one they think would work for you.

Can I buy Mirvaso gel over the counter?

No, Mirvaso gel is not available over the counter. You need a prescription because a doctor should assess your rosacea symptoms and medical history before treatment.

Can I get Mirvaso gel on the NHS?

Yes, you may be able to get Mirvaso gel on the NHS after a consultation with your GP or a dermatologist. You may also be prescribed a generic alternative.

At Asda Online Doctor, the only rosacea treatment we have for redness and flushing is Mirvaso gel. This is typically the main treatment for rosacea redness.

However, if you have spots or bumps, called papulopustular rosacea, we can prescribe:

• Finacea gel – contains azelaic acid, an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory that works by unclogging your pores and reducing swelling
• metronidazole gel – contains the antibiotic metronidazole, which can treat papulopustular rosacea during a flare-up and works by reducing inflammation and infection in the skin

Mirvaso gel vs Soolantra

Mirvaso and Soolantra treat different rosacea types. Mirvaso reduces facial redness by narrowing blood vessels. Soolantra treats papulopustular rosacea, a type of rosacea that causes bumps and spots. It contains a different active ingredient called ivermectin, which reduces inflammation and kills skin mites that can cause a flare-up.

You may be able to use these treatments together if you have both types of rosacea, but always speak to a doctor first. Treatments must be used at different times of day.

Mirvaso gel vs Finacea

Mirvaso gel and Finacea gel also treat different rosacea types. Like Soolantra, Finacea is used to treat papulopustular rosacea. It contains azelaic acid and works by reducing inflammation and unclogging the pores. Mirvaso gel is only for rosacea redness.

Is Mirvaso gel a cure for rosacea?

No, Mirvaso gel is not a cure for rosacea. It can temporarily reduce redness while you use it, but you need to keep using it daily to maintain this effect.

Rosacea is a long-term condition that usually requires long-term management, like medications and lifestyle changes, such as learning your triggers and avoiding them where possible.

Can I wear makeup over Mirvaso gel?

Yes, you can wear makeup over Mirvaso gel, but you need to wait for the gel to fully dry after application before putting anything else on your face.

Can I use moisturiser with Mirvaso gel?

Yes, it’s important to look after your skin and keep it hydrated while using Mirvaso gel. You just need to wait for the gel to dry before applying moisturiser. It’s recommended to apply a moisturiser containing SPF, as the sun can trigger rosacea redness.

Can I use Mirvaso gel with other rosacea treatments?

Yes, you can usually use Mirvaso gel with other rosacea treatments, such as Finacea or metronidazole gel. However, your doctor always needs to check this is suitable first, as it depends on the treatments, your symptoms, and your medical history.

If you do use more than one rosacea treatment, you’ll need to apply them at different times of day, such as Mirvaso in the morning, then Finacea in the evening after cleaning your face.