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Efracea

Rosacea|Active ingredient(s): Doxycycline|Manufacturer: GALDERMA

Woman holding up a capsule.

Say goodbye to redness: a once-daily oral rosacea treatment

  • Effective treatment for papulopustular facial rosacea.
  • One capsule once a day for up to 16 weeks.
  • See results in as little as 3 weeks.
  • Available as modified-release capsules

How to take

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Dosage schedule

Take one 40 mg modified-release capsule once a day for up to 16 weeks. Discontinue after 6 weeks if you see no improvement.

A woman taking a capsule with a glass of water

Take on an empty stomach

You should take Efracea on an empty stomach. Wait 1-2 hours after eating before taking a dose.

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Avoid alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of Efracea. Limit alcohol where possible.

What others say about Efracea

Trustpilot review
1 reviews with score 5

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Efracea

What is Efracea?

Efracea is an oral treatment for rosacea. It specifically treats a type of rosacea called papulopustular facial rosacea, which causes acne-like pimples as well as facial redness.

Efracea for rosacea works by targeting the inflammation that causes pimples and redness. It is available as modified-release capsules. This means the medicine is released into your body more gradually to reduce potential side effects.

How does Efracea work?

Efracea contains doxycycline, an antibiotic mainly used to treat bacterial infections. However, in low modified-release doses, it has an anti-inflammatory effect without killing any bacteria.

  • It reduces the activity of pro-inflammatory substances (e.g. cytokines) and certain enzymes that promote inflammation.
  • It also reduces the activity of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell which has been linked to inflammation.
  • This calms the immune system to help control the symptoms of rosacea.

The modified-release form allows for a low but steady concentration of doxycycline in the body. This maximises effectiveness while minimising antibiotic side effects and preventing antibiotic resistance.

How effective is it?

Several studies have shown that Efracea is an effective rosacea treatment.

One study with over 500 participants compared the effects of Efracea to a placebo (an inactive drug).

  • Reduced pimples - those on Efracea had a significantly reduced lesion count (-11.8) compared to those on the placebo (-5.9), meaning they had significantly fewer pimples or pustules.
  • Works in 3 weeks - Significant changes in Efracea users were observed after 3 weeks of treatment and continued throughout the 16-week study period.
  • Reduced redness - participants on Efracea also experienced a significant reduction in redness compared to those using the placebo.

They also observed that Efracea was well tolerated, with similar rates of side effects in both placebo and Efracea users.

How long does it take Efracea to work?

Efracea should start working within 3 weeks of taking it. If you see no improvement after 6 weeks, you should stop using Efracea and consult your doctor for alternatives.

Who can use Efracea?

Most adults over the age can use Efracea for papulopustular facial rosacea.

You cannot take Efracea if you:

  • are allergic to Efracea or any of the inactive ingredients
  • are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • are taking other medications for skin conditions like retinoids

Talk to your doctor before using Efracea if you:

  • have alcohol dependence
  • have myasthenia gravis (a condition which causes muscle weakness)
  • have systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease)
  • have kidney or liver problems
  • have porphyria (a rare blood condition)
  • have oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus)
  • are likely to be exposed to strong sunlight

This is because you may be at an increased risk of side effects.

How do I take Efracea?

Efracea (Doxycycline) is available as 40 mg modified-release capsules. You must take one 40 mg capsule a day in the morning.

You should take Efracea on an empty stomach. Wait at least 1-2 hours after eating before taking it. Swallow each capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush capsules.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Are there any side effects?

Like all prescription medicines, Efracea may cause side effects. The most common side effects should go away on their own once your body gets used to the medicine.

Common side effects (up to 1 in 10 people):

  • inflammation of the nose and throat
  • inflammation of the sinuses
  • fungal infection
  • anxiety
  • high blood pressure
  • stomach pain
  • dry mouth
  • back pain
  • changes in some blood tests (e.g. blood glucose or liver function tests)

Speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any persistent or serious side effects. If you experience any rare side effects, such as an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention.

For a full list of side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet (PIL) which comes in the box with your medicine.

Can I drink alcohol on Efracea?

No, you should avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol while on Efracea, as this can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

Can I get Efracea over the counter?

No, Efracea is not available without a prescription. You need a valid prescription from a healthcare professional to purchase it. This ensures the medication is safe and suitable for your needs.

Can Efracea help with broken capillaries?

Efracea is unlikely to improve broken capillaries or spider veins. If you have broken capillaries, you should consult your doctor or dermatologist for more advice.

Can Efracea help eye rosacea?

Efracea is not designed to treat eye rosacea (ocular rosacea). If you think you have eye rosacea, you will likely need topical treatment. You should consult your doctor or dermatologist for more advice.

Medical review byDr. Caroline FontanaLast review 17 December 2025
Dr. Caroline Fontana

Note: You must complete a short online consultation so that our doctor can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you. The above pricing should only be used as a reference. The final decision to issue this treatment lies with the prescribing doctor.

Efracea Overview

Type of medicine Antibiotic
Used for Papulopustular facial rosacea
Active ingredient Doxycycline
Works by Reducing inflammation
Effective within 3 weeks
Available as Modified-release capsules
Available dosages 40 mg
Usage instructions Take one capsule once a day for 16 weeks.
Packaging Foil blister packs containing capsules in a cardboard carton
Manufacturer Galderma
Generic available No

FAQs

What is included in the online consultation?
Will a doctor review my consultation?
What happens after I submit my order?
What services are included with my order?
Is the price all-inclusive?
What are my delivery options?
Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?
Is this service discreet?
What is included in the online consultation?

Our online consultations are in the format of short medical questionnaires. You will be asked general questions about your health and medical history, as well as specific medical questions relevant to the treatment you have chosen. We will also ask you for your payment and delivery details to complete the order.

Online consultations take no longer than 5 minutes to complete. All questions are necessary when issuing prescription medicines. It means that our doctors can make sure the treatment is safe and right for you.

Will a doctor review my consultation?

Yes, it is a legal requirement that all online consultations are reviewed by a registered doctor. This is to make sure the chosen treatment is safe and right for you to take. All personal information is stored securely and confidentially.

Please note, all orders are subject to doctor approval, and we cannot guarantee that your order will be approved.

What happens after I submit my order?

Your online consultation will be sent directly to our medical team, where it will be reviewed by on of our in-house doctors.

If a doctor approves you for treatment, they will issue a prescription. Your prescription will then be forwarded to our pharmacist, where you medication will be dispensed and dispatched for delivery.

What services are included with my order?

Every order includes:

  • Free consultation - your consultation will be personally reviewed by one of our registered doctors.
  • Free prescription - a doctor will issue you a prescription if approved for treatment.
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All these options can be tracked and require a signature on delivery. If you are not in, a friend or relative can sign in your place.

Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?

It is safe to buy prescription medications online from genuine and reputable healthcare providers, like 121doc.

Our medical staff and facilities are registered with the relevant medical governing bodies. We also ensure your data is protected by adhering to European data privacy laws.

You can learn more about our certifications here.

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Our patients’ privacy is of utmost importance. All your medical information is securely stored and only viewed by our doctors. We do not share your details with third-parties. We are also closely adhere to data privacy laws.

All orders will only show on invoices, bank statements, etc. as ‘HHC Ltd’.

How does it work?

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As soon as you place the order, one of our doctors will review your consultation. On working days, this usually takes around one hour.

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If the doctor has any additional questions, you will receive a phone call and an email. We understand you might be at work or busy. Our customer service representatives are always discreet and can call back at a more convenient time if necessary.

Our emails never contain any personal or medical information, only a link to your private account on our website (where you will find your messages).

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Once our pharmacy receives your prescription, you will get a second email with your package tracking code.

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All orders include next-day delivery. Alternatively, you can select a delivery date that suits you better.

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We also provide a free UPS Access Point service. Pick up your package from one of many collection points across the UK.

With your tracking code, you will know the estimated delivery time. All we need is your signature (or a friend‘s or relative’s).

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With 121doc’s Subscribe & Save service, you can automatically receive your treatment every few weeks or months.

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