Metrogel application

Metrogel is easy to use:

• Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before you start the application
• First, wash the skin in the affected area with warm water and mild soap and dry gently
• Squeeze a small amount of gel onto your fingertips and apply a thin layer of the gel to all the affected areas
• Rub the gel in well
• Replace the cap and wash your hands after use

Metrogel should be applied in this way twice a day, morning and evening. It is only to be applied directly to the affected skin twice a day. Do not use more than this, or more than your doctor advises.

If you forget to use your gel at the right time or miss a dose for whatever reason, don’t worry. Just leave the missed dose, and take your next dose/application as before.

Most people will need to use Metrogel for up to 9 weeks to clear up the infection causing the inflammation and irritation.

Metrogel can be used by people over the age of 18 years old to treat rosacea.

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before using Metrogel.

Metrogel ingredients

Metrogel contains the active ingredient metronidazole.

Metrogel comes as a 0.75% gel, which means that each 1 gram of gel contains 7.5mg of metronidazole.

Metrogel also contains the inactive ingredients: phosphoric acid, hydroxybenzoic acid esters, bronopol, hydroxyethyl cellulose, propylene glycol.

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before using Metrogel.

Metrogel should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Metrogel side effects

Metrogel may cause some people to experience side effects, although not everyone experiences them in the same way.

The most common side effects are mild and will improve once you stop using the gel.

The most commonly reported side effects include:

• Skin irritation
• Dry, itchy skin
• Reddening of the skin
• Burning, pain, and stinging of the skin
• Worsening of rosacea

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before using Metrogel.

If these side effects do not improve, or you experience more adverse reactions or serious side effects, or if you are concerned in any way, speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Metrogel allergic reaction

Serious allergic reactions from this treatment are very rare, but it is possible. This is known as anaphylaxis.

If a serious allergic reaction occurs, you will experience symptoms including:

• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Tightness in the chest or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty talking
• Swelling of the face, mouth, lips, tongue or throat
• Changes to the skin such as itching and redness, swelling or rashes

If you are experiencing an allergic reaction, contact the emergency services or go straight to your local A&E.

Metrogel warnings

Here are a few important points to note about taking Metrogel:

• If you suffer from a blood disorder, speak to a doctor before using Metrogel
• Do not spend prolonged time in sunlight or exposing your skin to UV light when using this medicine
• If you are currently using or have recently stopped using any other prescribed or non-prescribed medicines you should tell your doctor or a pharmacist before starting to use Metrogel

Your GP will be able to advise you on how to proceed if you suffer from any health conditions or take prescribed or non-prescribed medicine which put you at risk should you use Metrogel. They may suggest alternative rosacea treatment options if appropriate.

Metrogel and alcohol

Taking Metronidazole orally can react with alcohol. Although this is very unlikely with Metrogel because it is only applied to the skin, you are advised not to drink alcohol while you are using it.

Alcohol can also increase symptoms of rosacea and so only drinking small amounts during a flare-up is advisable.

Metrogel and drug interactions

When topical metronidazole is applied to the skin, it is only absorbed into the bloodstream in very small amounts. This means it is very unlikely to affect any other medicines that you are taking at the same time.

Very rarely, people taking anticoagulant (blood clotting) medicines such as warfarin or coumarin have found that using Metrogel has enhanced the effect of their anticoagulant. Contact your doctor for advice if you take this medication or suffer from blood disorders.

You can find more drug information in the Patient Information Leaflet.

Metrogel & pregnancy

If you are suffering from rosacea and are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using Metrogel. They will be able to advise you about the best course of treatment.