Efracea Capsules

About Efracea 40mg Capsules

What are Efracea capsules?

Efracea is a prescription-only treatment for adults with rosacea that causes persistent redness, bumps, and flare-ups on the face. It helps reduce the frequency and intensity of these symptoms, so you have clearer and more comfortable skin.

How do Efracea capsules work?

Rather than acting as a traditional antibiotic, Efracea contains a much lower dose of doxycycline (just 40mg) which is too low to kill bacteria but still high enough to reduce inflammation effectively.

This low dosing allows Efracea to manage rosacea symptoms gently, without contributing to antibiotic resistance. Because of this, it is generally well-tolerated and suitable for longer-term use when prescribed and monitored by your doctor or pharmacist.

Who can use Efracea for rosacea?

Efracea is suitable for adults with rosacea that causes spots, bumps, or facial redness.

Do not use if you:

• Are allergic to doxycycline, tetracyclines, or any capsule ingredient
• Are pregnant from the 4th month onward
• Are breastfeeding long-term
• Are under 12 years old
• Are taking oral retinoids (e.g. isotretinoin)
• Have had certain types of stomach surgery (duodenal exclusion)
• Have very low stomach acid (achlorhydria)

How To Take Efracea

It is important that you take Efracea exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has prescribed, as taking a higher dose can cause anti-biotic resistance.

• Take one capsule once daily, in the morning on an empty stomach – at least one hour before or two hours after food.
• Swallow whole with a full glass of water while sitting or standing; do not lie down immediately afterwards.
• To avoid interactions, leave 2-3 hours between taking Efracea and any milk/dairy products, antacids, or supplements containing iron, magnesium, zinc or calcium.

Efracea Side Effects

Like all medications, Efracea capusles may cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common Side Effects

• Sinus headache or nasal inflammation
• Diarrhoea or indigestion
• Pain in the upper abdomen
• Dry mouth
• Raised blood pressure
• Fungal infections

Uncommon Side Effects

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction (e.g. swelling, trouble breathing)
• Severe skin reaction like a blistering rash
• Persistent headache or visual changes
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight or sunburn

More serious side effects are rare but require urgent medical attention. These include signs of a severe allergic reaction like swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, or a rapid heartbeat. If you notice any of these symptoms, get immediate medical help.

For a full list of side effects, please see the Efracea patient information leaflet. For any side effects not listed in the patient information leaflet, you can report them to the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) to help monitor the medication’s safety.

Efracea Ingredients

Active ingredient: Doxycycline monohydrate 40mg modified-release.

Other ingredients: Sucrose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, talc, gelatine, titanium dioxide (E171), and colouring agents including Allura Red (E129).

Efracea Capsules Warnings

• Not suitable for children under 12 years.
• Do not use in pregnancy (from 4th month) or while breastfeeding long-term. Efracea can cause permanent discolouration of the baby or child’s teeth and reduce bone growth.
• Protect skin from sunlight and avoid tanning beds as Efracea can increase sun sensitivity.
• Always swallow with plenty of water and remain upright after dosing.
• Check with your doctor if you are taking other medicines like anticoagulants, anticonvulsants or retinoids, as interactions may occur.