Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride (ox-i-me-TAZ-oh-leen hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

Treats facial redness caused by rosacea.

Brand Name(s):

Rhofade

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Cream

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Use this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
• To use: If you are using the pump for the first time, prime it by holding the pump upright and press down several times until the cream is dispensed onto a tissue. Pump three more times onto the tissue and throw away the tissue. Press down on the pump one time to dispense a pea-sized amount of the cream to your fingertip. Apply a thin layer of the cream to cover the entire face (forehead, nose, cheeks, chin). Do not apply the cream to irritated skin or open wounds.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how oxymetazoline works. Tell your doctor if you are using digoxin or blood pressure medicines.
• Do not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart or blood vessel problems, high or low blood pressure, irritated skin or open sores on the face, narrow-angle glaucoma, Raynaud syndrome, SjÖren syndrome, scleroderma, thromboangiitis obliterans, enlarged prostate, or a history of stroke.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Increase risk of angle closure glaucoma
• Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision, eye pain
• Chest pain, trouble breathing
• Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
• Worsening of rosacea pimples

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088