Mirvaso is a prescription gel, commonly used for a skin condition known as rosacea. It is used on the affected areas of the skin and can help by making the blood vessels smaller, to reduce redness (erythema) of the skin. The active ingredient in Mirvaso gel is Brimonidine, a drug used in the treatment of rosacea, when applied to the skin.

What is the dosage for Mirvaso gel?

Mirvaso gel is commonly prescribed once daily and a pea-sized amount should be used on affected areas of the skin only. You should start with a tiny amount first, on one area of your skin only, and use it like this for a week, to ensure you do not react to the product. Then you can start to slowly increase the amount you use.

The maximum dose is 5 pea-size amounts, but you should start with a smaller amount first, to check you tolerate the gel. When applying, spread it evenly across the face, covering your nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead.

You should avoid sensitive areas like your eyes, lips, and inside the nose. Always wash hands before and after use.

Types of rosacea

Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness and stinging and mainly affects the face. People with rosacea may develop pimples, bumps, or blood vessels that become visible through the skin. There are four main types of rosacea:

1. Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR): common symptoms include visible blood vessels, flushing, and redness in the face.
2. Papulopustular (or inflammatory) rosacea: common symptoms include breakouts of spots/pimples. This type of rosacea is most common in women aged 45 to 65.
3. Phymatous (including Rhinophyma): this form of rosacea is rare and is usually diagnosed with another form of rosacea. This causes the skin, for example on the nose, to become thick and is most common in men.
4. Ocular rosacea: common symptoms include itching, redness, and burning in the eyes.

What type of rosacea can Mirvaso gel help with?

Mirvaso gel is used to reduce the redness and visible blood vessels, making it the best treatment for ETR. It can also be used alongside other treatments for acne rosacea. It should never be used in or around the eyes, so those with ocular rosacea should find another option.

Mirvaso can only be prescribed to you, as it contains a medication called Brimonidine. This medication can help to make the blood vessels smaller, by reducing blood flow in the face which causes redness. Whilst Mirvaso cannot cure rosacea, it can treat the symptoms, making skin less red and reducing the look of blood vessels near the skin.

What causes rosacea?

Rosacea doesn’t have a common cause but there are certain things that may trigger it, including:

• spicy foods
• hot drinks
• alcohol
• intense exercise, such as running
• cheese
• caffeine

How quickly does Mirvaso take to work?

As with all medication, Mirvaso gel will work differently for each individual but used properly it can reduce redness in most patients. Mirvaso gel should be used daily for best results and can work in as little as 30 minutes, lasting up to 12 hours.

How effective is Mirvaso?

Mirvaso gel is best used if you are looking to reduce redness and the size of blood vessels near the skin, which are commonly caused by rosacea. The effects only last 12 hours, so it needs to be used every time you want the red appearance to be reduced. For example, in the morning before you put on any makeup or skincare products.

Mirvaso is more effective than many cosmetic products as rather than covering the skin, it works on making blood vessels smaller, to reduce redness. Avoiding common rosacea triggers can also help with the effectiveness of Mirvaso.

Mirvaso gel is used on affected areas of the skin, avoiding sensitive areas such as the eyes, lips and inside the nose. You can apply Mirvaso gel once daily and you can use Mirvaso gel for as long as required. Never use more than 1 gram (5 pea sized amounts) of the product in a day. You should use Mirvaso first, and allow it to dry, before applying any other products.

Avoid triggers for rosacea and protect the face from harsh weather to get the most out of Mirvaso. This includes wearing a high SPF sunscreen.

When should I use Mirvaso?

Mirvaso should be used when you see redness or blood vessels on the skin caused by rosacea, and you want to reduce the redness. It should be used on every day that you want to reduce the redness.

If you do not use it, your blood vessels will be easier to see that day and redness could increase. If you decide not to use it one day, simply take the medicine again as normal when you want to use it again. Never use a double dose.

You may slowly increase the amount of gel you use if your symptoms stay the same or do not improve, as long as you do not go over the maximum dose. Only do this after speaking with a doctor.

Should I use Mirvaso in the morning or at night?

When you use Mirvaso gel is up to you and when your symptoms are worst. It should only be used when the face is red. If you want your face to look less red throughout the day, it can be used in the morning, before anything else is applied to the face. Adding it to your skincare routine can help you to remember to use it daily.

How can I get the most out of Mirvaso?

There are a few things you should do and other things you should avoid to get the most out of your Mirvaso gel and improve your rosacea symptoms.

When using Mirvaso you should:

• cover the face if going out in very cold weather
• manage stress
• use an SPF moisturiser daily, after application of Mirvaso gel
• only use skincare products made for sensitive skin
• avoid humid, hot conditions (where possible)
• use daily

When using Mirvaso you should avoid:

• alcohol
• too much caffeine
• hot drinks
• spicy food
• cheese
• too much intense exercise, such as running
• menthol or witch hazel products

Other treatments that are commonly used with Mirvaso gel include Soolantra (which is best for treating acne caused by rosacea) and Metronidazole (which is best for reducing swelling and pimple outbreaks).

Mirvaso gel cannot be supplied over the counter due to it being a prescription drug. It is currently not used by the NHS but can be found online, from trusted sellers such as Superdrug Online Doctor.

Can I get Mirvaso on the NHS?

You may not be able to get Mirvaso from your GP, it depends on your local guidelines.

Can I buy Mirvaso online?

Yes, you can buy Mirvaso online through trusted and regulated sellers like Superdrug Online Doctor. The process is easy and can be done via our website:

1. Fill in an easy, secure medical questionnaire. Here, you will be able to answer questions about your symptoms and upload photos of the affected areas.
2. One of the doctors will then review your questionnaire and decide which treatment is best for you.
3. Your prescription Mirvaso gel can then be dispensed for you to collect in-store at any Superdrug, delivered to your home address, or collected at your local Post Office.
4. If you have any further questions, you can contact a doctor via your account at any time, for free.

Can I get Mirvaso over the counter?

As Mirvaso is a prescription medicine, it cannot be bought over the counter.

Like every medication, Mirvaso gel may have some side effects. The most common are itching or redness that is worse after using. Mirvaso gel can cause allergic reactions in rare cases and you must stop treatment and call 111 (or 999 in severe cases), if you develop signs of an allergic reaction.

If you develop any of the below side effects, stop use and rinse the skin immediately before speaking with your doctor. The most common side effects include:

• a pale colour of skin where the gel is applied
• redness that is worse after using
• burning or itching

Uncommon side effects include:

• dry mouth
• acne
• fever
• swelling around the eyes
• coldness in the feet and hands
• headaches
• dizziness
• itchy rash (hives)
• blocked nose

Rare side effects include:

• slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• low blood pressure (hypotension)
• allergic reaction

Mirvaso Redness

Mirvaso redness is when the use of Mirvaso makes your redness worse than before. This usually happens within the first 2 weeks of use. Your skin should return back to normal once treatment is stopped. If your skin feels uncomfortable or red after applying the gel, wash it off straight away. If the reaction is not bad you can try Mirvaso gel again, but this should be on a small area of the face (such as one half of the cheek) on a day you can stay at home.

If redness doesn’t happen this time, continue with the treatment as prescribed. If you get worsening redness again, stop use and speak to your doctor about another option.

Can Mirvaso make Rosacea worse?

Mirvaso is used as a treatment for the symptoms of rosacea but sometimes makes rosacea worse. If you notice more redness when you start treatment, your skin may be sensitive to the medication in Mirvaso gel. Rinse your face and allow your skin to return to normal before trying Mirvaso again.

Does Mirvaso make skin worse first?

Mirvaso should not make your skin worse first but in some cases, it can cause Mirvaso redness. If you get any other worsening of your symptoms, you may be allergic to Mirvaso and should stop use and speak with your doctor.

What to do if you get Mirvaso side effects

If you get any side effects from Mirvaso, make sure to stop using the gel straight away, even if it is helping your rosacea. Speak to a doctor about what treatment may be better. If you get any rare side effects of Mirvaso you should go to A&E.

You can also report side effects through the Yellow Card Scheme.

Mirvaso may not be right for everyone. Some medical conditions and some medications can interact with Mirvaso, making it less effective, and even unsafe. You must tell the doctor prescribing Mirvaso about any medical conditions you have. Mirvaso gel may not be suitable if you:

• are allergic to Brimonidine or any ingredients in the gel
• have heart or blood circulatory conditions
• have, or used to have, liver or kidney conditions
• have open wounds or irritated skin on your face, or any other skin condition
• have depression
• have had, or want to have, laser procedures on your face
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• drink alcohol regularly
• are under 18

There are some medications that may interact with Mirvaso, or some medications that Mirvaso may interact with. Speak to your doctor first if you take any medication that is for:

• controlling your blood pressure
• heart conditions
• anxiety, pain, or sleep disorders
• asthma
• depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric conditions
• Parkinson’s disease

If you still are not sure, tell your doctor what medications you are on and they can advise if any will interact with Mirvaso.

If Mirvaso isn’t the right treatment for you, there are other treatments for rosacea.

1. Soolantra Cream is used in people that have acne rosacea. Soolantra cream can reduce pimples, bumps, and redness, and may be used with, or as an alternative to Mirvaso. 
2. Metronidazole gel is used to fight inflammation caused by rosacea and can reduce spots and pimples when your rosacea symptoms are worse than normal. Metronidazole doesn’t treat the widening of the blood vessels which causes the redness of rosacea.