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Uses

What is Rhofade used for?

Rhofade (oxymetazoline topical) is commonly applied to the skin to treat redness that can happen with rosacea. Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that can cause symptoms such as redness and small bumps.

Rhofade may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Rhofade work (mechanism of action)?

Rhofade belongs to a group of medicines called alpha-1A agonists. It is believed to work by causing blood vessels to shrink, which reduces skin redness.

How is Rhofade supplied (dosage forms)?

Rhofade is available as a 1% topical cream that is applied to the skin.

How should I store Rhofade?

Rhofade should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Rhofade?

The most common side effects of Rhofade are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Skin irritation where the product is applied
  • Worsening of inflamed pimples and bumps of rosacea
  • Itching, redness, or pain where the product is applied

There may be other side effects of Rhofade that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Rhofade?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Rhofade are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Rhofade may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Rhofade and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Rhofade?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Rhofade.

  • Oxymetazoline
  • Rhofade
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Rhofade.

What should I know about Rhofade before using it?

Do not use Rhofade unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Rhofade with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Rhofade out of the reach of children.

Rhofade is for use on the skin only. It should not be used on other areas of the body such as your eyes, mouth, or vagina. 

Do not use Rhofade on irritated skin or open wounds. This can increase the risk of side effects.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Rhofade?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, skin products, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Rhofade is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Heart or Blood Vessel Problems. Rhofade may worsen any heart or blood vessel problems you have. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any heart or blood vessel problems, such as any of the following.

  • Heart conditions
  • High or low blood pressure
  • History of stroke
  • Dizziness or low blood pressure when standing up
  • Blood flow problems, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon
  • Sjögren’s syndrome, which is a condition that can cause dry eyes and mouth
  • Scleroderma, which is a condition that can cause thickening or tightening of your skin
  • Buerger’s disease (thromboangiitis obliterans), which is a condition that causes inflammation of blood vessels in your arms and legs

Narrow-angle Glaucoma. Rhofade may worsen narrow-angle glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Tell your healthcare provider if you have narrow-angle glaucoma.

Skin Irritation or Open Sores on the Face. Using Rhofade on irritated skin or open sores or wounds may increase the risk of side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any skin irritation or open sores on your face.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Rhofade may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Rhofade, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Rhofade could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Rhofade passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Rhofade while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Rhofade?

For more information about Rhofade, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.rhofade.com or call them at 800-344-8661.

Interactions

Does Rhofade interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Rhofade and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Rhofade.

Does Rhofade interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Rhofade.

  • A beta-blocker, such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL, and others), atenolol (Tenormin), or propranolol (Inderal LA, Innopran XL), which is a medicine that may be used for certain heart conditions or to reduce blood pressure
  • A medicine for high blood pressure
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • An alpha-blocker, such as terazosin, doxazosin, alfuzosin, or prazosin, which is a medicine that may be used for high blood pressure and/or difficulty peeing due to an enlarged prostate
  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Rhofade. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Rhofade?

If you or someone else has used too much Rhofade, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Rhofade?

If you miss your scheduled dose of Rhofade, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow the original schedule. Do not apply Rhofade more often than prescribed.