Publications filed with the UK and EU health and approval authorities suggest that Galderma is marketing the 40mg modified release doxycycline (known as Oracea in the US) as Efracea in the United Kingdom.
Other member countries also granting approval are Austria, Germany, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Holland and Sweden. The medicine is also approved under the name `Oraycea’ in Germany.
Officially known as “EFRACEA 40 mg modified-release hard capsules”, finally rosacea sufferers in Europe will be able to try Oracea/Efracea to see if it is a good match for them.
How is it taken ?
Rosacea sufferers will be able to fill a prescription for Efracea in packets of 28 and 56 tablets.
The supporting documentation suggests that patients should be evaluated after 6 weeks of once-daily usage of Efracea. Interestingly it is confirmed that patients do tend to experience a reappearance of lesions 4 weeks after ceasing treatment. Thus patients should be re-assessed a month after their 6 week treatment – or indeed 8 weeks as the 56 table pack might well suggest.
How much does it cost ?
Unless you have full health insurance, Oracea is prohibitively expensive in the US.
Can anyone who has filled a prescription for Efracea in the UK tell us what it cost ? Is it available on the NHS ?
I was unable to find a press release announcing that Efracea was available in the UK, so perhaps it is close to being available but not yet on pharmacy shelves. Some documents are suggesting that Efracea was only officially approved in mid November 2009.
5 comments ↓
I have found it online with many Canadian Pharmacys, cost varies, but the lowest prices are consistent at $199. for 60 capsules. There are some that sell it for much more, but the larger pharmacys will always price match any of the low prices you find at any other approved site, “CIPA” approved ect. I purchased at CanadaPharmacy.com since they are highly rated and they price matched the $199 price I found from Global Drugs, Blue Sky Drugs & Big Mountain Drugs. You will need a prescription which you can fax or attach & e-mail. Buying Oracea in the USA would cost me $320 for 30 capsules, so it’s a big savings.
I was prescribed Efracea today on the NHS (had been considering getting it privately now that it is available in the UK, and was quite surprised it was easily available on NHS, although it really ought to be since it is now approved by Nice). I know some trusts are refusing to pay for it/approve it at the moment, but the costs to the NHS (though these may differ to the privately prescribed cost of the drug in the UK?) are roughly £15 a month, so much cheaper than in the US and Canada I think. Its sold in packs of 56 for around £30, so if you want it it’s worth pointing out to the GP/dermatologist that you will get two months treatment for the headline price they will see of £30. Efracea is not yet listed in the BNF (the doctors’ medicine bible) where they will first look when you request it since they probably won’t have heard of Efracea yet, but it was listed on the GP’s computer prescription system as an available drug.
Thanks for that excellent detailed information Naturaltreatments !
I have just been prescribed this drug, and now having read all the information about it, I am not sure that I want to take it. I know it has been tested etc but the side effects sound rather worrying, has anyone used it and felt OK? plus see that condition comes back when you stop taking it!
Hi Jane,
As Efracea is just the well known antibiotic doxycycline, if you have been ok in the past taking antibiotics then you should be fine.
It is definitely worth knowing the common negative side effects of taking anything, so do keep an eye out for changes and let your doctor help you with any concerns.
One of the touted benefits of Efracea is the potential for less side effects due to the lower dosage.
For some sufferers, symptoms will return as they come off antibiotics, but potentially less severe especially if you are able to reduce inflammation through a good skin care regime for eg.
all the best,
davidp.
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