My GP has just diagnosed my very red cheeks as rosacea and has prescribed metronidazole topical cream 1% (it is an antibiotic). He said it was ok to use with my prednisone (currently on about 4 mgs)
I looked at the webmd drug checker and it said:
“Metronidazole topical will increase the level or effect of prednisone by altering drug interaction.”
“significant interaction possible (monitoring by doctor required)
I am hoping that some of you have had experience with rosacea and metronidazole 😊
As you are on such a low steroid dose, your Dr has probably given you the right advice, believing that any slight increase in the level/effect of Pred will be negligible at this low dose. But if in doubt, do seek the advice of a good pharmacist - they are more knowledgeable about drugs than most doctors.
Hi Mrs-CJ
I agree with Celtic, the Doctor will have taken into account your pred, Pharmacists are really good if you want a second opinion. I have had to use low dose steroid creams on and off throughout illness and been okay, I'm on 5mg. ATB
Thank you for this info. It helps relieve my worries about taking this cream.
My pharmacist rings Dr if a query and rings me if new med prescribed after a week. I trust her more than GP.
Wow....what great service for you! My pharmacy is pretty helpful, especially if I drop by during their less busy times.
I have had my meds from that pharmacy for 20years or so so know everyone well...which is worrying 😂 I have 16 items in prescription and they are out of sync so I end up there twice a week.
I have always had high colour and now made worse by steroids. I use the Clinique Redness Solutions range. Non perfumed and calms things down. Consult says Cushoid. Hope this helps.
Hi riake
Cushoid is the term used by my rheumie for the swollen cheeks - more respectable than the Budgified look.
When I had rosacea I did try the clinique range but didn't help me but then I am sensitive to lots of things, I ended up on antibiotics for 4 1/2 years!
Thanks for posting, I have had red cheeks for last 3 months I did not connect the dots to Pred as have been on Pred for 14mths. Currently at 6.5mg concealer make up is not very effective, am seeing GP next week will see if this cream could be good for me.
My cheeks have had slightly more colour since I’ve been on prednisone, but last summer they became very red all the time.....and flaming red with any exertions. I thought I would just live with it until I was off the prednisone but then I noticed other things about my skin that is described when I googled rosacea. And my GP confirmed its what I have. I think I read that you need to take the cream for quite awhile.
Hi Mrs-CJ, When I was in hospital in Feb I was on 9mg of Pred and had two antibiotic drips, one of which was Metronidazole. No effect on the pred, so I'm sure you are OK with it1
Thank you for this. I guess metronidazole is used for other things, too. When I googled drug interactions there was a list of ways you can take it....ie, IV, pills, cream, etc.
I always check any new Meds with the Pharmacist, there’s quite a few drugs that ‘can’ react with Pred either increasing or decreasing the potency of either drug. But l’ve never actually not been able to take the other Meds just maybe take them a few hours apart.
Your Pharmacist is invaluable when you’re on a long time Meds Regime.
Best Wishes
Mrs N 💅🏼
I have a favorite pharmacist and he works weekends so I’ll go see him then. I’m to apply the cream twice a day so I can wait a bit after my morning prednisone and then not be too late at night for the second dose.
All it will do is possibly make the pred more effective - and you may even manage a reduction! Though whether that effect will last is another question...
I experienced rosacea while on steroids and was given metronidazole cream. I can’t say it helped, but I’ve now come off the steroids and the rosacea has gone so there is hope that it will get better. I’m now back to needing some rouge if I want people to say i look well!
I wonder if the prednisone caused your rosy cheeks and it wasn’t rosacea at all. I hope I have the results that you have had!
There is a rosacea cream with green base that takes redness out a bit. Having spent my life with a sallow complexion I now have red blotchy cheeks that get redder if I touch or rub my face. Like one of those dolls with red cheeks...pred head means can't remember the name.
I could probably find a concealer that would do the same thing 😁 But I don’t think I want to mix a different product with this cream.....might cause it to be less effective.
I’ve also got to do some googling about whether I can put sunscreen on top of it when I’m out in the sun.
The cream was a proper medicated cream so if Metra doesn't help.its another choice. It's a wide rimmed hat that supposedly has spf50 protection.
I was told the same thing! I don't believe it is Rosacea at all and the cream doesn't help. Prednisone causes us to have overheating of the head and face and I believe the redness is a direct result of the Prednisone. Avoid doing anything right now. Go to Ulta or Sephora and find a foundation that has complete coverage!
I use E45 cream for my rosacea and find it really helps. I do notice the difference if I have forgotten to use it. Pred head! I am hoping it goes when or if I finally get off the pred. I’m halfway there now so 7.5 to go. Slow but sure.
Reduced prednisone again now at 5 in am, 5 in evening, feeling ok
Depression as side effect of long term prednisone use?
How do you know when to stop prednisone
Our bodies getting 'used to' a certain level of Prednisone
