Rhofade™ : a new topical medication for facial redness

The National Rosacea Society estimates that 16 million people in the United States experience the persistent facial redness associated with rosacea. Yet, there are not many available treatments for facial redness. Current best options include Pulsed Dye laser or Mirvaso (brimonidine) gel.  Because these options are limited, it is welcome news that Allergan has produced a new topical drug that can be prescribed to treat facial redness.

In January 2017, Rhofade Cream was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the topical treatment of persistent facial erythema associated with rosacea in adults. Clinical trials for the new drug look to have promising results. These trials suggest that once-daily application of Rhofade reduces persistent facial erythema.

Allergan is currently offering sample products to medical offices. If you are interesting in samples for your office, you can contact your local representative or go through their website.

It is important to consider the side effects and potential contraindications before prescribing it. As noted on their press release, these include:

Potential Impacts on Cardiovascular Disease

Alpha-adrenergic agonists may impact blood pressure. Rhofade Cream should be used with caution in patients with severe or unstable or uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, orthostatic hypotension, and/or uncontrolled hypertension/hypotension. Advise patients with cardiovascular disease, orthostatic hypotension, and/or uncontrolled hypertension/hypotension to seek immediate medical care if their condition worsens.

Potentiation of Vascular Insufficiency

Rhofade Cream should be used with caution in patients with cerebral or coronary insufficiency, Raynaud’s phenomenon, thromboangiitis obliterans, scleroderma, or Sjögren’s syndrome. Advise patients to seek immediate medical care if signs and symptoms of potentiation of vascular insufficiency develop.

Risk of Angle Closure Glaucoma

Rhofade Cream may increase the risk of angle closure glaucoma in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma. Advise patients to seek immediate medical care if signs and symptoms of acute angle closure glaucoma develop.

Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions for Rhofade Cream were: application-site dermatitis 2%, worsening inflammatory lesions of rosacea 1%, application-site pruritus 1%, application-site erythema 1%, and application-site pain 1%.