Soolantra Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor

Soolantra (ivermectin 1% cream) has one of the most favorable safety profiles of any rosacea treatment available. In large clinical trials, the rate of side effects from Soolantra was actually similar to or lower than placebo cream. That said, it's worth knowing what's normal, what's not, and when to reach out to your doctor.

Is Soolantra Generally Safe?

Yes. Soolantra is a topical cream with minimal systemic absorption. Studies in which 2,047 subjects received Soolantra once daily showed that adverse reactions occurred at a rate of 1% or less. Two trials that studied 707 patients for up to one year revealed no safety concerns. Out of approximately 1,370 patients in the pivotal trials, only about 1 in 77 stopped using it due to side effects within 16 weeks.

The cream does not significantly enter the bloodstream at therapeutic doses, which means the systemic side effects associated with oral ivermectin don't apply to the topical form.

Common Side Effects of Soolantra (Occur in Less Than 2% of Users)

The following side effects were reported in clinical trials at a frequency of less than 2% and are generally mild and transient:

Skin burning sensation (1.3%): A mild burning feeling at the application site, particularly in the first weeks of use. Usually resolves with continued treatment.

Skin irritation (1%): Redness or sensitivity at the application area beyond what rosacea itself causes.

Pruritus / itching (0.8%): Mild itching after application. Usually temporary.

Dry skin (0.7%): Some patients report increased skin dryness, especially in drier climates or during winter months.

Less Common Side Effects (Reported Post-Marketing)

The following have been reported after the drug entered the market (post-marketing). They are uncommon but worth knowing:

Contact dermatitis: A broader skin reaction including redness, swelling, and irritation, sometimes triggered by the inactive ingredients in the cream rather than ivermectin itself.

Allergic dermatitis: An allergic skin reaction that may cause a rash, hives, or significant skin inflammation. If this occurs, stop using Soolantra and contact your doctor.

Serious Side Effects: When to Seek Immediate Help

Serious side effects from topical Soolantra are rare. Stop using Soolantra and get medical help right away if you experience any signs of a severe allergic reaction:

Hives, rash, or severe skin irritation

Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Dizziness or lightheadedness (which could indicate accidental ingestion)

What If Soolantra Gets in My Eyes?

Soolantra should never be applied near the eyes. If the cream accidentally contacts your eyes, they may become red, sore, and irritated. If this happens, gently flush your eyes with water and contact your eye care provider if irritation persists.

Soolantra and Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

The safety of Soolantra during pregnancy is not fully established. Available data on topical use in pregnant women is insufficient to determine risk. In animal studies, high oral doses of ivermectin caused developmental problems, but these doses were far higher than what reaches the bloodstream from topical application. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before using Soolantra.

For breastfeeding, oral ivermectin is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Whether topical Soolantra reaches breast milk has not been evaluated. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.

Tips for Minimizing Side Effects

Apply to clean, dry skin using only a pea-sized amount per area

Avoid applying to the eyes, lips, nostrils, and mucous membranes

Wait until the cream is fully absorbed before applying makeup or sunscreen

Wash hands thoroughly after applying

If dryness occurs, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer after the Soolantra has absorbed

For information on drug interactions, see: Soolantra Drug Interactions: What to Avoid. For help finding Soolantra at a pharmacy, visit medfinder.com.