Mirvaso Gel

Mirvaso is a prescription gel containing brimonidine 3mg/g. It reduces the persistent facial redness of rosacea by temporarily narrowing the small blood vessels in the skin. You apply it once a day, it starts working within about 30 minutes, and the effect lasts up to 12 hours. At MedsRus, a UK prescriber reviews a confidential online consultation before supplying it.

Mirvaso at a glance

How does Mirvaso work?

Rosacea redness comes from small blood vessels in the face that are wider than usual. Brimonidine temporarily narrows these vessels, which reduces the redness for several hours. It doesn't cure rosacea, and the redness returns as the gel wears off, so it's used each day as needed.

How to use Mirvaso

• Start small. For the first week, use a small amount, about one pea-sized amount, once a day.
• Build up slowly if you need to, depending on how your skin responds, up to a maximum of 1g (about five pea-sized amounts) a day.
• Spread it thinly and evenly over the whole face: forehead, chin, nose and each cheek.
• Keep it away from your eyes, eyelids, lips, mouth and the inside of your nose.
• Don't put it on irritated or broken skin.
• Wash your hands straight after applying it.

Each gram of gel contains 3mg of brimonidine. Using more than the maximum won't work better and makes side effects more likely.

Redness that comes back worse

Some people find their redness or flushing comes back worse as the gel wears off, or gets worse soon after it's applied. The MHRA has warned about this, and it's the reason to start with a small amount and build up gradually. Stop using Mirvaso and speak to us if your redness, burning or flushing gets worse. In most people it settles once they stop.

Side effects

• Common: flushing, redness, a burning or itching feeling in the skin.
• Uncommon: dry skin, acne, headache, a stuffy nose, dry mouth, cold hands or feet, feeling hot, dizziness or swelling of the face.
• Rare: a slow heartbeat or low blood pressure, which can make you feel faint.

Get urgent medical help if you have swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, or a raised, itchy rash, as these can be signs of an allergic reaction.

Who shouldn't use Mirvaso?

Mirvaso isn't suitable if you:

• are under 18;
• take an MAOI antidepressant (such as phenelzine or moclobemide), or a tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant;
• are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding;
• are allergic to brimonidine or any ingredient in the gel.

Tell the prescriber if you have heart or circulation problems (including Raynaud's), low blood pressure, depression, or liver or kidney problems, or if you take medicines for blood pressure, heart problems (such as digoxin), depression, or other alpha-agonist medicines.

Mirvaso or Finacea?

They treat different parts of rosacea. Mirvaso reduces redness, while Finacea gel (azelaic acid) treats the bumps and spots. Some people use both. For triggers, skincare tips and the other treatment options, see our rosacea treatment page.

How MedsRus prescribes Mirvaso

1. Complete a confidential online consultation about your skin, health and medicines.
2. A UK prescriber reviews it and approves Mirvaso if it's suitable, or suggests an alternative.
3. Your gel is dispensed by our UK pharmacy and sent in plain packaging.

Mirvaso FAQs

How long does Mirvaso last?

It usually starts to work within about 30 minutes, and the effect lasts up to 12 hours. That's why it's applied once a day, usually in the morning.

Can I wear make-up with Mirvaso?

Yes. Let the gel dry fully first, then apply your usual moisturiser, sunscreen or make-up.

Why is my redness worse after using Mirvaso?

Some people find their redness or flushing comes back worse as the gel wears off, or gets worse soon after applying it. Starting with a small amount and building up slowly helps. If it keeps happening, stop using it and speak to us.

Does Mirvaso treat rosacea spots?

No. Mirvaso only reduces redness. Bumps and spots need a different treatment, such as azelaic acid gel.

Can I use Mirvaso with Finacea?

Yes, many people use both, as they treat different symptoms. Apply them at different times or let one dry before applying the other, and check with the prescriber first.

Sources:

• NHS: Rosacea
• MHRA: Brimonidine gel and worsening rosacea