Metrogel

One of the leading prescription medications for rosacea is Metrogel. You may receive a prescription for the generic form of metronidazole gel. This medication is topical rosacea treatment with few adverse effects. It works by killing bacteria while also providing a moisturizing agent to help keep the skin from drying out.

How Much Does Metrogel Cost?

The amount you pay will vary. People with insurance often receive the generic form for the cost of their co-pay. If you do not have insurance coverage for prescriptions, MetroGel can get very expensive. You'll save money with the generic metronidazole gel. At HealthWarehouse.com, one tube costs about $50 to $60 using 2019 pricing. Using WellRX.com, tubes of MetroGel range from $225 to $250.

Why is Metrogel so Expensive

Metrogel is a prescription medication containing metronidazole, which is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial and parasitic infections. It is expensive because the antibacterial properties of metronidazole make it more difficult for bacteria to become resistant to the medication. It also requires a prescription, which adds another layer to the cost.

What Are the Benefits to Metrogel?

MetroGel contains a special blend of moisturizing agents with the rosacea medication. It helps kill the bacteria that is often linked to rosacea, so this helps reduce redness and the pustules that form with Rosacea subtype 2.

Why is Metronidazole Gel so Expensive

Metronidazole gel is expensive because it is not available as a generic medication and it is the only FDA approved topical treatment for rosacea. It also requires a prescription and has to be ordered from a pharmacy, making it an extra cost. Additionally, the cost of pharmaceuticals, including metronidazole gel, is continually increasing in order to cover the costs of research and development.

How Should I Use It?

Start by washing your face with a cleanser that is free of perfumes, harsh ingredients, or skin irritants. Many people with rosacea find CeraVe to be effective at maintaining the skin's moisture levels while also removing dirt and oils. Blot the skin dry and then apply a small amount of metronidazole to the areas of the face where rosacea is prominent. A pea-size amount should suffice.

If you are using the non-generic MetroGel, the pump it comes in squirts out a measured dosage. You'll always have the right amount of this prescription medication for rosacea.

Doctors usually recommend applying the medication twice a day. Morning and night is often best if you want to space out the application of the rosacea medication to 12 hours apart.

Are There Side Effects?

People who use metronidazole for rosacea may experience some side effects. I know I experienced a few of them. Dryness is the most common and may include scaling/flaking of the skin. That was one issue I had. Using the generic metronidazole gel, my skin did dry out and start flaking. Itching and stinging are other side effects. I experienced both, but it's hard to tell if it was the medication causing the itching because my skin itches a lot anyway.

Some users experience a metallic taste in their mouth, tingling of the extremities, increased redness, and nausea. Thankfully, I never experienced any of those adverse reactions.

Final Thoughts on Getting Rid of Rosacea

I'm not a doctor and every patient is different. I found that metronidazole worked great for about 10 months. After that, my redness came back worse than before. I'd been warned of this beforehand, but it was upsetting when it did stop working. I made the decision at that point to stop spending money on prescriptions and find natural methods to ease my flare-ups. Diet and careful skin care work better for me. Talk to your dermatologist and see what he/she thinks will work best for you.

I have talked to may other rosacea suffers. One product has helped many, though it didn't work at all for me. You might want to give Prosacea - Medicated Rosacea Gel a try and see if you're one of the people it helps.