Mirvaso Gel

Mirvaso gel is a treatment designed to reduce persistent redness caused by all types and severities of rosacea. It can be used daily or when required and works quickly- usually within minutes to hours- and lasts up to around 12 hours per application. It is safe to use long term however in small number of patients when it is stopped there can be some rebound redness- this risk can be minimized by sticking to the correct dose and amount. It can be used alone or combined with other treatments for rosacea such as Soolantra cream, Rozex gel and Efracea capsules. A minority of people may experience some initial side effects that are like mild sunburn when first using the product, but these should settle after a few days- the application of a rosacea-free moisturiser (such as Acnecide Moisturiser SPF30) after use may alleviate some of these adverse effects.

Mirvaso contains the active ingredient Brimonidine which in the class of drugs known as alpha-adrenergic agonists. Brimonidine is a potent vasoconstrictor which means it narrows blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the affected areas of skin, thus reducing redness, swelling and inflammation.

• In the first week of treatment start with a smaller amount of around 2-3 pea-sized amounts of the gel and apply it once a day to the whole face. If tolerated, then this can be increased to 5 pea-sized amounts applied daily.
• Spread it smoothly and evenly as a very thin layer.
• It can be used every day or as required.
• Wash hands after use.
• Upon stopping use of Mirvaso, some patients will have a rebound of redness- one way to lessen this is to slowly reduce the amount you use each day until you stop.
• If the rosacea goes away after finishing the course, but comes back now and again, the course can usually be repeated. If the rosacea keeps coming back frequently when the medication has been stopped, then consider only taking the medication 2-3 days per week to keep it at bay.
• Avoid the eyelids, lips, inside nose, mouth and the eyes- if you do get it in these areas rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention if concerned.
• Do not apply cosmetics or any creams before applying and wash hands after use.
• If your skin worsens or Mirvaso is not working, then stop using and speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

•        Do not use this medication if you are allergic or suspect allergy to any of the ingredients.

•        Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

•        For external use only- do not swallow and keep away from eyes.

•        Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you are taking other medications that may interact with Mirvaso (this list is not exhaustive) such as: Anti-Parkinson’s medications, Imipramine, Mirtazapine, Chlorpromazine, Methylphenidate, Other alpha agonists, Digoxin and Blood pressure lowering medications such as Propranolol and Amlodipine

•        Do not use Mirvaso if you have Heart, Liver, Kidney,or blood flow/ blood pressure problems, or severe depression, Sjogrens Syndrome or open skin wounds.

Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as it may cause harm.

Active Ingredients: Brimonidine Tartrate 0.33%Other Ingredients: Carbomer, Methylparahydroxybenzoate (E218), Phenoxyethanol, Glycerol, Titanium dioxide, Propylene glycol (E1520), Sodium hydroxide and Purified water.

Shelf Life: 2 years.

All medications and products can potentially cause side effects- If they are severe, or are mild and do not improve, then you should speak to your pharmacist or doctor immediately. This list may not be exhaustive so please consult the patient information leaflet for the full list.


Common Side effects (affecting 1%- 10% of people): Flushing, pallor (pale skin) at the application site, Erythema (redness), pruritus (itch), rosacea and skin burning sensation.
Uncommon Side effects (affecting 0.1%-1% of people): Headache, paraesthesia, Eyelid oedema, Dizziness, Nasal congestion, Dry mouth, Acne, allergic contact dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dermatitis, dry skin, pain of skin, skin discomfort, rash, skin irritation, skin warm, swelling face, urticaria, Feeling hot and peripheral coldness.

There are many other Rosacea treatments available which are listed in our Rosacea guide. If you need help choosing, then start a quick questionnaire-based consultation or book in for a friendly telephone or video consultation with one of our dermatology pharmacists.