Dermatologist's Take
Mirvaso (brimonidine 0.33% gel) is a fast-acting prescription that temporarily reduces rosacea redness by narrowing blood vessels. It does not treat bumps or cure rosacea, and some people get rebound redness that is worse than their starting point.
At a glance
- AKA: Mirvaso (generic: brimonidine tartrate 0.33% gel)
- Drug Class: Topical alpha-2 adrenergic agonist (a blood-vessel narrower)
- Rx or OTC: Prescription only
- Typical Strength: 0.33% gel, once a day
- Time to Work: Fast. Redness fades within about 30 minutes and lasts up to about 12 hours
- Evidence Level: Good for temporary redness only. It does not treat bumps
- Important: Some people get rebound redness, where the face turns redder than before once the gel wears off.
What is it?
What is it text.
How it works
Rosacea redness comes partly from widened blood vessels near the skin's surface. Brimonidine makes those vessels narrow for several hours. Less blood near the surface means less visible redness. The effect is temporary and wears off, so it does not change the disease itself.
What it treats
How it's typically used
A small, pea-sized amount is spread in a thin layer over the face once a day. It smooths redness for a number of hours, then wears off. Many people start with a test dose on a small area to see how their skin reacts. This is educational only — follow your prescriber's directions.
Common side effects
- Flushing
- Redness
- Burning or stinging
- Skin irritation or contact dermatitis (a red, itchy rash)
Serious side effects
- Rebound redness — the face becomes redder than baseline as the gel wears off, sometimes worse than before
- Worsening rosacea flushing
- Rarely, dizziness or low blood pressure if too much is absorbed
Call your doctor if redness gets worse or you feel faint.
Who shouldn't take it
Do not use if you are allergic to brimonidine. Use caution if you have heart, blood vessel, or blood pressure problems, or take certain blood pressure or depression medicines. Keep away from children — swallowing the gel can be dangerous.