MetroGel
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Metrogel 1% is a commonly prescribed topical gel that is specifically for the treatment of rosacea. Metrogel 1% is often recommended by dermatologists for rosacea patients, as a way to control this incurable condition. Metronidazole is the active ingredient in this product and is an antibiotic also used in treating other types of skin infections. The dosage in Metrogel1% is the highest available on the market. It reduces the inflammation, redness and bumps common to Rosacea.
Ingredients
In addition to the active ingredient metronidazole, Metrogel also exclusively contains HSA-3™, which is a combination of the products betadex, propylene glycol and vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide. These ingredients as well as a gel, which is 92% water-based is what makes up Metrogel 1%. The gel not only provides easy application but helps your skin absorb the medicinal properties of the treatment.
Advantages for users of Metrogel 1%
- It is only applied once daily.
- The gentle gel formula is soft on the skin and is easy to apply.
- It has no drying agents such as alcohol.
- There is scientific proof that Metrogel 1% does not promote moisture loss or cause damage to the skin’s outer layer.
The downside of Metrogel 1% is the fact that it takes a doctor’s prescription to get it. For those without insurance or with tiered drug coverage, Metrogel is often out of their price range.
Product Rating Summary
Good product, but not as accessible as others. May be pricey depending on patient’s healthcare insurance.
I think metrogel is the best product I have used for rosacea but it takes a long time to clear up. I began using ceptaphil cleanser and moisturizer and saw a dramatic change also. I will always have flare ups but at least now it is under control. I also had a facial with a skin specialist for 45 dollars and she was able to unclog pores and remove dead cell build up around the break out area. Her product line was for sensitive skin called Gly-med. This helped alot also. You must keep with these products and never quit using or the rosacea returns again and could get worse. You cant cure rosacea just keep it under control. I did purchase zen-med products and didnt think they were as effective as ceptaphil line.
Went to dermatologist for rosacea. Gave prescription for Metrogel. Cost was #170.00 US dollars so didn’t take it. Gave me a sample, just started it 3 days ago. No comment yet but definitely face is worse. I think antibiotics cause the problem. Had hip replacement 3months ago and antibio for dental work last week when it really flared up.
I read that Rosacea attacks older women of Scottish, Irish and Northern Europe/Russian descent who have very pale light skin. I’ve always had a sore redness all my life, but it has really taken off since I hit 65
Pharmacist says can’t drink alcohol while taking Metrogel? Anyone have info?
I have tried metro gel twice (forgotten that I had been prescribed it two years ago). I agree with last review; absolutely disastrous for my skin. Had opposite effects to those intended. Strangely for ist 24 hours seemed to be getting better, then all hell broke loose!. Really disappoiting
I have had moderate to severe rosacea for about 15 years now. Sorry I don’t know which subtype. I had a lot of redness and flushing but not much in the way of acne. After several years of just MetroCream, I switched to 1% MetroGel in the morning with Oracea (40mg Doxycycline capsule), and Finacea gel at night. My rosacea is well controlled with this regimen. I prefer Aveda and Origins moisturizers and cleansers, as they are the most soothing. I’ve found that Bare Minerals makeup does a really nice job of minimizing the redness and doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. From reading the comments, it appears that others have mixed experiences. Unfortunately, there is no single “one size fits all” treatment, and there is no cure. Rosacea is a life-long condition and you have to continue treatment or it will come back.
This was like a miracle cure for me. Still have redness/flushing, but the roseacea had progresses to scaly ick all over my t-zone particularly bad around mouth and nose, with nasty pustules appearing even outside the area of white itchy flakes. I had previously tried several holistic remedies to no avail, Oracea initially worked, then made my problem HORRIBLY worse. I really apprecaite this drug. Used it regularly for about 6 months then tapered off and quit using at all. Started to develop minor flaking and pustules again and found the gel had yellowed and smelled ‘off’ Got a new tube – about a week and all in the clear again. I think that if your symptoms are controlled it may be more effective to taper off – I am NO fan of lifelong drugs if they can be avoidedm becuse where do you go to take it to the next step if you need it!
I do note that when my symptoms ARE more or less under control, sunlight appears to make my skin feel better – but excess stress, bad eating habits or overindulgence in wine, caffeine or other possible triggers is just not wise. My skin is fairly sensitive, and though this was a little drying – the flakes that were making me crazy went away – so it was a vast improvement. I had gotten to teh point of scaring small children who’s parents weren’ too swift at reassuring them tha a peson who looks wierd may be very nice inside. I no longer scare children!
I have had a problem with rosacea for a while. With each pregnancy it has gotten worse to the point where I saught treatment this year. The dermatologist gave me several different treatments. The last one being metro gel. It helped at first, but after a few months it didnt work anymore. The gel was very harsh on my skin so the dermatologist gave me the cream instead. Still better then it was but not such a good value.
I too found that Triamcinolone Acetonide aggravated my rosacea and was a total waste of money and time.
I am not at all satisfied with this rosacea treatment. It made my skin worse and not only wasted my money but it was also a waste of my time. It should have been reducing the redness and itching on the skin but it was the opposite. I still used it for 2 weeks, but after that I called quits as I knew this isn’t the right stuff.
I have recently been diagnosed although have had it for ages. I am 60. Metrogel made my skin painfully dry. With insurance it cost $25. I actually think it made it worse as well. There was scaling along with really bad dryness and redness and my skin got worse to the point I look like I have been burned. My derm has me using the LaRoche Posay Toleriane line-cleanser and moisturizer in a tube. Still too early to really tell how it’s working but she took me off Metrogel. I now am taking Oracea.
I developed acute onset of acne rosacea in January ofter a several courses of antibiotics and perdnisone for a sinuse infectin. They perscribed me metrogel to help with the acne it’s been 5 weeks and honestly I don’t think it has really done anything. I still have good days where my skin is clear and bad days with really bad breakouts . I use it twice a day as perscribed but I honestly don’t think it helps anything, I have been told by the derm you have to use it for months to see results if it is going to help… what a waste of many and time, this was not the kind of ance treatment I was hoping for. I guess its a good maintance gel once the acne is under control but it’s not good for helping to get it there. Also it tends to dry my skin out and if I get it on my lips or near my lips it makes my mouth burn and sometimes it makes my skin burn depending on how bad the brakeout is.
I already said I paid $40. no side effects and that’s all I plan to add!!
My MD has me using Metrogel-1% along with Erythromycin since November 2009. They seem to work well together; however, I wonder if this must be a lifetime treatment to avoid worse rhinophyma. All I can find is that it must be treated for “some time”. With insurance a tube was $40 which is OK for me, but how long is “some time!”
I’m about the same age and didn’t see any relief with the metrogel. Has the ZenMed helped?
I’ve been using metrogel for a year now and it has cleared my rosacea. It’s not as noticable as before.
I recommend to use Mary Kay cleanser/moisterizer/sunscreen for Dry Skin if it is drying your face.
I love Metrogel. It is easy to apply since it is a gel & spreads easily. I have a continuous Rosaea problem, not outbreakes. Everyday I will find new bumps starting to form. I use the Metrogel in the morning after washing my face. By night time, the bumps are gone or nearly so. It keeps the facial redness away completely except when I do something to deserve it (sun, hot water etc). The only thing it hasn’t helped is the cappillaries that have surfaced in several areas. However I have HHT (essentially blood vessel problems) and they might be from them. The Metrogel is expensive, but lasts a long time. I would recommend it. Used daily & consistently, I feel it is the best so far.
I am 43 and in the past year have developed severe rosacea. My Dr. prescribed Metrogel and I believe it has made my skin worse. It was covered by my insurance so I only had to pay a $10.00 copay but am discontinuing use and plan on seeing a dermatologist. I have since purchased the ZenMed products and received them in the mail yesterday so will give them a try.
Have been using the gel for 3 months now and am pleased. No more bumps and redness is minimal. The dryness is very annoying. Any suggestions on a good moisture cream? Cost with Ins. was only $70. I only use it at night before bed and has been great for me…..have had this skin issue for about 10 years
I have very mild rosacea. My dermatologist prescribed Metrogel, which I used for several weeks. It has done absolutely nothing — in fact it almost seems as if it made things worse. What a waste.
I am 60 yrs old and just had my 1st outbreak with rosacea. What a mess I am! I am using the Metrogel & is is drying it up along with everything else. I am trying Aveeno Calming Cream because it has the SPF in. At night I use I LOVE CUCUMBERS cream. That stuff is great but has no SPF but really calms my skin. They have a face washing gel that I also use. That feels great. But my face is peeling from the rosacea. Have an appt. with the doc. next week. We shall see what she says about it all. So this is my life from now on. With my insurance, I paid $10.00 for it.
This product did not work well for me.
This product didn’t work for me at all and I wouldn’t recommend. It makes matters worse, it burns, it is shiny on the skin and you can’t wear make up over top of it. I hear it’s expensive if you don’t have a drug plan.
i pay six twelve for it.. it works great!!.. Burt my caps always have a ftendancy to spring a leak or two !! does anyone have a qioute to help me?!!
My GP gave me Metrogel to try. Had really weird side effects. Tingling sensation on face and developed a facial tick (twitching)!! Stopped using the product immediately and had no problesm since. Still have Rosacea though and my usual November flare up is as bad as ever.
Metrogel is a disaster for anyone with moderate to severe corn allergies. In the three weeks I used this product, I had three trips to the emergency room with severe allergic reactions.
After trying just about every lotion and potion for keeping my rosacea under control, I find using only a non perfumed facial cleansing wipe,for sensitive skin, morning and night,then applying MetroGel 1% to be the most successful remedy yet. Since I stopped using water and cleanser on my face, my sore red skin feels much smoother and does not burn so much.The only downside to this gel is that you can resemble a lizard sheding its skin. It does seem to peel off if it has been applied too thickly.
The new formulation of MetroGel 1% is far more tolerable than the old alcohol-based formulation. I have tried all of them- Noritate, MetroGel, MetroCream, MetroLotion and this new formulation is the best tolerated without feeling oily/ greasy. Certainly not everyone with rosacea responds to metronidazole topicals, but this is the one to try. I use it twice daily until symptoms are under control then go back to once daily. Topicals alone usually will not improve active rosacea but instead keep it from worsening. 1-2 months of PO doxycycline will actually improve it however in my case.
got metrogel on 10/2/09 and paid $80. INSURANCE did not cover. sometimes it looks a little better, other times just gets redder. will use it up because of cost. would like to know what provoked it. i am 78 yrs old. try to c over with makeup but doesnt help. actually looks better w/o any.
Metrogel isn’t for all rosacea patients. My doctor prescribed it to me and within 2 days I had a horrible allergic reation to it. My face looked like dog meat–that on-top of allready having moderate rosacea. I felt my doctor didnt really understand what other drugs I was allergic to and the interaction with Metrogel. If you are allergic to sulfa based drugs, tetracyclin or penicillin, please tell your doctor,,it’s very likely you could have a severe rash like reaction to this product.
I have rosacea which causes redness, itching and flaking on my nose, cheeks and chin. My doctor prescribed Metrogel. It controlled the rosacea, but it is a topical antibiotic, can have some serious side effects and is quite expensive. So, I asked my pharmacist what over-the-counter creams or lotions may be effective for treating skin irritations. He recommended Eucerin Calming Cream so I bought some to try and it is working wonderfully. I apply it twice daily and it controls the rosacea so well that my skin looks and feels normal. Try it.
It wasn’t very effective. It irritated my skin and didn’t control the outbreaks.
can you please tell me what the natural product is that you are using. Thank you.
@Ahmed Herman
just started it today. after reading all the reviews im going to give it a chance.my doctor & pahrmacist both highly reccommended it for at least a month. more on this later
I also am using Metro Gel but has had not much effect, now my eyes are burning, Iam wondering if that is from the Metro Get? What are you using?
I was already having a terrible time with rosacea and after I tried this product my problems were more. My face became more red and also my skin started to scratch alot. I stopped using it completely after two weeks and my skin is much better now after I have started using another rosacea treatment.
Made my face redder than ever and gave my face and eyes a prickly feeling .It as not worked for me.
Hi I was recently diagnosed with Rosacea and have used Oxytetracycline tablets but was told not to take them with me when I go on holiday and was perscribed Metrogel which I have found not to be as good! Has anybody tried using make-up whilst using metrogel, would appreciate some/any feedback on Metrogel
is anyone willing to send me their unused MetroGel – I did not have any reaction to it – but being laid off I can not afford the high price it cost and need it to control my rosacea
thanks – Cindy
I am 2 weeks post-op v-beam Perfecta for Subtype I and II rosacea. People commenting should specify subtype because the different types are almost like totally different diseases, needing different treatments.
The subtype I part, the angry blood vessels, gave me extreme chemical sensitivities, so I had v-beam to treat it.
Two weeks later, I’m able to use MetroGel for the first time without my skin flushing and so far, WOW!
But … the heat from the laser flared the subtype II rosacea (because I’d declined the cortisone cream immediately after). Heat responders can do that, the clinic said.
Anyway, just got introduced to the Gel for the first time. Works way better than the cream and it clears up the papules and pustules fast.
The MetroGel treats the Subtype II part of the rosacea, does nada for the Subtype I. That type responds to laser or lightbox.
Now bracing myself for v-beam number two!
Thank The Lord for MetroGel!!!
Iam 50yrs woman I when to my doctor for a rash only on my chin he said it was rosacea.Prescribed it told me,to use it for 2weeks. I use it for 4 days it got so bad blist red burning. I stop use it and now going to see dematologist.Dont use this until you know for sure what it is doctor don’t know every thing.
Worked great. Paid $141 for a tube but it was worth it.
Metrogel 1% is necessary to control outbreaks on my nose.
I manage to get my RX filled via a Canadian/American pharmacy at a reasonable price: about $60 a jar, which lasts around 6 months.
I paid $157 for this and was unable to use it. My face swelled so badly I had to have a cortosone shot and doxycycline to clear the swelling. The burning was horrible too.
I would NEVER use another drop!!
The price was horrendous.
I used Metrogel for years–but I saw little improvment. It made my skin very dry, and more sensitive. The cost was approx 20.00 US dollars a tube and lasted a long time.
My doctor prescribed it and told me, I had to stick with it for some time. It was $36 with my insurance covering part of it. I did stick to the prescribed regiment – for at least 2 weeks, but couldn’t go on, as it made my skin so dry and even more sensitive. In fact, it triggered my redness into to papulo-pustular form after about a month. I attempted to go back to it once more and stopped there.
Initially when I started to use this gel, I could see a good change in my condition with rosacea. But after a week, I noticed that the redness and dryness of my skin was back. I still use metrogel for another 2 weeks, but that was enough for me as the redness and dryness was persistent. So, I won’t like to recommend it, just for the fact that it didn’t work for me.
Side effects: metallic taste, swollen tongue. I used it for 6 days.
I have extremely sensitive skin to the point that it burns if I use the wrong product or if the rosea flares too much. Metrogel or sometimes Metrocreme really helps me when I need it when nothing else will. I find that I have to use a bit more than a very thin film and use it more like a general moisturizer even tho I add other products on top. After it clears up my skin, I keep using the product for at least a week (usually longer) until all signs of lesions are gone. At any sign of a lesion I use it again along with my regular cleasing regimen. My biggest thing is a gentle regimen with Avene or La Roche Posay at this time although I’m considering using the new Clinique products. I have been using metrogel and metrocream in the manner for over 3 years now – I generally find metrocream better for my skin which is older and on the dryer side (I’m 50). The price is no real barrier – even if I didn’t have insurance it would only be 22.00 a tube. The only real side effect is it tastes awful so if my boyfriend kisses me he gets a bad taste in his mouth if he misses!
I used it for one complete month and found only a bit of improvement in my skins condition with rosacea. I don’t see it as anything good for rosacea.
It works slowly, so after about 2 months of using it I could tell a difference. My doctor prescribed doxycyline after 4 months of metrogel alone. Using both I have seen a big difference, but you have to use them everyday to make it stay away. A flare up now and then, but nothing like it was before. I had insurance, and I had to pay $50 for the metrogel, but it lasts a long time, so the cost isn’t bad. $10 for 1 month of the doxycycline.
I used Metrogel for a month and my skin got worse. It didn’t work for me.
Rosacea has over run my life for years, nothing was working until I tried this.
Hated my appearacnce for years.
I went back to my old regime after this did not work and my skin quickly improved.
Rosacea was always showing up when I least expected or wanted it to.
My overall impression is good, I got the results I was looking for and I will buy again.
Never really worked for me, maybe it will work for others.
I have been looking for a treatment for what I thought was acne, to find out what I had was Rosacea. I was hoping something would help.
I hated everytime my face was bright red.
Within four weeks my skin was way clearer. Well worth recommending the money.
Irritated my skin.
I hated everytime my face was bright red.
It works great.
It made the problem far worse.
It has word great for me, and I like the way it made my skin feel.
Not sure what it was but, alot of these kind of products seem to leave me with the same problem as the more exspensive ones, a dry flakey complexion.
I have had Rosacea for a long time, and it caused me much distress.
I thought it was ok, I will give it some more time to see if it works.
I Wouldn’t recommend it to a friend, put it that way.
Nothing ever worked to get rid of my Rosacea. I guess a prescription of Metrogel was the right choice.
Rosacea was a problem for years, everytime I would eat something spicy my face would be beet red. My dermatologist told me to try Metrogel for this. I am now using something natural and my skin looks great.