MetroGel Cream

Generic Name: Metronidazole Cream, Gel, and Lotion (MET-roe-NYE-da-zole)
Brand Name: Examples include MetroCream, MetroGel, and MetroLotion

MetroGel Cream is used for:

Treating inflammation caused by the skin disorder rosacea. It also may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

MetroGel Cream is an antiprotozoal and antibacterial. It works by decreasing inflammation.

Do NOT use MetroGel Cream if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in MetroGel Cream

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if this applies to you.

Before using MetroGel Cream:

Some medical conditions may interact with MetroGel Cream. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of certain blood problems (eg, low white blood cell or platelet levels)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with MetroGel Cream. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because their effects may be increased by MetroGel Cream. This may increase the risk of certain side effects.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if MetroGel Cream may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use MetroGel Cream:

Use MetroGel Cream as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Wash and completely dry the affected area. Be sure the area is completely dry before applying MetroGel Cream.
• Apply a thin layer of MetroGel Cream to the affected area. Gently rub the medicine in until it is evenly distributed.
• Wash your hands immediately after using MetroGel Cream.
• You may apply cosmetics after you use MetroGel Cream. If you are using the lotion, wait 5 minutes after you use MetroGel Cream before you apply cosmetics so that the lotion has time to dry.
• Use MetroGel Cream on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Using it at the same time(s) each day will help you remember to use it.
• Continue to use MetroGel Cream even if your condition improves, unless a doctor tells you otherwise. Do not miss any doses.
• If you miss a dose of MetroGel Cream, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use MetroGel Cream.

Important safety information:

• MetroGel Cream is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you get it in any of these areas, rinse right away with cool water.
• Do NOT use more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
• Talk with your doctor before you use any other medicines or cleansers on your skin.
• Do not use MetroGel Cream for other skin conditions at a later time.
• MetroGel Cream should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using MetroGel Cream while you are pregnant. It is not known if MetroGel Cream is found in breast milk after topical use. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use MetroGel Cream, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of MetroGel Cream:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Mild burning, dryness, itching, scaling, or stinging.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe burning, dryness, irritation, itching, scaling, or stinging; tingling or numbness of the hands or feet.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately. MetroGel Cream may be harmful if swallowed.

Proper storage of MetroGel Cream:

Store MetroGel Cream at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep MetroGel Cream out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about MetroGel Cream, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• MetroGel Cream is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about MetroGel Cream. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

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