Seysara (sarecycline) is a tetracycline antibiotic medication used to treat moderate to severe acne. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of certain bacteria on the skin and reducing inflammation. Like all medications, Seysara can cause side effects, and it's important to be aware of these before starting treatment. Weight loss is not listed as a common or expected side effect of Seysara. This article provides a detailed overview of Seysara, its uses, how it works, potential side effects, and important precautions to consider.
What is Seysara and How Does It Work?
Seysara, containing the active ingredient sarecycline, is prescribed to treat red, swollen pimples caused by moderate to severe acne. It belongs to the tetracycline class of antibiotics. Acne occurs when skin pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, sometimes leading to bacterial growth, causing redness, swelling, and pimples. Seysara is thought to help treat acne by inhibiting bacterial growth and alleviating swelling and redness, promoting skin healing and preventing new breakouts.
Dosage and Administration
Seysara is administered orally, usually once daily, with or without food, as directed by a doctor. It is crucial to take the medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) and avoid lying down for at least 10 minutes afterward. For optimal effect, this antibiotic should be taken at evenly spaced times.
Avoid taking Seysara 2 to 3 hours before or after consuming products containing aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, or bismuth subsalicylate, which are found in antacids, quinapril, sucralfate, vitamins/minerals, dairy products, and calcium-added juices.
It is important to continue taking Seysara until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if the condition improves after a few days.
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Common Side Effects
The most common side effect of Seysara is nausea. Other possible side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- A spinning feeling
These side effects may subside as the body adjusts to the medicine. However, if they persist or worsen, consulting a doctor is recommended.
Serious Side Effects and What to Do
While less common, Seysara can cause serious side effects. It is crucial to be aware of these and seek immediate medical attention if they occur:
- Permanent Teeth Discoloration: Seysara can cause permanent tooth discoloration (yellow, gray, or brown) and affect enamel development, especially in children under eight and during the last half of pregnancy.
- Bone Growth Problems: Similar to tooth discoloration, Seysara can affect bone growth during pregnancy and in children under eight. These effects are usually reversible once the medication is stopped.
- Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea: Overgrowth of Clostridioides difficile ("C. diff") in the gut can lead to antibiotic-associated diarrhea, even months after stopping the antibiotic. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, diarrhea that doesn't go away, blood in the stool, severe stomach cramps, and fever.
- Dizziness or Feeling Off Balance: Seysara can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or a feeling of being off balance. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
- Increased Pressure Around the Brain (Intracranial Hypertension): This serious condition, also known as pseudotumor cerebri, can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, severe headache, and vision changes. Discontinue Seysara and contact your healthcare provider immediately if these symptoms occur. This is more likely to occur in women of childbearing age who are overweight.
- Sensitivity to Sunlight (Photosensitivity): Seysara can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and similar light sources. Exposure to sunlight, even for short periods, may cause skin rash, itching, redness or other discoloration of the skin, or a severe sunburn. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds/sunlamps.
- Another Infection: Seysara may increase the risk of other infections, such as fungal infections.
- Severe Allergic Reactions: Though rare, severe allergic reactions can occur. Symptoms include breathing problems, racing heart, fever, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the face/lips/mouth/tongue/throat, trouble swallowing, itching, skin rash, hives, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, stomach cramps, and joint pain. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these occur.
Precautions and Warnings
Before taking Seysara, it is important to consider the following:
- Allergies: Do not take Seysara if you are allergic to sarecycline, other tetracyclines, or any of the inactive ingredients in the medication.
- Proper Use: Take Seysara as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Taking it differently may increase the risk of bacterial resistance.
- Fluid Intake: Take Seysara with plenty of fluid to avoid throat irritation.
- Interactions: Antacids and supplements can interfere with Seysara's effectiveness. Discuss with your healthcare provider the best way to take these while on Seysara.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Seysara can harm an unborn baby and passes into breast milk. Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Interactions with Other Medications and Substances
Seysara can interact with various substances, including:
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- Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium: These can reduce Seysara's effectiveness. Take Seysara 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking these antacids.
- Iron supplements: Similar to antacids, iron supplements can interfere with Seysara's absorption.
- Other medications: It is important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements, to avoid potential interactions. These include oral retinoids, bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), blood thinners, penicillin antibiotics and Digoxin (Lanoxin).
- Alcohol and Marijuana: This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy.
Seysara Storage Instructions
Seysara should be stored at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), and protected from moisture and excessive heat.
What to do in Case of a Missed Dose or Overdose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.
In case of an overdose, seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center.
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