Lymecycline 408mg Capsules

What is Lymecycline?

Lymecycline or its branded version, Tetralysal 300 (made by Galderma), is an oral tetracycline type antibiotic used to treat acne. It is also used to treat skin, mouth, urine, and chest infections. It’s particularly useful in treating inflamed skin infections caused by bacteria.

Lymecycline tablets are not available. Lymecycline is only available in a capsule form.

Lymecycline capsules do not contain penicillin and are not related to penicillin in any way.

How does Lymecycline work?

The treatment cannot “cure” acne, rather it keeps its symptoms under control. This means they will not affect your day-to-day life.

Propionibacterium acnes is the main bacteria that is stopped by lymecycline. This bacteria feeds on sebum produced by sebaceous glands on the skin. The waste product produced by the bacteria is what causes the glands to become irritated and inflamed. Mitigating this process stops the formation of spots.

Who can use Lymecycline Capsules for Acne?

Lymecycline is usually prescribed when over-the-counter and prescribed topical acne treatments have proven ineffective. It is also used when acne is not limited to the face. Scalp, back and limb acne is often more awkward to treat topically e.g. applying treatment on your back can be tough without help. Therefore, an oral capsule solution is often preferred as it will treat the problem all over the body.

Lymecycline capsules are suitable for treating mild to moderate acne where there is an active infection and visible inflammation. They also help with other types of acne (cystic, acne rosacea, and hormone related acne).

How long can I use Lymecycline for the treatment of Acne?

Duration usually depends on your response to the treatment. For the treatment of acne, Lymecycline should normally be taken for at least 2 months before seeing visible results although the pain and inflamed feeling may go quicker than this.  If there is no marked improvement after 3 months you should stop treatment with the capsules and try an alternative treatment.

Can I use Lymecycline treatment with other gels/creams?

Oral systemic treatment can be more effective when combined with compatible topical treatments. These treatments must not contain any other antibiotics, so treatments such as Zineryt cannot be used. Suitable treatments are Acnecide (Benzoyl Peroxide), Skinoren (Azelaic Acid), Epiduo (Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide), or Differin (Adapalene).

Lymecycline/Tetralysal should not be taken at the same time as other antibiotic treatments.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

Unfortunately, Lymecycline (and all other tetracycline) treatment is not suitable for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Lymecycline can also reduce the effectiveness of some oral contraceptives in the first 10 days of treatment, so extra precaution (barrier methods i.e. condoms) is needed.

How to take Lymecycline Capsules

ONE CAPSULE to be taken ONCE A DAY in the morning. Take it with a full glass of water.

How long does Lymecycline take to work?

For the treatment of acne, Lymecycline should be taken for at least 8 weeks and assessed at 12 weeks to establish whether it is working. If there has been no improvement within the 12 weeks then treatment should be discontinued and an alternative sought.

Can I Buy Lymecycline Capsules Online?

Yes – you can buy it from SimplyMeds online via our trusted prescription service. Simply complete the short consultation which will be reviewed by our prescriber. Free delivery is also included with your prescription order.

Can I get Lymecycline Capsules on an NHS Prescription?

Yes – If you see your GP they may prescribe you Lymecycline Capsules on prescription if you are diagnosed with Acne.

Can I buy Lymecycline Capsules Over the Counter?

No – Lymecycline Capsules is a prescription medication and not available to buy over the counter. There are some over the counter creams and gels that you can explore in our skincare section.

Common side effects (occur in less than 1 in 10 patients)

• nausea (feeling sick)

• abdominal pain

• diarrhoea

• headache

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking your capsules immediately and tell your doctor or go to the nearest A and E department: -

• Serious allergic reaction which causes swelling of the face, tongue, and throat that can cause great difficulty in breathing.

• Serious illness with severe peeling and swelling of the skin, blistering of the skin, mouth, eyes genitals, and fever. Skin rash with pink-red blotches especially on palms of hands or soles of feet which may blister.

A full list of side effects can be found on the Patient Information Leaflet HERE