6 Seysara Side Effects and How to Manage Them

If you're dealing with acne, chances are you've tried multiple treatments to clear up your skin. This can range from topical products applied to the skin to oral medications. Seysara (sarecycline) is one oral antibiotic that your dermatologist may consider. It's approved for moderate-to-severe acne in people ages 9 and older.

Seysara belongs to the tetracycline class, which is commonly used to treat acne. While Seysara can help improve your skin, it also has side effects to be aware of. Nausea, dizziness, and sun sensitivity are possible while taking it. In rare cases, more serious side effects can also happen. Here's what you should know.

Seysara side effects at a glance

Seysara is usually well tolerated. In fact, a similar percentage of people reported side effects in the Seysara and placebo groups (a pill with no medication) during clinical trials. But side effects can still happen.

Most Seysara side effects tend to be mild and are easily managed at home. Other rare side effects can be more serious and may need to be treated by a healthcare professional.

Mild Seysara side effects include:

• Nausea

• Yeast infections

• Dizziness and lightheadedness

• Sun sensitivity

Rare but potentially serious Seysara side effects include:

• Antibiotic-associated colitis (inflammation of the colon)

• Increased pressure on the brain

Seysara can also cause harm to a growing fetus if taken during pregnancy. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your dermatologist about safer alternatives for your acne.

Below, we'll review six notable Seysara side effects in more detail.

1. Nausea

Nausea is the most common Seysara side effect. If you experience nausea while taking Seysara, there are a few things you can try:

• Try taking it with food: You can take Seysara with or without food. If you're taking it on an empty stomach, try taking it with food to see if that helps. It's also important to take Seysara with a full glass of water since it can irritate your esophagus, which can also cause nausea.

• Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen nausea, so make sure you're drinking enough fluids every day.

• Change your meal size and frequency: Instead of eating larger meals, try eating smaller and more frequent meals throughout the day.

• Avoid foods that worsen nausea: Spicy, acidic, and fried foods can worsen nausea. Try to avoid or minimize while you take Seysara. It's also a good idea to avoid caffeine.

If your nausea is bothersome or getting worse, talk with your healthcare team. They can recommend additional steps that may help relieve your symptoms. And if you start vomiting and experience severe stomach pain, fainting, or trouble breathing, get emergency medical care.

2. Yeast infections

Yeast infections are common. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, can make them more likely. And antibiotics like Seyara can also increase this risk. Some women (less than 1%) taking Seysara during clinical trials reported vaginal yeast infections.

Vaginal yeast infection symptoms include itching, pain or burning, and abnormal discharge. But symptoms can differ from person to person. If you think you have a vaginal yeast infection, talk with your prescriber. They can confirm if you have one and suggest treatment options.

For treating your infection, there are several over-the-counter (OTC) topical preparations to choose from. Prescription topical and oral medications are also available. Your prescriber or pharmacist can help you navigate your options.

3. Dizziness and lightheadedness

Some people may experience dizziness or lightheadedness when taking Seysara. If this happens to you, avoid activities where dizziness can be dangerous, such as driving a car. Find a safe place to sit or lie down until your symptoms pass.

Dizziness may resolve on its own as your body gets used to the medication. But if Seysara makes you feel dizzy, you can try taking your dose in the evening. That way, you'll be asleep when this side effect happens. However, it's best to avoid lying down right after you take it.

If you continue feeling dizzy or lightheaded, or if your symptoms are getting worse, tell your healthcare team. They can figure out the case and how to manage it.

4. Sun sensitivity

All tetracycline antibiotics, including Seysara, are known for causing sun sensitivity. This means that you could be more likely to get a sunburn while taking Seysara.

The manufacturer recommends minimizing exposure to sunlight while taking it. This includes sources of artificial sunlight, such as tanning beds. If you plan to go outside, make sure to apply sunscreen to protect your skin. You can also make sure your skin is safe from the sun by wearing protective clothing, including a hat.

Treating mild sunburns at home is usually fine. But if you have a severe burn, get medical help.

5. Antibiotic-associated colitis

Like any antibiotic, Seysara can cause antibiotic-associated colitis. This is a type of severe diarrhea caused by the bacteria Clostridioides difficile, or "C. diff."

C. diff. is rare, but it can happen after taking antibiotics. This is especially the case if you've had multiple courses of antibiotics in recent months. It happens because the antibiotics can kill the "good" bacteria in your intestines, which allows C. diff bacteria to take over. This type of diarrhea is severe and needs to be treated by a healthcare professional.

Symptoms of C. diff include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps, and fever. The infection is also contagious. If you develop C. diff., be sure to wash your hands with soap and water to prevent it from spreading. It's also best to avoid contact with other people and use a separate bathroom, if possible.

Talk with your healthcare team if you have diarrhea while taking Seysara. They may ask questions about your symptoms to determine if it could be C. diff. You may need to get tested and treated.

6. Increased pressure on the brain

Increased pressure on the brain, or intracranial hypertension, is another rare but serious Seysara side effect. There weren't any cases of intracranial hypertension during clinical trials. But there has been at least one reported case after Seysara was on the market. Other tetracyclines have been associated with intracranial hypertension.

Intracranial hypertension with tetracyclines seems to happen more often in women of childbearing age who are considered overweight or obese. Taking isotretinoin (Accutane) with Seysara can also increase this risk. So it's best to avoid combining these two acne medications.

Headaches are the main symptom of intracranial hypertension. But nausea and vomiting, blurry vision, and eye pain are also possible. If you notice these symptoms or any other vision changes after starting Seysara, tell your prescriber right away. They'll likely have you stop taking Seysara. In general, symptoms tend to resolve once the medication is discontinued.