The efficacy, safety, and tolerability of ivermectin compared with current topical treatments for the inflammatory lesions of rosacea: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rosacea is a common chronic skin condition that manifests as recurrent inflammatory lesions. Long-term treatment is required to control symptoms and disease progression, with topical treatments being the first-line choice. Ivermectin 1 % cream is a new once-daily (QD) topical treatment for the inflammatory lesions of rosacea, and it is important to compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of ivermectin with other currently available topical treatments. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed from January 2011 to June 2015, with articles published prior to 2011 retrieved from a Cochrane review on rosacea. Randomized controlled trials of the topical treatment of adult patients with moderate-to-severe papulopustular rosacea were identified from electronic databases and trial registers, and supplemented with data from clinical study reports. Mixed treatment comparisons (MTCs) were conducted to compare different treatments according to Bayesian methodology. RESULTS: 57 studies were identified, with 19 providing data suitable for MTC. Ivermectin 1 % cream QD led to a significantly greater likelihood of success compared with azelaic acid 15 % gel twice-daily (BID) [relative risk (95 % credible interval): 1.25 (1.14–1.37)], and metronidazole 0.75 % cream BID [1.17 (1.08–1.29)] at 12 weeks. Ivermectin 1 % cream QD also demonstrated a significant reduction in inflammatory lesion count compared with azelaic acid 15 % gel BID [−8.04 (−12.69 to −3.43)] and metronidazole 0.75 % cream BID [−9.92 (−13.58 to −6.35)] at 12 weeks. Ivermectin 1 % cream QD led to a significantly lower risk of developing any AE or TRAE compared with azelaic acid 15 % gel BID [0.83 (0.71–0.97) and 0.47 (0.32–0.67), respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: Ivermectin 1 % cream QD appears to be a more effective topical treatment than other current options for the inflammatory lesions of rosacea, with at least an equivalent safety and tolerability profile, and could provide physicians and dermatologists with an alternative first-line treatment option. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40064-016-2819-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.