Azelaic acid topical Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Azelaic acid topical

Generic name: azelaic acid topical [ ay-ze-LAY-ik-AS-id-TOP-i-kal ]
Brand names: Azelex, Finacea, Finacea Plus, Finevin
Dosage forms: topical cream (20%); topical foam (15%); topical gel (15%); topical kit (15% with emollients)
Drug classes: Topical acne agents, Topical anti-rosacea agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 11, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is azelaic acid topical?

Azelaic acid topical (for the skin) is used to pimples caused by rosacea. azelaic acid topical may not be effective in treating skin redness.

Azelaic acid topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medicine guide.

## Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use azelaic acid topical if you are allergic to azelaic acid or propylene glycol.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had asthma.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you breastfeed, avoid applying this medicine to your nipple area.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

## How should I use azelaic acid topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine.

Shake the foam well before each use.

Clean the affected area with a mild soap or a soap-free cleansing lotion and pat dry with a soft towel. Apply the medication as directed.

Do not apply to sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin.

Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage unless your doctor tells you to.

Your symptoms may not improve for up to 4 weeks. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 12 weeks of treatment.

Tell your doctor if you have excessive burning, dryness, or skin irritation.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away the foam 8 weeks after opening.

Azelaic acid topical foam is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.

## Related/similar drugs

doxycycline, metronidazole topical, clindamycin topical, erythromycin topical, ivermectin topical, tetracycline, minocycline topical

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

## What should I avoid while using azelaic acid topical?

Rinse with water if azelaic acid topical gets in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina. Call your doctor if you have ongoing irritation after getting this medicine in your eyes.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with azelaic acid topical unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps or skin cleansers, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Your doctor may recommend avoiding spicy foods, hot foods or drinks, alcoholic beverages and other foods or beverages that may cause flushing or redness of the skin during treatment with azelaic acid topical.

## Azelaic acid topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

- severe burning, stinging, or warmth;

- severe itching or tingling;

- severe redness, dryness, peeling, or other irritation;

- changes in skin color; or

- new or worsening breathing problems.

Common side effects of azelaic acid topical may include:

- pain, burning, stinging, or tingling;

- dry or scaly skin; o

- itching or other irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Azelaic acid topical side effects (more detail)

## Azelaic acid topical dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Acne:

20% Cream Formulations: Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) 2 times a day
Comments:
-The affected area(s) should be gently washed and patted dry before application.
-This drug should be gently but thoroughly massaged into the affected area(s) in the morning and evening.
-The duration of therapy is based upon the patient and the severity of the acne.
-Improvement in patients with inflammatory lesions usually occurs within 4 weeks.
Use: Topical treatment of mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris

Usual Adult Dose for Acne Rosacea:

15% Gel/Foam Formulations: Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) 2 times a day
Comments:
-The affected area(s) should be gently washed and dried before application with a very mild soap or soapless cleansing lotion.
-This drug should be gently but thoroughly massaged into the affected areas in the morning and evening.
-Patients may apply cosmetics once the treatment has dried.
-Patients should be reassessed if improvement is not observed after completing 12 weeks of treatment.
-For patients using foam formulations, the smallest amount of foam should be used to adequately cover the affected area(s) with a thin layer.
Use: Topical treatment of the inflammatory papules and pustules of mild to moderate rosacea

Usual Pediatric Dose for Acne:

12 years and older:
20% Cream Formulations: Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) 2 times a day
Comments:
-The affected area(s) should be gently washed and patted dry before application.
-This drug should be gently but thoroughly massaged into the affected area(s) in the morning and evening.
-Improvement in patients with inflammatory lesions usually occurs within 4 weeks.
Use: Topical treatment of mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris

Detailed Azelaic acid topical dosage information

## What other drugs will affect azelaic acid topical?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Azelaic acid topical drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## Frequently asked questions

- Can Finacea help with wrinkles or acne or aging?
- How long does it take for Finacea to work?
- How much does Finacea cost without insurance?
- How do you use Finacea foam?

## More about azelaic acid topical

- Check interactions
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (123)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: topical acne agents
- Breastfeeding

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading
- Azelaic Acid Cream
- Azelaic Acid Foam
- Azelaic Acid Gel
- En español

#### Other brands

Finacea, Azelex

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Acne
- Rosacea

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.01.