Azelaic Acid (On the skin)
ay-ze-LAY-ik AS-id
Treats rosacea and severe acne.
Drug classes
Antiacne Antibacterial (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Azelaic acid topical cream is used to treat mildly to moderately inflamed acne. The topical foam and gel are used to treat mild to moderate rosacea. For acne, it works by killing the bacteria that cause acne and by keeping the skin pores clean.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although this use is not included in product labeling, azelaic acid is used in certain patients with the following medical condition:
Chloasma (brown spots on the skin or face that are usually caused by hormonal changes)
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Cream, Foam, Gel/Jelly
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to apply and how often. Do not use more medicine or apply it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Use this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
Wash the affected skin with mild soap or a cleansing lotion that does not contain soap. Gently pat dry with a soft towel.
Foam:
Shake the can well before each use. The foam is flammable. Avoid fire, flame, and smoking when you apply the medicine and right after it is applied.Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.
Foam or gel: You may apply cosmetics after the medicine has dried.
Do not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.
Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
Foam: Do not store the can at temperatures above 49 degrees C (120 degrees F). Do not poke holes in the can or throw it into a fire, even if it is empty. Throw away any unused medicine 8 weeks after you use it for the first time.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use skin care products that contain alcohol, peel off (including masks), or are abrasive while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to azelaic acid or propylene glycol.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Increased skin redness
Severe skin swelling, itching, burning, peeling, or stinging
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild skin burning, stinging, tingling, dryness, or itching
Changes in skin color where the medicine is applied
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Azelex, Finacea, Finacea Plus
There may be other brand names for this medicine.