Azelaic Acid skin cream or gel
What is azelaic acid skin cream or gel?
AZELAIC ACID (Azelex™, Finacea®, Finevin®) is used on the skin to treat mild to moderate acne or rosacea and occasionally other skin conditions. Generic azelaic acid skin creams or gels are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I use azelaic acid?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-
herpes or cold sores
-
an unusual or allergic reaction to propylene glycol, azelaic acid, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Azelaic acid is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Make sure the skin is clean and dry. Apply just enough cream or gel to cover the affected area. Rub in gently but completely. Keep the cream or gel away from the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes. Wash your hands after applying. Do not place a bandage, wrap, or dressing on top of skin where azelaic acid has been applied.
If you are using other topical medications, apply them at different times of the day.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with azelaic acid?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking azelaic acid?
Contact your prescriber or health care professional if your skin condition gets worse or does not improve in the first 4 weeks or if the medication causes too much redness, dryness, or peeling of skin. It may take longer than 4 weeks before you see the full beneficial effect.
Limited amounts of water-based cosmetics may be used while using azelaic acid. Apply cosmetics only after azelaic acid has dried.
Do not get azelaic acid in the eyes, inside the nose, on wounds, or any other sensitive areas of skin. If accidental contact occurs, large amounts of water should be used to rinse the affected area. If the eyes are involved and eye irritation persists after thoroughly washing, contact your prescriber or health care professional.
Avoid eating or drinking foods or beverages that may worsen erythema, flushing, and blushing. Examples include spicy foods, alcohol, hot coffee, or hot tea.
What side effects may I notice from using azelaic acid?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor as soon as possible:
-
lightening of the treated areas (in patients with dark complexions)
-
severe burning, itching, crusting, or swelling of the treated areas
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze.