Uses
What is azelaic acid used for?
Azelaic acid is applied to the skin to treat certain symptoms of rosacea. Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that can cause symptoms such as redness and small bumps. Topical azelaic acid is commonly used to treat pus-filled pimples and bumps of rosacea, also called inflammatory papules and pustules.
Azelaic acid may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
See Azelex for information on other dosage forms.
How does azelaic acid work (mechanism of action)?
Azelaic acid is believed to stop certain types of bacteria from making proteins they need to grow and multiply. Stopping these bacteria may reduce the formation of papules and pustules.
How is azelaic acid supplied (dosage forms)?
Azelaic acid is available as Finacea and generic azelaic acid in the following dosage forms that are applied to the skin.
- 15% topical foam
- 15% topical gel
How should I store azelaic acid?
Azelaic acid should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Azelaic acid topical foam is flammable. Do not puncture the container or expose it to heat (temperature above 120 F or 49 C).
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of azelaic acid?
The most common side effects of azelaic acid are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Pain where the product is applied
- Skin reactions, such as burning, stinging, tingling, itching, or redness (see below)
- Dry skin, scaling
There may be other side effects of azelaic acid that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of azelaic acid?
While less common, the most serious side effects of azelaic acid are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Azelaic acid may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using azelaic acid and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Lightening of Skin Color (Hypopigmentation). Azelaic acid may cause your skin color to become lighter. Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any abnormal changes in your skin color.
Skin Reactions. Azelaic acid may cause severe skin irritation, which may include itchiness or burning or stinging sensation. These skin reactions are usually temporary. Stop using azelaic acid and tell your healthcare provider if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use azelaic acid?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use azelaic acid.
- Azelaic acid
- Finacea
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific azelaic acid products they stock.
What should I know about azelaic acid before using it?
Do not use azelaic acid unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share azelaic acid with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep azelaic acid out of the reach of children.
Azelaic acid can cause irritation of the eyes and is for use on the skin only. Keep azelaic acid away from areas such as your eyes, mouth, and vagina. If azelaic acid does come in contact with any of these areas, wash the area with large amounts of water. If you have irritation afterwards that does not go away, tell your healthcare provider.
Before applying azelaic acid, clean the affected skin area with a very mild soap or a soap-free cleansing lotion and pat dry using a soft towel. Do not use alcohol-based cleansers, tinctures, astringents, abrasives, or peeling agents.
Wash your hands right away after applying azelaic acid. Do not use any dressings or wrappings that cover up the area where you applied the medicine. Cosmetic products can be applied once the azelaic acid gel or foam has dried.
If you are using azelaic acid foam, shake the container well before each use.
Avoid fire or flame (including smoking) shortly after applying azelaic acid foam. The contents are flammable.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using azelaic acid?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if azelaic acid is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Asthma. Azelaic acid may worsen your asthma symptoms. Tell your healthcare provider if you have asthma.
Cold Sores (Herpes Labialis). Azelaic acid may worsen cold sores. Tell your healthcare provider if you have recurrent cold sores.
Pregnancy. Azelaic acid is minimally absorbed by the body and is not expected to reach the baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use azelaic acid while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Azelaic acid is minimally absorbed by the body and is not expected to pass into breastmilk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use azelaic acid while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does azelaic acid interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between azelaic acid and foods or drinks.
There are no known interactions between azelaic acid and alcohol.
Does azelaic acid interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between azelaic acid and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much azelaic acid?
If you or someone else has used too much azelaic acid, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of azelaic acid?
If you miss your scheduled dose of azelaic acid, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow the original schedule. Do not apply azelaic acid more often than prescribed.
Are you currently using Azelaic Acid (Finacea)?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.