Azelaic Acid Gel is a topical medication primarily used to treat mild to moderate acne and rosacea. It belongs to a class of drugs called dicarboxylic acids.
How it works:
For Acne: It helps by killing the bacteria that contribute to acne and by keeping skin pores clear, thus reducing the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne.
For Rosacea: It works by reducing inflammation and the growth of bacteria on the skin, which helps to lessen the redness, bumps, and visible blood vessels associated with this condition.
Key benefits of Azelaic Acid Gel:
Treats Acne: Effectively reduces the number and severity of acne breakouts.
Reduces Inflammation: Helps to calm redness and swelling in both acne and rosacea.
Antibacterial: Fights the bacteria that contribute to acne.
Unclogs Pores: Helps to prevent the formation of new blemishes by keeping pores clear.
Evens Skin Tone: By inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production, it can help reduce hyperpigmentation such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots after acne) and melasma.
Gentle Exfoliation: Promotes skin cell turnover, helping to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture.
Suitable for Sensitive Skin: Often well-tolerated, even by individuals with sensitive skin or rosacea.
Safe During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It is considered one of the safer topical acne and rosacea treatments for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals.
Finacea gel contains the active ingredient azelaic acid, at a strength of 15% (equating to 150 mg per gram of gel). The recommended dose is 2.5cm of gel (roughly an inch), applied twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. In the event of skin irritation, you should reduce your dose (either by amount per application or frequency) until the irritation clears and then you can continue at the normal recommended dose.
If you forget to use your Finacea gel, skip the forgotten dose and move straight onto the next one. Don’t worry but don’t double up on your dose to make up for a missed one. If you use more Finacea gel than you should, any side effects are unlikely. However, take care to continue only with the prescribed amount and contact your doctor if you’re worried.
Follow the instructions below to ensure appropriate use of this medication:
1. Wash the affected area of your face gently with warm water and mild soap and then pat dry with a towel.
2. Squeeze roughly an inch of gel onto your fingertip and apply the cream on the affected area.
3. Rub the cream and spread evenly across your whole face.
4. Wash your hands thoroughly after every use and replace the cap on the tube of gel.
Always use this medication exactly as your clinician has told you. Check with our clinical team or your GP or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
The most common side effects of using Finacea gel include:
- Burning
- Pain
- Itching at the application site
- Feeling of tingling or numbness
- Dry skin
- Rash
- Swelling at the application site
If you do experience one or more of these side effects and they persist or worsen, then inform your doctor right away. You should also contact your doctor if you notice any serious side effects such as hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face.
For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, or you are experiencing any of the side effects mentioned in the patient information leaflet whilst taking this medication, please contact our clinical team or speak to your GP.
You should not take Finacea gel if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are allergic to azelaic acid or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
- if the patient is below the age of 18
- if you are using any other external medicated face creams or gels
Your prescription of Finacea gel may also be affected by a number of other factors, so you should make your doctor aware if any of the following apply:
- If you suffer from asthma
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Finacea gel contains benzoic acid, which can mildly irritate the skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Propylene glycol may also have an irritant effect.
Cases of worsening asthma after using azelaic acid cream have been reported rarely during post-marketing surveillance.
Like many medications with active ingredients, Finacea gel can affect or be affected by other medicines.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to this medication. These include:
- Hives
- Dizziness
- Fast or pounding heartbeats
- Wheezing
- Difficult breathing
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
It is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are currently taking. You must also tell us about any other medical conditions that you currently have (or had in the past). This will help us ensure the prescribed medication is safe and appropriate for you to take.
For full information on warnings, medication interactions and contraindications, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet. Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform our clinical team or your GP of medicines you are taking or intend to take.
