Why is this medication prescribed?
In order to reduce the bumps, lesions, and edoema brought on by rosacea, azelaic acid gel and foam are utilised (a skin disease that causes redness, flushing, and pimples on the face). Acne-related bumps and swelling are treated with azelaic acid lotion. Azelaic acid belongs to the group of drugs known as dicarboxylic acids. By reducing the skin’s swelling and redness, it helps treat rosacea. By eliminating the bacteria that invade pores and reducing the creation of keratin, a natural material that can cause acne, it works to treat acne.
How should this medicine be used?
For skin application, azelaic acid is available as a gel, foam, and cream. Typically, it is administered twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. Use azelaic acid every day at roughly the same times to make it easier for you to remember to take it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. As advised, use azelaic acid precisely. Use it only as directed by your doctor, neither more nor less often.
Avoid getting azelaic acid in your mouth or eyes. If azelaic acid does get in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and consult your doctor if your eyes begin to itch.
Inflammable foam made of azelaic acid. When spraying azelaic acid foam and for a short while afterward, keep clear of open flames, fire, and smoke.
To use the gel, foam, or cream, follow these steps:
- Use a soft towel to pat dry the affected skin after washing it with water, a light soap, or a cleansing lotion without soap. If you have rosacea in particular, ask your doctor for a cleanser recommendation and stay away from alcoholic cleansers, tinctures, abrasives, astringents, and peeling agents.
- Before using, give the azelaic acid foam a good shake.
- To the skin that is afflicted, apply a thin layer of gel or cream. Massage it into the skin in a gentle yet thorough manner. Foam should be evenly applied to the cheekbones, chin, forehead, and nose as well as the rest of the face.
- Avoid applying any bandages, dressings, or wrappings to the injured region.
- Once the medication has dried on your face, you can put on makeup.
- After handling the drug, wash your hands with soap and water.
Other uses for this medicine
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before using azelaic acid,
- If you have an allergy to azelaic acid or any other medications, let your doctor and pharmacist know right away.
- Inform your physician and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
- Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, as well as recurring cold sores.
- If you are breastfeeding a child or intend to become pregnant, let your doctor know. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking azelaic acid.
- It’s important to be aware that azelaic acid might alter the colour of your skin, particularly if you have a dark complexion. If you observe any changes in the colour of your skin, tell your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Rosacea sufferers should stay away from meals and beverages that make them flush or blush. These might consist of alcoholic beverages, hot appetisers, and hot beverages like coffee and tea.
Unless your doctor advises you otherwise, keep eating normally if you have acne.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
As soon as you realise you missed a dose, administer it. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. Applying a second dose to make up for a missed one is not advised.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Side effects from azelaic acid are possible. The skin you are treating with azelaic acid gel, foam, or cream is likely to experience the following symptoms. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right away:
- Itching
- Burning
- Stinging
- Tingling
- Tenderness
- Dryness
Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Stop using azelaic acid if you develop any of these symptoms, and call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention right away.
- Face, throat, tongue, lips, and eye swelling
- Breathing or swallowing challenges
- Hoarseness
- Rash
- Hives
Other negative consequences of azelaic acid could exist. If you experience any strange issues while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.
You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Store it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom). Avoid freezing. Eight weeks after opening the container, throw away the gel pump and the foam.
Keep azelaic acid foam away from flames and very hot surfaces since it is combustible. The container for the azelaic acid foam should not be pierced or burned.
Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.
As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org
What other information should I know?
Keep all of your doctor’s appointments.
No one else should take your medication. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.
You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.
Brand names
- Azelex® Cream
- Finacea® Gel
- Finacea® Foam