When rosacea (a skin condition that produces redness, flushing, and pimples on the face) flares up, azelaic acid gel and foam are used to treat the bumps, lesions, and swelling it creates. Acne-related swelling and pimples can be treated with azelaic acid cream. Dicarboxylic acids are a class of drugs that includes azelaic acid. By reducing the swelling and redness of the skin, it helps treat rosacea. It treats acne by eradicating pore-infecting bacteria and reducing the synthesis of keratin, a natural material that can cause acne to grow.

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.

Azelaic acid should not be gotten in your mouth or eyes. If you do accidentally get azelaic acid in your eyes, rinse them well with water and call your doctor if your eyes begin to itch.

Foam made by azelaic acid is combustible. Avoid being near an open flame or fire, and refrain from smoking for a short while after applying an azelaic acid foam.

To use the gel, foam, or cream, follow these steps:

1. 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.
2. Before using, give the azelaic acid foam a good shake.
3. 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.
4. Don’t use any bandages, dressings, or wrappings to cover the injured region.
5. After the medication has dried, you can put on facial makeup.
6. As soon as you’ve finished handling the medication, wash your hands with soap and water.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before using azelaic acid,

• If you have any drug or azelaic acid allergies, 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.
• Inform your physician if you are nursing a baby, intend to get pregnant, or are already pregnant. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking azelaic acid.
• It’s important to be aware that azelaic acid might alter the color of your skin, particularly if you have a dark complexion. If you observe any changes in the color of your skin, tell your doctor.

Rosacea sufferers should stay away from meals and beverages that make them flush or blush. These might consist of alcoholic beverages, hot appetizers, and hot beverages like coffee and tea.

Unless your doctor advises you otherwise, keep eating normally if you have acne.

As soon as you realize 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.

There could be negative effects from azelaic acid. The skin you are treating with azelaic acid gel, foam, or cream is probably going to experience the following symptoms. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, consult your doctor right once:

• 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 program online at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch or by phone at 1-800-332-1088 if you have a serious side event.

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Keep it at room temperature and out of the bathroom and other places with excessive heat and moisture. Avoid freezing. Eight weeks after opening the container, throw away the gel pump and the foam.

Because azelaic acid foam is flammable, avoid using it near fires or sources of intense heat. The azelaic acid foam container 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, utilizing a medicine take-back program is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programs 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 program, 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

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.