Azelaic Acid
Generic Finacea
Azelaic acid (a zeh LAY ik AS id) is a generic medication prescribed for mild to moderate rosacea. Azelaic acid belongs to a group of drugs called topical acne agents.
Azelaic acid (a zeh LAY ik AS id) is a generic medication prescribed for mild to moderate rosacea. Azelaic acid belongs to a group of drugs called topical acne agents.
- Generic
- • Gel
- • 50gm of 15pct
- • 1 Tube
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Ashley Wong, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD
Updated on October 4, 2023
Azelaic acid (a zeh LAY ik AS id) is a generic medication prescribed for mild to moderate rosacea. Azelaic acid belongs to a group of drugs called topical acne agents.
Uses
Uses of azelaic acid
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as azelaic acid for certain conditions. Approved uses for azelaic acid are described below.
Use for rosacea
Doctors may prescribe azelaic acid gel for treating mild to moderate rosacea in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
Rosacea is a skin condition that typically causes redness or deepened skin color and bumps on your face. It usually affects only the skin on your nose, cheeks, and forehead. Symptoms may come and go in cycles. At times, you may have symptoms for long periods of time. Then, the symptoms may go away for some time and eventually return.
Rosacea is known by different types:
- Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea causes redness or deepened skin color and visible blood vessels on your face.
- Papulopustular (or acne) rosacea causes acne-like breakouts that have papules and pustules. Papules are bumps that are red or deepened in skin color. Pustules are these bumps that develop a center of pus.
- Rhinophyma rosacea causes skin to become bumpy and to thicken on your nose and face. It is rare.
- Ocular rosacea causes broken blood vessels in your eyes and on your eyelids. It can also make your eyes burn or sting.
Azelaic acid treats the inflammatory papules and pustules of rosacea. It’s usually used only to treat papulopustular (or acne) rosacea.
FAQ
Common questions about azelaic acid
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about azelaic acid.
Is it safe to use azelaic acid with retinol?
Yes, it’s safe to use azelaic acid with retinol. In fact, retinol may make azelaic acid more effective at treating acne and excess pigmentation. Using azelaic acid gel for treating acne and excess pigmentation is an off-label use. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved to treat or help prevent. But it’s unknown whether using these medications together is beneficial for rosacea.
If you have questions about the best treatment for your condition, talk with your doctor.
How does azelaic acid work? And how long does it take to start working?
It’s not clear how azelaic acid works to treat rosacea. But studies reported that azelaic acid effectively lowers the number of papules and pustules caused by rosacea. Papules are bumps that are red or deepened in skin color. Pustules are these bumps that develop a center of pus.
It can take up to 12 weeks for you to notice your rosacea symptoms reducing. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms aren’t reduced within this time frame.
Side effects
Side effects of azelaic acid
Azelaic acid may cause mild or serious side effects. Its more common mild side effects and its serious side effects are in the list below. This article doesn’t include all side effects possible with the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about azelaic acid’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for azelaic acid listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
The list below presents common mild side effects reported with azelaic acid.
This article doesn’t include all mild side effects possible with the drug. To learn more about azelaic acid’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for azelaic acid listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Azelaic acid gel’s mild side effects include:
- stinging, burning, or tingling skin
- itchy skin
- scaly or dry skin
- red, discolored, or irritated skin
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for azelaic acid” section.
Serious side effects
The list below presents serious side effects of azelaic acid.
This article doesn’t include all serious side effects possible with the drug. To learn more about azelaic acid’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for azelaic acid listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, azelaic acid’s serious side effects include:
- vitiligo
- excessive hair growth
- flare-up or worsening of existing asthma
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for azelaic acid” section.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for azelaic acid
Below you’ll find information about azelaic acid’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of azelaic acid
Azelaic acid isn’t known to interact with any medications or supplements. Interactions can affect how a drug works. But this doesn’t mean drug interactions with azelaic acid won’t happen or be reported sometime. For instance, medications created at a later time could interact with azelaic acid.
Because of this, you should ask your doctor and pharmacist about possible interactions with azelaic acid. They can check for any interactions that may affect you, such as those with:
- vaccines
- foods or alcohol
- other drugs
Azelaic acid should not be used with cleansers containing alcohol, tinctures, astringents, or abrasives and peeling agents. Using these products along with azelaic acid can make side effects such as skin irritation worse. It may also worsen your rosacea.
Warnings for azelaic acid
Azelaic acid could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether azelaic acid is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of azelaic acid you use.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for azelaic acid, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Azelaic acid can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to azelaic acid or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe azelaic acid. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to azelaic acid, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of azelaic acid
You should not use more azelaic acid than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve used too much azelaic acid, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and azelaic acid
Information about azelaic acid and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Azelaic acid and pregnancy
It’s not known whether azelaic acid should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Azelaic acid and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether azelaic acid should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about azelaic acid or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How does azelaic acid compare with other medications that can treat my rosacea?
- Do I need to use other medications along with azelaic acid to treat my rosacea?
- Is azelaic acid foam an option for treating my rosacea?
- Can I apply cosmetics after using azelaic acid?
Resources
Resources
- Azelaic acid gel, for topical use. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/66298d50-d4e2-4852-bbab-581389c488cb/spl-doc
- Breathnach AS. (1996). Melanin hyperpigmentation of skin: Melasma, topical treatment with azelaic acid, and other therapies. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8654129/
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Webster G. (2000). Combination azelaic acid therapy for acne vulgaris. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10898830/
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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