Generic name:
Azelaic acid foam - topical
Pronunciation
(ay-ze-LAY-ik AS-id)
Brand name(s)
Finacea
Generic name:
Azelaic acid foam - topical
Pronunciation
(ay-ze-LAY-ik AS-id)
Brand name(s)
Finacea
This medication is used to treat a certain skin disorder known as rosacea, a type of adult acne. It helps to decrease redness, swelling, and the number of pimples caused by rosacea.
Apply this medication on your face as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. To avoid irritation, avoid contact with your eyes or inside the nose or mouth. If you accidentally get this medication in your eyes, flush well with cool water. Call your doctor if eye irritation does not go away.
Before use, wash the affected area with a mild soap or soap-free cleanser and pat dry. Avoid using other skin care products that may irritate your skin, such as astringents, abrasives, tinctures, cleansers that contain alcohol, and products that cause skin peeling. Shake the container well before each use. Use your fingers to apply a thin layer of medication over your whole face (cheeks, chin, forehead, and nose) and gently massage the foam into your skin. Wash your hands after each use. Makeup may be applied after the medication has dried.
Do not use any dressing or covering on the treated area unless directed by your doctor.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not use more of this medication or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your skin will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better after 12 weeks or if it gets worse.
Skin burning, stinging, tingling, or itching may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Rarely, some people have had unusual loss of skin color (hypopigmentation) after using this medication. This side effect may be easier to see in people with dark skin color. Tell your doctor right away if you notice this side effect.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This medication may pass into breast milk, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
To help manage rosacea, avoid foods or liquids that may bring on redness, flushing, or blushing of the skin (such as spicy foods, alcohol, hot drinks).
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store at room temperature away from heat and open flame. The contents of this can are flammable and under pressure. Do not puncture or burn the container. Once the container is opened, this medication expires after 8 weeks. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Information last revised September 2024.
Copyright(c) 2024 First Databank, Inc.
Selected from NATIONAL DRUG DATA FILE (NDDF) data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc., 2019. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider.
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your health care professional. You should consult your health care professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.