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Azelaic acid

  • Do not use this preparation near the eyes, mouth, lips, or inside of the nose.
  • If your skin problem has not improved within 4 weeks, speak with your doctor.

About azelaic acid

Type of medicine Antimicrobial
Used for Acne
Rosacea
Also called Finacea®, Skinoren®
Available as Cream or gel

Azelaic acid helps to remove the bacteria which are the cause of irritation and inflammation in skin conditions such as acne and rosacea (unusual redness on the face).

Before using azelaic acid

Before using azelaic acid make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you are taking or using other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use azelaic acid

  • Use this preparation exactly as your doctor has told you to. It is usually applied twice daily.
  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Wash and dry the affected area before applying this preparation, and remember to wash your hands after applying it.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Avoid getting this preparation into your eyes, mouth or inside your nostrils. If it does come into contact with any of these areas, rinse it off with plenty of water.
  • If you have sensitive skin or if your skin becomes irritated, apply the preparation just once a day or stop using it for a day or so until your skin recovers.
  • Azelaic acid may cause some people's skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it usually is. Take care in bright sunlight or when using sun beds until you know how your skin reacts.
  • If you do not notice any improvement after using this preparation for a month, speak to your doctor who may recommend an alternative preparation.

Can azelaic acid cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Burning, stinging, itching, redness, dryness, scaling Reduce the amount or frequency of treatment for a few days

How to store azelaic acid

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • If you suspect that you or someone else has swallowed some of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Finacea® Gel, Valeant Pharmaceuticals Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2007, accessed 2 September 2008.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Skinoren® Cream, Valeant Pharmaceuticals Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2007, accessed 2 September 2008.
  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3728		 DocRef:
dils3718		 Last Updated:
27 Oct 2008		 Date of Next Review:
27 Oct 2010		 Version:
22
Patient UK Current Health News




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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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