Finacea contains azelaic acid in its gel formulation. Azelaic acid is in the form of a naturally occurring saturated dicarboxylic acid. The product is a 15% aqueous gel, applied topically. Key inactive ingredients in Finacea include benzoic acid, disodium EDTA, and medium-chain triglycerides.
How should I use this medication?
This medication is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Wash your hands before and after use. Do not get it in your eyes. If you do, rinse your eyes with plenty of cool tap water. Use it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not use it more often than directed. Use the medication for the full course as directed by your care team, even if you think you are better. Do not stop using it unless your care team tells you to stop it early. Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired: -Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location. -If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing -Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin -Wheezing or trouble breathing Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Change in skin color -Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Infection, especially a viral infection, such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes -Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma -An unusual or allergic reaction to azelaic acid, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breastfeeding
What may interact with this medication?
Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other skin products without telling your care team.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medication. Do not use other products that dry the skin. Examples include abrasive cleaners or products with alcohol in them. Do not use other acne products on the same areas of the skin as this one unless your care team tells you to use both. Avoid eating or drinking foods or drinks that may make skin redness, flushing, and blushing worse. Examples include spicy foods, alcohol, hot coffee, or hot tea.
Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.
The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.
Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.
Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.
Sermo Drug Ratings, and all information provided on this website, may not be used in combination with any artificial intelligence tool (including to train an algorithm, test, process, analyze, generate output and/or develop any form of artificial intelligence tool).
Visitors to the online patient-facing website at Sermo.com (“Sermo Drug Ratings”) are Authorized Users of the website, which contains data owned by a third-party provider, Elsevier, Inc. Accordingly, by visiting Sermo Drug Ratings, Authorized User acknowledges that the website includes Elsevier owned data that Sermo licenses pursuant to a separate usage and Data agreement (the “Agreements”). Authorized User further acknowledges that Sermo is a third-party beneficiary of the Agreements and Authorized User’s use of the website hereby binds them to the terms of the Agreements; provided, however, that Elsevier shall have no obligations or liability to an Authorized User whatsoever pursuant to the terms of the Agreements.