Finacea

Generic name: Azelaic Acid Topical

Usage of Finacea

Finacea is supplied as a topical gel or foam and contains azelaic acid, a naturally occurring acid. Azelaic acid helps the skin to renew itself more quickly and therefore reduces pimple and blackhead formation. It also helps to kill the bacteria that cause acne and rosacea.

Finacea is used to treat mild to moderate rosacea (a skin condition marked by red eruptions, usually on the cheeks and nose.) This medicine may not be effective in treating skin redness.

Finacea Gel contains 15% azelaic acid in an aqueous gel base. Finacea foam contains 15% azelaic acid in a white to off-white emulsion and is supplied in a pressurized aluminum can.

Finacea side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Finacea: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

severe burning, stinging, or warmth;

severe itching or tingling;

severe redness, dryness, peeling, or other irritation;

changes in skin color; or

new or worsening breathing problems.

Common Finacea side effects may include:

pain, burning, stinging, or tingling;

dry or scaly skin; o

itching or other irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Finacea

You should not use Finacea if you are allergic to azelaic acid or propylene glycol.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had asthma.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you breastfeed, avoid applying this medicine to your nipple area.

Finacea is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How to use Finacea

Usual Adult Dose for Acne Rosacea:

15% Gel/Foam Formulations: Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) 2 times a day Comments: -The affected area(s) should be gently washed and dried before application with a very mild soap or soapless cleansing lotion. -This drug should be gently but thoroughly massaged into the affected areas in the morning and evening. -Patients may apply cosmetics once the treatment has dried. -Patients should be reassessed if improvement is not observed after completing 12 weeks of treatment. -For patients using foam formulations, the smallest amount of foam should be used to adequately cover the affected area(s) with a thin layer. Use: Topical treatment of the inflammatory papules and pustules of mild to moderate rosacea

Warnings

Avoid getting Finacea in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina. Do not use on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication. Do not cover the area after applying Finacea. Doing so could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by your body and could be harmful.

It may take up 4 weeks or longer before your symptoms improve. Keep using Finacea as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 12 weeks of treatment.

If you have excessive burning, dryness, or irritation, ask your doctor about applying this medicine just once daily.

What other drugs will affect Finacea

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Disclaimer

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