Finacea (Azelaic Acid)

What is Finacea?

Finacea is a topical medication with azelaic acid as its main component. Azelaic acid kills the bacteria that cause rosacea and acne. It further makes the skin rejuvenate itself and thus, helps in the reduction of blackhead formation and pimples.

What is Finacea used for?

Finacea is used to treat a skin condition called rosacea, in which red eruptions appear on the cheeks and nose. It treats the inflammatory papules and pustules which occur in such condition. The medication is prescribed along with a proper diet and skin care regimen.

How does Finacea work?

The mechanism of action followed by Finacea is yet to be determined for certain. However, it is believed that the medication treats rosacea by interfering with the pathological events associated with the condition.

How to use Finacea

Finacea should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Finacea is usually used twice a day.

Wash your hands before applying the cream. Use a mild soap or a soapless cleansing lotion to clean the affected area. Apply a thin layer of the cream evenly to cover the affected area completely and rub in gently. Do not cover or wrap the area with cloth or bandage after application of the cream.

It may take 4 weeks or longer before any signs of improvement might be noticed. Hence do not increase or stop using the medication without consultation with your doctor. However, if your condition does not improve even after 12 weeks of using the medication or if it becomes worse consult your doctor immediately.

Finacea warnings and precautions

Finacea is not administered to patients who are allergic to azelaic acid or propylene glycol.

Before taking the medication, inform your doctor about your medical conditions, especially if you are allergic to any other medication or skin product.

Avoid using Finacea on face, near eyes, nose, mouth, or groin.

You should not use the medication on sunburned, dry, chapped, windburned, irritated or broken skin. You should wait for such conditions to improve before applying Finacea.

If applying the medication to the affected area causes excessive irritation, dryness or burning sensation inform your doctor and he may reduce the dose.

Finacea is not expected to be harmful to a fetus or a nursing baby. However, pregnant and lactating women are still advised to discuss the possible risks and benefits of using this medication with their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Finacea dose?

If you have missed a Finacea dose, use it as soon as you remember. If, however, it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose can be skipped. Do not use a double dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Finacea overdose?

If you have used an overdose of Finacea, consult your doctor.

Finacea interactions

Oral or injected drugs are not likely to interact with Finacea. However, certain skin products which contain alcohol, abrasives, tinctures, astringent or peeling agents may increase the burning sensation in skin caused by the medication. Hence it is necessary to inform your doctor about all the skin products/ prescription/ non prescription drugs/herbal medicines that you are using/ taking beforehand.

You should not start using any new topical product without consulting your doctor.

Finacea side effects

Side effects from Finacea are usually rare. However, there can be allergic reactions such as swelling of tongue, face, throat, hives, redness of skin etc. Seek emergency medical attention on appearance of any of these symptoms. Also, consult your doctor if you experience the following: severe burning or stinging sensation, severe itching, warmth under skin, dryness, skin redness, peeling of skin or changes in skin color (especially lightening of skin color in dark skinned people), worsening of oral herpes or aggravated asthma.

Skin redness, itching, burning, tingling in the first few weeks and excessive facial hair growth are some common and less serious side effects of Finacea.