Azelex (Topical)

Generic name:azelaic acid (topical route) [ ay-ze-LAY-ik-AS-id ]
Drug classes:Topical acne agents, Topical anti-rosacea agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 10, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Azelex
Finacea
Finacea Plus

Available Dosage Forms:

Cream
Foam
Gel/Jelly

Therapeutic Class: Antiacne Antibacterial

Uses for Azelex

Azelaic acid topical cream is used to treat mildly to moderately inflamed acne. The topical foam and gel are used to treat mild to moderate rosacea. For acne, it works by killing the bacteria that cause acne and by keeping the skin pores clean.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using Azelex

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of azelaic acid topical cream in children 12 years of age and older. Safety and efficacy in children younger than 12 years of age have not been established.

Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of azelaic acid topical foam or gel have not been performed in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of azelaic acid topical in the elderly.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Azelex Topical