Finacea is available as a 15% aqueous gel.
Active ingredient(s): azelaic acid
Inactive ingredients: benzoic acid, edetate sodium, 1,2-diarachidoyl-SN-glycero-3-phosphocholine, medium-chain triglycerides, polyacrylic acid, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, water
- Store Finacea at room temperature at 25°C (77°F). Temperature may vary between 15-30°C (59-86°F).
- Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.
No Finacea drug interactions have been identified. However, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all drug interactions are known or reported and new drug interactions are continually being reported.
- Use Finacea exactly as prescribed.
- Finacea comes in gel form and is used twice daily, in the morning and the evening.
- Before using Finacea, wash the affected skin with water and mild soap or cleanser and pat dry with a soft towel. Apply a thin layer of gel to the affected skin. Gently massage it into the skin. Do not get Finacea in your eyes or mouth. If you get Finacea in your eyes, wash thoroughly with water and call your doctor if your eyes are irritated.
- Do not cover the affected skin with bandages, dressings, or wraps. You may apply non-irritating cosmetics after Finacea is dry.
- Wash your hands after handling Finacea.
- If you miss a dose, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses of Finacea at the same time.
Serious side effects have been reported with Finacea including the following:
- rash
Do not use Finacea if you are allergic to Finacea or to any of its ingredients.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories – A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.
Finacea falls into category B. There are no well-done studies that have been done in humans with Finacea. But in animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication, and the babies did not show any medical issues related to this medication.
Medications can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of Finacea, you should avoid foods or drinks that cause you to blush or flush, such as alcoholic drinks, spicy food, and hot food and drinks.
Finacea (generic: azelaic acid) is a prescription medication used to treat rosacea (a skin disease that causes redness, flushing, and pimples on the face). This medication belongs to a group of drugs called dicarboxylic acids. The exact way Finacea works to treat rosacea is unknown.
This medication comes in a topical gel form. It is applied to the affected areas of the face twice daily, in the morning and evening. Avoid getting Finacea gel into your eyes, mouth or mucus membranes. Wash your hands after applying Finacea.
Common side effects include skin reactions such as burning, tingling, dryness, and itching.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
It is not known if Finacea crosses into human milk. Because many medications can cross into human milk and because of the possibility for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants with use of this medication, a choice should be made whether to stop nursing or stop the use of this medication. Your doctor and you will decide if the benefits outweigh the risk of using Finacea.
Common side effects include skin reactions such as:
- burning
- tingling
- stinging
- redness
- dryness
- itching
This is not a complete list of Finacea side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
If you use too much Finacea, call your healthcare provider or local Poison Control Center, or seek emergency medical attention right away.
Use Finacea exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.
The Finacea dose your doctor recommends will be based on the following:
- the condition being treated
- other medical conditions you have
- how you respond to this medication
- your age
The recommended dose range for Finacea is two applications to the affected skin each day.
Before using Finacea, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. Especially tell your doctor if you:
- are allergic to any ingredient in Finacea
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Finacea is a prescription medication used for topical treatment of inflammatory papules and pustules of mild to moderate rosacea.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.