Azelaic Acid Foam

Generic name: Azelaic Acid Foam [ a-zeh-LAY-ik-AS-id ]
Brand name: Finacea
Drug classes: Topical acne agents, Topical anti-rosacea agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 16, 2024.

Uses of Azelaic Acid Foam:

• It is used to treat pimples (acne).
• It is used to treat rosacea.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Azelaic Acid Foam?

• If you are allergic to azelaic acid foam; any part of azelaic acid foam; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take azelaic acid foam with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Azelaic Acid Foam?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take azelaic acid foam. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• It may take several weeks to see the full effects.
• If you use azelaic acid foam too often, your skin problem may become worse.
• Use of other skin products while using azelaic acid foam may cause more irritation.
• Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
• If you have asthma, use azelaic acid foam with care. Worsening of asthma has happened in people using azelaic acid foam. Call your doctor right away if your asthma gets worse while you use azelaic acid foam.
• Avoid alcohol, hot foods and drinks, and spicy foods while using azelaic acid foam.
• This medicine may catch on fire. Do not use near an open flame or while smoking.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using azelaic acid foam while you are pregnant.

How is this medicine (Azelaic Acid Foam) best taken?

Use azelaic acid foam as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Do not take azelaic acid foam by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• If azelaic acid foam gets in the eyes, rinse with a lot of water. If eye irritation lasts for a while, talk with the doctor.
• Shake well before use.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
• Use only mild soaps or cleansing lotions free of soap for facial cleaning.
• Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
• Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
• Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings) unless told to do so by the doctor.
• Makeup may be used after the skin has dried.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Related/similar drugs

doxycycline, metronidazole topical, clindamycin topical, erythromycin topical, ivermectin topical, brimonidine topical, tetracycline, minocycline topical, Vibramycin, Tazorac

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Change in color of skin.
• Shortness of breath.

What are some other side effects of Azelaic Acid Foam?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• It is common to have skin irritation with azelaic acid foam. Skin irritation may include burning, itching, or stinging. Most of the time, skin irritation happened during the first few weeks after starting azelaic acid foam. Call your doctor if you have skin irritation that is very bad, bothers you, or does not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Azelaic Acid Foam?

• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Protect from heat or open flame. Do not puncture or burn even if it seems empty.
• Throw away any part not used after 8 weeks.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about azelaic acid foam, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• Can Finacea help with wrinkles or acne or aging?
• How much does Finacea cost without insurance?
• How long does it take for Finacea to work?
• How do you use Finacea foam?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer