Azelex (azelaic acid) is a dicarboxylic acid. It's a topical medication used to treat mild-to-moderate acne in adults and children ages 12 years and older. It works by killing bacteria that causes acne and by preventing clogged pores. Azelex (azelaic acid) cream is applied to the skin twice daily, in the morning and evening. Some side effects of Azelex (azelaic acid) include mild burning, tingling, and itching.
Treatment of papules and pustules in adults with mild-to-moderate acne
Azelex (azelaic acid) is a dicarboxylic acid. It treats acne by killing the bacteria that cause acne, preventing clogged pores, and by lowering redness and inflammation.
Source: DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Burning, stinging, or tingling of the skin
dryness, itching, peeling, or redness of the skin
Less common
Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Rare
Change in skin color at treated areas
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Applied to the skin; convenient for people who don't like pills
Less likely to cause skin irritation than some other topical acne medications
Can be stored at room temperature
Might take weeks to see improvement
Need to apply twice daily
Can cause skin color to lighten
Use Azelex (azelaic acid) as directed by your dermatologist. It can take a few weeks before you see your skin improve. Let your healthcare team know if you don't notice your acne getting better after a month. They might ask you to consider other treatment options.
Azelex (azelaic acid) can cause dryness, itching, scaling, or stinging, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. Speak to your dermatologist if the irritation gets worse or does not go away over time.
More tips on how to use Azelex (azelaic acid):
Before applying Azelex (azelaic acid), wash the area to be treated with a mild cleanser and pat dry with a soft towel.
Avoid applying Azelex (azelaic acid) too close to eyes and mouth, since this can cause irritation. If contact occurs, wash your eyes with large amounts of water. If the irritation doesn't go away, contact your dermatologist.
Wash your hands after you apply Azelex (azelaic acid) to avoid accidentally getting this medication on other parts of the body.
Don't apply bandages or wraps on the areas of skin where you applied Azelex (azelaic acid). Doing so might affect how much medication gets absorbed.
Azelex (azelaic acid) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Azelex (azelaic acid) can cause loss of skin color in the areas of skin where you apply the medication. This is because this medication prevents your skin from making melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. The loss of skin color is more noticeable if you have a darker skin tone. Let your dermatologist know if you notice any changes in skin color.
Azelex (azelaic acid) can cause irritation in the eyes, mouth, nose, and genitals. If it gets in your eyes, wash your eyes with lots of water. Get medical help right away if the irritation does not go away after washing your eye.
Azelex (azelaic acid) can temporary skin irritation, such as burning or stinging, at the application site. This is more likely to happen when you apply the medication to broken or inflamed skin. These side effects are typically mild and go away when you continue treatment. Contact your dermatologist right away if your symptoms are severe. They might ask you to stop Azelex (azelaic acid) and consider other options.
Azelex (azelaic acid 20%) cream
Adults and children ages 12 years and older: The typical dose is to apply a thin film of cream to the affected area(s) twice daily, in the morning and evening.
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.
Treatment of papules and pustules in adults with mild-to-moderate acne
Burns
Dandruff
Fungal infections
Insect bites
Other conditions that cause thickened skin (such as ichthyosis vulgaris and pityriasis rubra pilaris)
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