What to Know About Using Acne Medications During Pregnancy
There are many options to treat acne. But not all of them can be used during pregnancy. Explore pregnancy acne treatments here.
Azelex
Used for Acne
Used for Acne
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.
What is Azelex (azelaic acid)?
What is Azelex (azelaic acid) used for?
- Treatment of papules and pustules in adults with mild-to-moderate acne
How Azelex (azelaic acid) works
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.
When does Azelex (azelaic acid) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Azelex |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Dicarboxylic acid |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription or over-the-counter |
Side effects of Azelex (azelaic acid)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Burning (up to 5%)
- Stinging (up to 5%)
- "Pin and needles" sensation (up to 5%)
- Itching (up to 5%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Dryness
- Rash
- Pealing
- Skin irritation
When do Azelex (azelaic acid) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
M
H
D
W
M
Skin burning or tingling
The following Azelex (azelaic acid) side effects have also been reported
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.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$681.74
GoodRx discount
$548.37
Pros and cons of Azelex (azelaic acid)
Pros
- 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
Cons
- Might take weeks to see improvement
- Need to apply twice daily
- Can cause skin color to lighten
Pharmacist tips for Azelex (azelaic acid)
- 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.
Risks and warnings for Azelex (azelaic acid)
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.
Loss of skin color
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.
Eye and mouth irritation
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.
Skin irritation
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) dosage
The average cost for 1 tube of 30g of 20% of Azelex (azelaic acid) is $548.37 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 19.56% off the average retail price of $681.74.
Interactions between Azelex (azelaic acid) and other drugs
Azelex (azelaic acid) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Azelex (azelaic acid). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
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.
How much does Azelex (azelaic acid) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Azelex (brand)
$548.37
What are alternatives to Azelex (azelaic acid)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Azelex (azelaic acid). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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