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Compare MetroGel-Vaginal vs. Finacea

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Metrogel (metronidazole) and Finacea (azelaic acid) are both topical treatments for rosacea, but they have some key differences. Metrogel is a nitroimidazole antibiotic that helps reduce redness and swelling by lowering inflammation. It is typically applied once a day and can take 3 to 4 weeks to show significant improvement. On the other hand, Finacea is an antibacterial that works by stopping the growth of certain bacteria and also reduces inflammation. It is usually applied twice daily and may take up to 12 weeks to see results for rosacea. Metrogel is available in various forms like gel, lotion, and cream, while Finacea comes in gel, foam, and cream. Finacea can also lighten skin color, which might be a concern for people with darker skin tones. Both medications can cause skin irritation, but Finacea foam is noted to be flammable, requiring careful handling.

  • Metrogel (metronidazole)
    Azelaic acid (Finacea)
  • Metrogel (metronidazole)
    Azelaic acid (Finacea)

  • Summary of MetroGel-Vaginal vs. Finacea

    Summary for Nitroimidazole antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Metrogel (metronidazole) is used on the skin to treat a certain skin disorder known as rosacea, a type of adult acne. It may help to decrease redness, swelling and the number of pimples caused by rosacea.

    Summary for Dicarboxylic acid
    Prescription only

    Azelaic acid (Finacea) is a dicarboxylic acid. It's a topical medication used to treat mild-to-moderate rosacea in adults. It works by easing skin redness and inflammation. Azelaic acid (Finacea) is applied to the skin twice daily, in the morning and evening. This medication comes as a gel and foam. Some side effects of azelaic acid (Finacea) include mild burning, tingling, and itching. It's available as brand name and generic medications.

  • Indications of MetroGel-Vaginal vs. Finacea

    Indications for
    •Adult acne
    Indications for
    •Treatment of papules and pustules in adults with mild-to-moderate rosacea

  • Pros and Cons of MetroGel-Vaginal vs. Finacea

    Pros and Const for Nitroimidazole antibiotic
    Pros
    •Works well to lower the swelling due to adult acne.
    •It has fewer side effects than oral tablets.
    •It is available as a generic product.
    •There are different strengths of Metrogel (metronidazole) available.
    •Available as a gel, lotion and cream.
    •Can still wear make-up under Metrogel (metronidazole).
    •Can be used in elderly people.
    Cons
    •Can cause stinging, dryness, or irritation when applied.
    •It takes about 3-4 weeks to see significant improvement while using this medication.
    •Has to be used daily to see benefits from this medication.
    •Safety has not be studied in children.
    Pros and Const for Dicarboxylic acid
    Pros
    •Available as a gel and foam
    •Applied to the skin; convenient for people who don't like pills
    •Can wear cosmetics after it dries
    Cons
    •Might take months to see improvement
    •Can cause skin irritation, such as burning or dryness
    •Can cause skin color to lighten

  • Common Side Effects of MetroGel-Vaginal vs. Finacea

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nasopharyngitis - a common cold that affects the nose and throat (3%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection - a cold that affects the nose, throat, and lungs (3%)
    •Headache (2%)

    ^Source: DailyMed^

    Common Side Effects for

    Finacea foam

    •Pain (6%)
    •Itching (3%)

    Finacea gel

    •Burning, stinging, tingling (4-16%)
    •Itching (1-6%)
    •Scaly or dry skin (1-5%)

  • Warnings of MetroGel-Vaginal vs. Finacea

    Common Side Effects for
    •EYE IRRITATION
    •WEAKNESS AND TINGLING SENSATION IN THE HANDS AND FEET
    •SKIN RASH
    Common Side Effects for
    •Loss of skin color
    •Eye and mouth irritation
    •Worsening asthma (gel only)
    •Flammable (foam only)

  • Prices with our coupons for MetroGel-Vaginal vs. Finacea

    Learn more about Metrogel
    Learn more about Azelaic acid

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