Finacea gel is a medicine used to treat pimples, spots and redness that are associated with rosacea and mild to moderate acne. Finacea gel contains the active substance azelaic acid, which has anti-inflammatory effects on the skin as well as reducing the production of keratin. Keratin is a protein which can block pores, leading to the pimples that occur with acne and rosacea.
Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Azelaic acid can help tackle skin conditions in the following ways:
- It encourages cell turnover to help your skin heal faster and reduce scarring
- It cleans the bacteria that causes acne from your skin pores
- It makes acne less visible by reducing inflammation
- It blocks the body’s natural production and growth of keratin surface skin cells, which are responsible for clogging up pores.
The duration of treatment varies from person to person and is entirely dependent on the severity of your condition. Typically, it may be several months but you could notice considerable improvement in the appearance of your skin after only 4 weeks. However, if you notice no improvement after 2 months or your skin is worsening then you should contact your doctor for review of your treatment.
Finacea has a relatively high success rate when it comes to treating rosacea and acne. However, Finacea doesn’t work for everyone. Some people may find that Finacea makes no difference to their rosacea or acne and will need a stronger medication.
Finacea gel contains the active ingredient azelaic acid, at a strength of 15% (equating to 150 mg per gram of gel). The recommended dose is 2.5cm of gel (roughly an inch), applied twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. In the event of skin irritation, you should reduce your dose (either by amount per application or frequency) until the irritation clears and then you can continue at the normal recommended dose.
If you forget to use your Finacea gel, skip the forgotten dose and move straight onto the next one. Don’t worry but don’t double up on your dose to make up for a missed one. If you use more Finacea gel than you should, any side effects are unlikely. However, take care to continue only with the prescribed amount and contact your doctor if you’re worried.
Follow the instructions below to ensure appropriate use of this medication:
- Wash the affected area of your face gently with warm water and mild soap and then pat dry with a towel.
- Squeeze roughly an inch of gel onto your fingertip and apply the cream on the affected area.
- Rub the cream and spread evenly across your whole face.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after every use and replace the cap on the tube of gel.
- Always use this medication exactly as your clinician has told you. Check with our clinical team or your GP or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
The most common side effects of using Finacea gel include:
- Burning
- Pain
- Itching at the application site
- Feeling of tingling or numbness
- Dry skin
- Rash
- Swelling at the application site
If you do experience one or more of these side effects and they persist or worsen, then inform your doctor right away. You should also contact your doctor if you notice any serious side effects such as hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face.
For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, or you are experiencing any of the side effects mentioned in the patient information leaflet whilst taking this medication, please contact our clinical team or speak to your GP.
You should not take Finacea gel if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are allergic to azelaic acid or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
- if the patient is below the age of 18
- if you are using any other external medicated face creams or gels
Your prescription of Finacea gel may also be affected by a number of other factors, so you should make your doctor aware if any of the following apply:
- If you suffer from asthma
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Finacea gel contains benzoic acid, which can mildly irritate the skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Propylene glycol may also have an irritant effect.
Cases of worsening asthma after using azelaic acid cream have been reported rarely during post-marketing surveillance.
Like many medications with active ingredients, Finacea gel can affect or be affected by other medicines.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to this medication. These include:
- Hives
- Dizziness
- Fast or pounding heartbeats
- Wheezing
- Difficult breathing
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
It is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are currently taking. You must also tell us about any other medical conditions that you currently have (or had in the past). This will help us ensure the prescribed medication is safe and appropriate for you to take.
For full information on warnings, medication interactions and contraindications, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet. Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform our clinical team or your GP of medicines you are taking or intend to take.
