Azelaic acid gel is used to clear bumps, lesions and swelling caused by rosacea (a skin disease that causes redness, flushing, and pimples on the face).¹ It is also used to treat melasma (dark spots).²

Azelaic acid is in a class of medications called dicarboxylic acids. It works to treat rosacea by decreasing the inflammation, swelling and redness of the skin.³ It works to treat melasma and dark spots by suppressing the formation of the spots and working as an anti-inflammatory.⁴

Azelaic acid gel is usually applied to the skin twice a day, in the morning and the evening. To help you remember to use azelaic acid, use it at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use azelaic acid exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Be careful not to get azelaic acid in your eyes or mouth. If you do get azelaic acid in your eyes, wash with plenty of water and call your doctor if your eyes are irritated.⁵

To make the most of your treatment:

• Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin once or twice per day.

• If you have sensitive skin, you can apply it every other day.

• Follow with a hydrating moisturizer.

• Wear sunscreen of at least 30 SPF daily.

Learn more on our blog.

Azelaic acid is available in prescription and over-the-counter options. Prescription strength ranges from 15% to 20% and nonprescription strength formulas contain 10%-12% azelaic acid.^6,7,8

For rosacea, if you don’t see improvement within 12 weeks, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.⁹ For melasma, when you follow a treatment plan with topical medications like azelaic acid, it usually takes between three to 12 months to see results. It may take longer if you’ve had melasma for a long time.¹⁰

Lower strength azelaic acid products are available over the counter, but azelaic acid 15% gel requires a prescription.¹¹ You can buy it online, if prescribed, through telehealth providers like RedBox Rx. Start an online consult for rosacea or melasma/dark spots to see if azelaic acid 15% gel is right for you.

At RedBox Rx, azelaic acid starts at $20 per month, and our online consultation for rosacea or melasma/dark spots costs only $25. RedBox Rx has one of the lowest prices of azelaic acid available.

Azelaic acid may cause side effects. The following symptoms are likely to affect the skin you are treating with azelaic acid gel, foam, or cream. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• Itching

• Burning

• Stinging

• Tingling

• Tenderness

• Dryness

Azelaic acid may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.¹²

If you stop using azelaic acid 15% gel before your healthcare provider recommends, your symptoms may return or worsen. The length of time you are prescribed the medicine will depend on the medical problem for which you are using it.¹³

Yes, azelaic acid and tretinoin can be combined and this may produce faster, more pronounced results.¹⁴ Learn more in our blog Azelaic Acid and Tretinoin: Everything You Need to Know.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze. Dispose of the gel pump eight weeks after opening the container.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children, as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location, out of their sight and reach.¹⁵

If someone swallows azelaic acid, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.¹⁶

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.¹⁷

Finacea^® gel is the brand name for azelaic acid gel.¹⁸

We offer a variety of prescription medication options for rosacea, including:

• Doxycycline (generic Vibramycin®)

• Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide 1.2/5% gel

• Clindamycin phosphate 1% gel

• Clindamycin topical solution (generic Cleocin T®)

• Metronidazole cream (generic MetroCream®)

• Metronidazole gel (generic MetroGel®)

We offer a variety of prescription medication treatment options for anti-aging, including:

• Hydroquinone 4% cream (for melasma, dark spots)

• Tazarotene (Generic Tazorac®) cream

• Tretinoin (generic Retin-A®) cream

• Tretinoin (generic Retin-A®) gel

• Adapalene (generic Differin®) gel

• Retin-A® cream

1. MedlinePlus

2. National Library of Medicine

3. MedlinePlus

4. National Library of Medicine

5. MedlinePlus

6. MedlinePlus

7. Mayo Clinic

8. NBC News

9. Banner Health

10. Mayo Clinic

11. American Academy of Dermatology

12. Mayo Clinic

13. MedlinePlus

14. Mayo Clinic

15. Journal of Dermatological Treatment

16. MedlinePlus

17. Cleveland Clinic

18. MedlinePlus

19. MedlinePlus