The prescription medicine belongs to a class of drugs called dicarboxylic acids.
It works by killing bacteria and helping the skin renew itself more quickly.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Finacea in 1995. It's manufactured by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Finacea Warnings
Before using Finacea, tell your doctor if you have, or have ever had:- Asthma
- Repeated episodes of cold sores or fever blisters
- Allergies to medications
- Any other serious medical condition
Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum.
Don't cover the area of the skin where you apply Finacea. This could cause your body to absorb too much of the medicine.
You shouldn't use Finacea on skin that's sunburned, chapped, dry, red, irritated, or broken.
It could take four weeks or longer before you notice improvement with Finacea. Continue to use the medicine as directed.
Tell your doctor if your condition doesn't improve, or worsens, after 12 weeks.
Avoid applying other harsh skin products — such as certain soaps, cleansers, or astringents — while using Finacea.
Pregnancy and Finacea
Finacea isn't believed to harm an unborn baby.Still, tell your doctor if you're pregnant, or might become pregnant while using this medicine.
It's not known whether Finacea passes into breast milk or could harm a breastfeeding baby.
Don't use this medicine while breastfeeding without first talking to your doctor.
Finacea Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Finacea
Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or don't go away:- Mild itching, burning, stinging, or tingling of the skin
Serious Side Effects of Finacea
Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the following serious side effects:- Severe itching, burning, stinging, or tingling of the skin
- Severe redness, peeling, or other irritation
- Rash
- Change in skin color
- Signs of an allergic reaction (may include hives, rash, itching, chest tightness, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
Finacea Interactions
Tell
your doctor about all prescription, nonprescription, illegal,
recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking while
using Finacea.
Finacea and Other Interactions
Your doctor may tell you to avoid foods and beverages that cause flushing or redness while you take Finacea. These may include:- Spicy foods
- Alcoholic beverages
- Hot foods or drinks
Finacea Dosage
Finacea is typically applied twice a day: once in the morning and once at bedtime.Follow the instructions on your product label carefully. Don't apply more or less Finacea than is recommended.
Try to use this medicine around the same time each day.
Wash your hands before and after applying the gel. The area of skin you're treating should be dry and clean.
Apply a thin layer of Finacea to the affected area, and gently massage it into the skin.
Don't cover the treated area with wrappings, bandages, or dressings.
You can apply nonirritating makeup over the medicine after it dries.
Finacea Overdose
Finacea may be harmful if swallowed.If you accidently swallow the medicine or suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
You can get in touch with a poison control center at 800-222-1222.
Missed Dose of Finacea
If you miss a dose of Finacea, apply it as soon as you remember.But if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal routine.
Don't apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
