What Is Finacea?

Finacea is a topical gel that contains azelaic acid, which is used to treat the skin conditions rosacea and acne.
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
Finacea may change your skin color, especially if you have a dark complexion. Tell your doctor if you notice any changes in the color of your skin.
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
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

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.

Related Posts:

  • What Is Norethindrone?Norethindrone is a form of progesterone, a female hormone. Norethindrone prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it h… Read More
  • What Is Aztreonam?Aztreonam is an antibiotic that fights severe or life-threatening infection caused by bacteria. Aztreonam is used to treat severe infections of the blood, urinary tract, lower respiratory tract, skin, stomach, or female rep… Read More
  • What Is Abacavir-Lamivudine?Abacavir and lamivudine are antiviral medicines that prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body. Abacavir and lamivudine is a combination medicine used to treat HIV, which can cause the acquire… Read More
  • What Is Azuphen MB? Hyoscyamine produces many effects in the body, including relief from muscle spasms. Methenamine and methylene blue work as mild antiseptics that fight bacteria in the urine and bladder. Phenyl salicylate is a mild pai… Read More
  • What Is Azacitidine?Azacitidine is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. Azacitidine is used to treat certain types of bone marrow cancers and blood cell disorders. Azacitidine may also be used… Read More