Finacea vs Azelex

Finacea vs Azelex – detailed comparison:

Finacea

It is the brand name of a medication called azelaic acid that belongs to the class of medications called anti-rosacea agents.

This medication works by killing bacteria associated with rosacea and helping the skin renew itself faster.

Also, it kills the bacteria associated with acne, called Propionibacterium acnes, a gram-positive human skin commensal that prefers anaerobic growth conditions.

It is produced by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Life Science company with more than 150 years of experience and history in the areas of healthcare. The U.S. FDA originally approved it in 1995.

Uses

This prescription medication is typically used to treat rosacea as well as mild to moderate acne vulgaris (a chronic skin disease involving blockage and/or inflammation of hair follicles and their accompanying sebaceous gland).

Dosage

The usual recommended dose is two applications to the affected skin every day.

Notes – it could take a month or longer before you notice improvement with this medication. Do not cover the treated area with bandages, wrappings, or dressings.

If your skin becomes very irritated after using the medication, it is recommended that you reduce its use to once per day until the irritation has cleared.

Side Effects and Precautions

Common side effects may include the following:

  • tingling;
  • stinging;
  • burning;
  • itching.

Rare side effects may include:

  • changes in skin color;
  • severe dryness, redness, or other irritation;
  • severe itching or tingling;
  • severe stinging, burning, or warmth;
  • signs of an allergic reaction which may include swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat, rash, hives, chest tightness, or itching.

Alcohol

There may be a negative interaction between this medication and alcohol intake.

Drug Interactions

This medication is not known to negatively interact with other medicines.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding      

There are no well-done studies to determine whether this medication is safe to use by nursing women or if it will harm an infant. Therefore, do not use this medication while breastfeeding without first talking to your healthcare provider.

This medication is not believed to harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or might become pregnant while using this anti-rosacea agent.

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Azelex

It is the generic name of a medication called azelaic acid, which belongs to a class of drugs known as dicarboxylic acids.

Uses

This prescription medication is typically used to treat mild-to-moderate rosacea and mild-to-moderate acne.

Note – it is approved for use in children as young as 12 years old.

Dosage

The cream should be massaged into the affected areas two times per day, in the morning and evening.

Note – before applying, wash the affected area of the skin with a mild soap and water. Rinse well and pat dry. Do not get the medication in the nose, eyes, or mouth. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a scrape or cut.

To prevent extra skin irritation, avoid using tinctures, alcoholic cleansers, peeling agents, and astringents with the medication.

Side Effects and Precautions

Common side effects may include:

  • tingling;
  • burning;
  • stinging;
  • itching.

Rare side effects may include:

  • changes in skin color;
  • severe stinging, burning, or warmth;
  • severe peeling, redness, or other irritation;
  • severe tingling or itching.

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Alcohol

There may be a negative interaction between this medication and alcohol. Therefore, do not consume alcoholic beverages while using this medication.

Drug Interactions

This medication is not known to interact with other topical or oral medications.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding      

There are no clinical studies to determine whether this medicine is safe to use by nursing women or if it will harm a baby. Therefore, do not use this medicine while breastfeeding an infant without first talking to your healthcare professional.

This medication is not believed to harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or might fall pregnant while using this anti-rosacea agent.

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Finacea vs Azelex – Which Is Better For Rosacea?

Finacea (active ingredient – azelaic acid) is a topical gel that is used to treat the bumps (papules), redness, and pimples which occur as symptoms of rosacea. It also helps the skin to renew itself faster, hence, it reduces blackhead and pimple formation.

Azelex (active ingredient – azelaic acid) is used to treat acne and rosacea. This medicine works by killing the pathogenic bacteria which cause rosacea and acne. It also helps the skin to renew itself substantially faster, thus, it reduces blackhead and pimple formation.

Both medicines contain the same active ingredient, and they produce the same effects in the body. Finacea costs around $333 and Azelex around $418.

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References

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01038869
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19588640
https://www.journal-imab-bg.org/statii-08/vol08_1_40-41str.pdf

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