Azelaic acid: Patient drug information

What is this drug used for?

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

All products:
Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
It may take several weeks to see the full effects.
If you use this drug too often, your skin problem may become worse.
Use of other skin products while using this drug may cause more irritation.
Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
If you have asthma, use this drug with care. Worsening of asthma has happened in people using this drug. Call your doctor right away if your asthma gets worse while you use this drug.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
Foam and gel:
Avoid alcohol, hot foods and drinks, and spicy foods while using this drug.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Change in color of skin.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
It is common to have skin irritation with this drug. Skin irritation may include burning, itching, or stinging. Most of the time, skin irritation happened during the first few weeks after starting this drug. Call your doctor if you have skin irritation that is very bad, bothers you, or does not go away.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
All products:
Do not take this drug by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
If this drug gets in the eyes, rinse with a lot of water. If eye irritation lasts for a while, talk with the doctor.
Wash your hands before and after use.
Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
Use only mild soaps or cleansing lotions free of soap for facial cleaning.
Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings) unless told to do so by the doctor.
Makeup may be used after the skin has dried.
Foam:
Shake well before use.
This drug may catch on fire. Do not use near an open flame or while smoking.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

All products:
Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Cream:
Store this product on its side.
Gel:
If using the pump product, throw away any part not used 8 weeks after opening.
Foam:
Protect from heat or open flame. Do not puncture or burn even if it seems empty.
Throw away any part not used after 8 weeks.

General drug facts

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.