Warnings

Azelaic Acid

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Feb 20, 2025

Warnings

Azelaic Acid (Finacea) Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Azelaic acid can cause potentially serious adverse effects in certain high-risk individuals. Talk to your doctor about other treatment options for rosacea or acne if you are at a high risk of complications from this medication. Some of the risks of using azelaic acid include:

TEMPORARY SKIN IRRITATION: Skin reactions, including itching, stinging, and burning, can occur after the use of azelaic acid, especially in the first few weeks. Call your doctor if skin irritation in the treated area is severe or persistent.
HYPOPIGMENTATION: There are rare reports of hypopigmentation in patients using this medication. Azelaic acid has not been well studied in people with darker skin tones. Report any changes in skin color to your dermatologist as soon as possible.
UNUSUAL OR ALLERGIC REACTION: Hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions, including angioedema (swelling), dyspnea (difficulty breathing), and urticaria (hives), have been reported in people who used azelaic acid. Stop using the medicine and seek emergency medical care at the first sign of an allergic reaction.
IRRITATION OF EYES AND MUCOUS MEMBRANES: Azelaic acid is for external use on facial skin only. Do not use this medicine in or near your eyes, mouth, or vagina. If the medicine comes in contact with your eyes, irritation may occur. Wash thoroughly with water and consult an eye physician if the irritation in your eye persists.
WORSENING ASTHMA: Some patients with asthma have reported worsening symptoms after using azelaic acid formulations. Call your healthcare provider without delay if you notice worsening asthma symptoms.
FLAMMABILITY: Azelaic acid (Finacea Foam) is flammable. Keep the aerosol away from heat sources. Avoid fire, flames, and smoking immediately after application of the foam. Do not puncture the container or discard it in an incinerator.

Precautions Before Starting Azelaic Acid (Finacea)

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to azelaic acid, any of the active or inactive ingredients in azelaic acid formulations, or any other drugs. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.

Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription medications, nonprescription medications, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid interactions between azelaic acid and your other medications.

Give your doctor a complete medical history. Azelaic acid may not be safe for people with asthma or recurrent cold sores.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, are planning a pregnancy soon, or are nursing an infant with breast milk.

Precautions During Use of Azelaic Acid (Finacea)

Tell your doctor if you notice any hypopigmentation or changes in skin color while using azelaic acid.

Avoid triggers that make rosacea worse, such as alcoholic beverages, spicy foods, and hot drinks.

Azelaic Acid (Finacea) Drug Interactions

Certain medicines can affect how azelaic acid works. Using azelaic acid with certain other drugs at the same time can increase the risk of side effects. Your doctor may change the doses of your medications, switch you to a different medicine, and/or monitor you carefully for adverse effects if there are known interactions between azelaic acid and your other medicines.

Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare provider if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

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