Azelaic acid gel is used to clear bumps, lesions and swelling caused by rosacea (a skin disease that causes redness, flushing, and pimples on the face).¹ It is also used to treat melasma (dark spots).²

Azelaic acid is in a class of medications called dicarboxylic acids. It works to treat rosacea by decreasing the inflammation, swelling and redness of the skin.³ It works to treat melasma and dark spots by suppressing the formation of the spots and working as an anti-inflammatory.⁴

Azelaic acid comes as a gel to apply to the skin. It is usually applied twice a day, in the morning and the evening. To help you remember to use azelaic acid, use it at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use azelaic acid exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it, or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.⁵

Be careful not to get azelaic acid in your eyes or mouth. If you do get azelaic acid in your eyes, wash with plenty of water and call your doctor if your eyes are irritated.

For rosacea, if you don’t see improvement within 12 weeks, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.⁶ For melasma, when you follow a treatment plan with topical medications like azelaic acid, it usually takes between three to 12 months to see results. It may take longer if you’ve had melasma for a long time.⁷

Azelaic acid 15% gel requires a prescription and is not available over the counter.⁸ You can buy it online, if prescribed, through telehealth providers like RedBox Rx. Start an online consult for rosacea or melasma/dark spots to see if azelaic acid 15% gel is right for you.

At RedBox Rx, azelaic acid starts at $20 per month, and our online consultation for rosacea or melasma/dark spots costs only $25. RedBox Rx has one of the lowest prices of azelaic acid available.

Azelaic acid may cause side effects. The following symptoms are likely to affect the skin you are treating with azelaic acid gel, foam, or cream. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• Itching.

• Burning.

• Stinging.

• Tingling.

• Tenderness.

• Dryness.

Azelaic acid may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.⁹

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze. Dispose of the gel pump eight weeks after opening the container.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children, as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location –— one that is up and away, and out of their sight and reach.¹⁰

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.¹¹

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.¹²

• Finacea® gel

We offer a variety of prescription medication options for rosacea, including:

• Doxycycline (generic Vibramycin®)

• Metronidazole cream and gel (generic MetroCream® and MetroGel®)

• Clindamycin topical solution (generic Cleocin T®)

We offer a variety of prescription medication treatment options for anti-aging, including:

• Hydroquinone 4% cream (for melasma, dark spots)

• Tazarotene (Generic Tazorac®) cream

• Tretinoin (generic Retin-A®) cream

• Tretinoin (generic Retin-A®) gel

• Adapalene (generic Differin®) gel

• Retin-A® Cream

1. National Library of Medicine

2. National Institutes of Medicine

3. National Library of Medicine

4. National Institutes of Medicine

5. National Library of Medicine

6. Mayo Clinic

7. American Academy of Dermatology

8. Mayo Clinic

9. National Library of Medicine

10. National Library of Medicine

11. Cleveland Clinic

12. National Library of Medicine