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What is Azelex
Azelaic acidThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryAzelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in wheat, rye, and barley. It is also produced by a type of fungus that can be found on human skin. Azelaic acid is available in a cream form and can be used to treat mild to moderate acne. The cream works by killing bacteria that cause acne and keeping pores clear. It may also prevent the growth of certain proteins that are necessary for bacterial growth.
Azelexis the brand name
Azelex Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Azelex
Azelaic acid
1996
18
Effectiveness
How Azelex Affects PatientsAzelaic acid is a natural substance found in wheat, rye, and barley, and is also produced by a type of yeast that lives on the skin. When used in a cream at 20%, it is effective in treating mild to moderate acne. It works by limiting the growth of bacteria that cause acne and by unblocking skin pores. Azelaic acid's antibacterial properties may be because it stops the bacteria from making proteins.
How Azelex works in the bodyAzelaic acid works to fight bacteria, specifically Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes. It does this by inhibiting the production of proteins in these bacteria. Azelaic acid also helps improve acne by normalizing cells in the skin and reducing the formation of microcomedones. It also reduces the thickness of the skin's outer layer and decreases the number of keratohyalin granules, which are responsible for skin cell development.
When to interrupt dosage
The advised dose of Azelex is contingent upon the specified condition, including Nutritional supplementation, Bacterial Infections and Inflammation. The dose also differs as per the approach of delivery (e.g. Tablet, coated or Topical), detailed in the table underneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Inflammation
, 0.15 mg/mg, 0.2 mg/mg, 5.0 mg, 15.0 %, 250.0 mg/mL
, Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, Kit, Cutaneous, Cream, Cream - Cutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Topical, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Aerosol, foam, Aerosol, foam - Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Cream - Topical
Nutritional supplementation
, 0.15 mg/mg, 0.2 mg/mg, 5.0 mg, 15.0 %, 250.0 mg/mL
, Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, Kit, Cutaneous, Cream, Cream - Cutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Topical, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Aerosol, foam, Aerosol, foam - Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Cream - Topical
Acne Vulgaris
, 0.15 mg/mg, 0.2 mg/mg, 5.0 mg, 15.0 %, 250.0 mg/mL
, Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, Kit, Cutaneous, Cream, Cream - Cutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Topical, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Aerosol, foam, Aerosol, foam - Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Cream - Topical
Bacterial Infections
, 0.15 mg/mg, 0.2 mg/mg, 5.0 mg, 15.0 %, 250.0 mg/mL
, Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, Kit, Cutaneous, Cream, Cream - Cutaneous, Liquid, Liquid - Topical, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Aerosol, foam, Aerosol, foam - Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Cream - Topical
Warnings
Azelex has one contraindication. If you have any of the circumstances outlined in the table below, Azelex should not be employed.Azelex ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Common Azelex Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abacavir
Minor
Azelaic acid may decrease the excretion rate of Abacavir which could result in a higher serum level.
Aclidinium
Minor
Azelaic acid may decrease the excretion rate of Aclidinium which could result in a higher serum level.
Acrivastine
Minor
Azelaic acid may decrease the excretion rate of Acrivastine which could result in a higher serum level.
Albutrepenonacog alfa
Minor
Azelaic acid may decrease the excretion rate of Albutrepenonacog alfa which could result in a higher serum level.
Allylestrenol
Minor
Azelaic acid may decrease the excretion rate of Allylestrenol which could result in a higher serum level.
Azelex Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of this drug in rats has been found to be greater than 5g/kg.
Azelex Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Azelex?
19 active trials are being conducted to investigate the utilization of Azelex for the management of Acne, Nutritional supplementation and Bacterial Infections.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Bacterial Infections
0 Actively Recruiting
Inflammation
0 Actively Recruiting
Nutritional supplementation
1 Actively Recruiting
Early Phase 1
Acne Vulgaris
22 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Early Phase 1, Phase 3
Azelex Reviews: What are patients saying about Azelex?
5Patient Review
2/11/2014 Azelex has been a true godsend. My face was covered in acne, and after just two months of using this cream twice daily, my skin had cleared up by 90%. The only downside is the price tag; at $260, it's not cheap. But it is worth it!
5Patient Review
8/5/2017 Azelex really helped to keeping my acne at bay.
4.7Patient Review
4/13/2011 I was prescribed this for my moderate to severe acne. Despite having bad acne, my skin is very sensitive and things such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin lotion only worsened my acne due to irritation. This medication is so gentle and quite effective. My skin isn't 100% clear but if I don't use the azelex, I notice a huge difference.
4.3Patient Review
8/18/2009 I've only been using Azelex for a short while, but I'm already seeing significant changes. Not only are fewer pimples forming, but scars and hyperpigmentation from previous breakouts have also faded. So many other products I've tried either make my skin worse or dry it out to the point of flaking, but Azelex doesn't do that. There was a bit of burning when I first started using it, but now it only tingles occasionally. All in all, I'm really happy with this product.
3.7Patient Review
8/28/2009 I've been using Azelex for close to 6 weeks now. While it has helped somewhat in reducing the severity and duration of my outbreaks, they are still occurring. I'm currently trying to get pregnant, so my doctor prescribed this since it is safe for use during pregnancy. However, if I were not trying to conceive, I would probably request something stronger from my physician.
3.7Patient Review
8/4/2009 I've only been using this for three weeks and I'm already seeing a lot of clearing up. Fingers crossed that my skin remains clear.
2.3Patient Review
12/29/2013 I unfortunately had a severe allergic reaction the first time I used this medication. Hives and swelling were present on my face.
2.3Patient Review
2/7/2009Patient Q&A Section about azelex
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is there a generic for azelex?
"Azelex is not currently available in the United States as a therapeutically equivalent version. These medications may be counterfeit and potentially unsafe."
Answered by AI
What is Azelex cream used for?
"This medication is used to treat mild to moderate acne. It works by reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria on the skin and by helping to keep your pores open, thus decreasing the number of acne pimples. Azelaic acid belongs to a class of drugs known as dicarboxylic acids."
Answered by AI
Is azelex the same as azelaic acid?
"The active ingredient in Finacea, azelaic acid, is also the active ingredient in Azelex, a medication used to treat acne."
Answered by AI
What does azelex do to skin?
"Rosacea is a condition characterized by redness and swelling of the skin. Rosacea treatments work to decrease the inflammation and redness of the skin. Acne is a condition characterized by the presence of bacteria in the pores of the skin. Acne treatments work to kill the bacteria that cause acne and to reduce the production of keratin, a substance that can block pores and lead to the development of acne."
Answered by AI