Finacea

Inflammation, Nutritional supplementation, Acne Vulgaris + 1 more

Treatment

4 Active Studies for Finacea

What is Finacea

Azelaic acid

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in wheat, rye, barley, and a type of skin fungus. It is used to treat mild to moderate acne when applied topically as a cream. It works by stopping the growth of skin bacteria that cause acne and keeping skin pores clear. Azelaic acid can also inhibit the production of proteins in bacteria, which further helps reduce acne.

Azelex

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Finacea Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Azelex

Azelaic acid

1996

18

Effectiveness

How Finacea Affects Patients

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. It is produced by a type of yeast that lives on healthy skin and can be used as a cream to treat acne. When applied topically, it helps reduce acne by stopping the growth of bacteria and keeping skin pores clear. Azelaic acid has an antimicrobial effect, which means it stops the bacteria from making proteins that it needs to survive.

How Finacea works in the body

Azelaic acid is used to treat acne and other skin conditions. It works by inhibiting proteins that are produced in aerobically and anaerobically growing bacteria. It also reverses some of the changes that occur in acne, like thickening of the top layer of skin, or keratin process. It reduces the size of keratohyalin granules in the epidermis, and lowers the number of those granules overall.

When to interrupt dosage

The quantity of Finacea is contingent upon the identified ailment, such as Nutritional supplementation, Bacterial Infections and Inflammation. The measure of dosage is contingent upon the technique of administration (e.g. Tablet, coated or Topical) outlined in the table below.

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 - Cutaneous, Cream, Liquid, Liquid - Topical, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Oral, 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 - Cutaneous, Cream, Liquid, Liquid - Topical, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Oral, 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 - Cutaneous, Cream, Liquid, Liquid - Topical, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Oral, 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 - Cutaneous, Cream, Liquid, Liquid - Topical, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Oral, Aerosol, foam, Aerosol, foam - Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Cream - Topical

Warnings

Finacea has one contra-indication, thus it should not be employed for the disorders specified in the below table.

Finacea Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Finacea.

Common Finacea 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.

Finacea Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The lowest toxic dose of the drug in rats has been found to be greater than 5g/kg.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Finacea Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Finacea?

Nineteen active studies are presently being conducted to assess the potential of Finacea to treat Acne, provide Nutritional supplementation and combat Bacterial Infections.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Nutritional supplementation

0 Actively Recruiting

Inflammation

0 Actively Recruiting

Bacterial Infections

0 Actively Recruiting

Acne Vulgaris

2 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Phase 2, Early Phase 1

Finacea Reviews: What are patients saying about Finacea?

5

Patient Review

7/15/2016

Finacea for Acne Rosacea

Finacea was exactly the help I needed for my rosacea. The only downside is that it caused some initial dryness, itching, and burning. However, I found that using coconut oil as a moisturizer helped immensely with these symptoms.

5

Patient Review

7/22/2015

Finacea for Acne Rosacea

Metro-Gel was a terrible experience for me and did nothing to help my Rosacea. However, once I started using Finacea as prescribed by a dermatologist, I saw amazing results within weeks!

5

Patient Review

8/20/2017

Finacea for Acne Rosacea

In only five days, this treatment has made an incredible difference in my skin. Pustules are almost gone and my skin feels smooth and bright. I'm also pleased that regular pimples have cleared up. The only downside is the itchiness, but hopefully that will go away with time.

5

Patient Review

4/4/2017

Finacea for Acne Rosacea

This acne treatment is super easy to use - you don't need to apply much at all. I've found that it works best when applied right before bedtime.

5

Patient Review

1/18/2017

Finacea for Acne Rosacea

I don't usually write reviews, but this medication is really great. I've been struggling with Rosacea for three years now, and this is the first time I've felt pretty again.

5

Patient Review

10/12/2017

Finacea for Acne Rosacea

Finacea has been working great for me in terms of controlling my Rosacea. I highly recommend it to others who are struggling with a similar condition.

5

Patient Review

8/27/2019

Finacea for Acne Rosacea

I've been using this treatment for almost a decade and it really works well for me. I only use it when I'm experiencing symptoms, which has worked out great.

5

Patient Review

11/11/2017

Finacea for Acne Rosacea

This product is excellent. I have mild rosacea acne that usually flares in the late Fall and Winter, but my skin is beautiful now thanks to this treatment..

4

Patient Review

1/12/2017

Finacea for Acne Rosacea

While this treatment cleared my skin up, I began to develop an aversion to food because of the unpleasant taste it left in my mouth.

4

Patient Review

1/19/2017

Finacea for Acne Rosacea

Out of all the treatments I've tried, this one is by far the most effective. The metronidazole didn't work at all in comparison. Though it's very costly, even with insurance it being over $100 per tube.

3.7

Patient Review

2/19/2019

Finacea for Acne Rosacea

I really liked the gel and cream forms of this product, but I would advise against the foam. It's difficult to control how much comes out, and it doesn't spread evenly. Plus, there's a strong chance you'll get it in your eyes.

2.7

Patient Review

6/18/2018

Finacea for Acne Rosacea

I started using this treatment a week or two ago and had a really severe breakout. I never saw any improvement while using it.

1

Patient Review

1/17/2017

Finacea for Acne Rosacea

I didn't get the prescription filled after hearing that, even with insurance, it would cost $190. That's outrageous.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about finacea

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Do you need a prescription for Finacea?

"The prescription medicine Finacea® (azelaic acid) Foam is used topically to treat the raised spots and pimple-like bumps associated with mild to moderate rosacea."

Answered by AI

What does Finacea do for skin?

"This medication is used to treating rosacea, a type of adult acne. Rosacea symptoms include redness, swelling, and pimples. This medication can help by decreasing the severity of those symptoms."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of Finacea?

"The most common side effects of this medication are application site reactions, such as burning, stinging, tingling, dryness, tightness, scaling, itching, redness, irritation, or swelling. Other possible side effects include acne, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, and more."

Answered by AI

How long does it take for Finacea to work?

"Anecdotally, people have said that they noticed an improvement in their rosacea within the first two weeks to month of using the gel. Research has found that after twelve weeks of treatment with Finacea gel twice a day, the number of papules and pustules reduced by 50 to 58%."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Finacea

Image of Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, United States.

Isotretinoin vs Tetracycline for Acne

Any Age
All Sexes
Charleston, SC

In the effort to find better treatments for Moderate Acne, which often relies on long-term antibiotic use, researchers are exploring alternative options. While Isotretinoin, a Vitamin A derivative, is highly effective for severe acne, its side effects limit its use for milder cases. A recent study from our institution investigated a new approach: weekly Isotretinoin dosing. The results were promising, with acne improvement and no major side effects. This suggests that weekly Isotretinoin could be a successful alternative for moderate acne in both males and females. To validate these findings, investigators propose a randomized controlled trial comparing weekly Isotretinoin to daily Doxycycline over four months. This study could confirm the safety and effectiveness of weekly Isotretinoin, as well as shed light on patient satisfaction, and long-term results compared to standard antibiotics. This research may offer a breakthrough in treating moderate acne while addressing concerns about antibiotic overuse.

Phase < 1
Recruiting

Medical University of South Carolina

Alex Richmond, MD, MSCR