What are the instructions for a patient on how to use Finacea (azelaic acid) gel?

How to Use Finacea (Azelaic Acid) Gel

Apply a thin layer of Finacea gel to affected facial areas twice daily (morning and evening) after cleansing with a very mild soap or soapless cleanser, then gently massage into the skin. 1

Step-by-Step Application Instructions

Before Application

• Cleanse your face using only very mild soaps or soapless cleansing lotions 1
• Pat dry with a soft towel 1
• Avoid alcoholic cleansers, tinctures, astringents, abrasives, and peeling agents 1

Application Technique

• Amount: Apply a thin film to affected areas 2
• Method: Gently but thoroughly massage the gel into the skin 2
• Frequency: Twice daily—once in the morning and once in the evening 1
• Wash hands immediately after application 1

After Application

• Wait for the gel to dry before applying cosmetics 1
• Do not use occlusive dressings or wrappings over the treated areas 1

Critical Safety Precautions

Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes. If eye contact occurs, immediately wash eyes with large amounts of water and contact your physician if irritation persists 1.

What to Expect

• Skin irritation (itching, burning, or stinging) commonly occurs during the first few weeks of treatment 1
• This is typically transient and mild-to-moderate in intensity 3
• If irritation is excessive or persists, discontinue use and consult your physician 1

Lifestyle Modifications

To help manage rosacea while using Finacea:

• Avoid triggers that provoke flushing: spicy foods, thermally hot foods and drinks (hot coffee, tea), and alcoholic beverages 1

Treatment Duration

• Reassessment is needed if no improvement occurs after 12 weeks of therapy 1
• Studies demonstrate continuous improvement throughout 12-15 week treatment periods, with azelaic acid showing progressive benefit without plateauing 4, 5

Dosing Flexibility

Research supports that once-daily application may be equally effective as twice-daily dosing for mild-to-moderate rosacea, offering greater convenience if twice-daily application is not tolerated 6. However, the FDA-approved regimen remains twice daily 1.

Product-Specific Instructions

For tube packaging: Remove cap and squeeze to dispense 1

For pump packaging: Remove cap and depress pump (may require repeated depression at first use); discard pump 8 weeks after opening 1

Important Warnings

• For external use only—not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use 1
• Report abnormal skin color changes to your healthcare provider 1
• Report any worsening of asthma to your healthcare provider 1
• Discontinue and contact your physician if allergic reactions occur 1