Acnezac

Indications

Azelaic Acid is a skin medicine applied to the face to treat mild to moderate acne (pimples, blackheads and whiteheads) and the bumps and redness of rosacea. It is also used to fade dark patches on the skin such as melasma and marks left after acne.

How It Works

Azelaic Acid kills the bacteria involved in acne, helps unblock pores by normalising how skin cells shed, and calms inflammation, which reduces redness and swelling. It also slows the activity of overactive pigment cells, which helps even out dark patches.

Dosage and Administration

For adults and adolescents, apply a thin layer of the cream or gel to clean, dry affected skin twice a day, morning and evening, and rub in gently, or use as prescribed. Wash your hands after applying. Avoid the eyes, mouth and inside of the nose. Improvement in acne usually starts after about 4 weeks; regular use for several months may be needed.

Interactions

No important interactions with medicines taken by mouth are known. Using it at the same time as other drying or irritating skin products, such as Benzoyl Peroxide, Tretinoin, Adapalene, alcohol-based cleansers or scrubs, can increase irritation, so introduce them carefully or use at different times of day.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Azelaic Acid or any ingredient of the cream or gel.

Side Effects

Common effects at the application site include burning, stinging, itching, tingling, dryness, peeling and redness, especially in the first weeks; these usually settle with continued use. Less often, the skin may become lighter in colour where it is applied, particularly in people with darker skin. Asthma symptoms have rarely been reported to worsen.

Get urgent medical help if you develop swelling of the face, lips or eyes, difficulty breathing, or a severe blistering reaction.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Very little Azelaic Acid is absorbed through the skin, and it is generally considered one of the safer acne treatments in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Still, use it only after talking to your doctor. If breastfeeding, do not apply it to the chest area.

Precautions and Warnings

• If it gets into the eyes, rinse with plenty of water.
• If irritation is severe, use less often or stop and speak to your doctor.
• Watch for unusual lightening of the skin and report it.
• Avoid heavy, oily make-up during treatment and use a gentle sunscreen.

Overdose

Using more than needed does not work faster and causes more irritation. If swallowed in a large amount, seek medical advice.

Therapeutic Class

Topical anti-acne and anti-rosacea agent (dicarboxylic acid)

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze. Close the tube tightly after use.