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Azelaic acid topical User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

Brand names: Finacea, Azelex, Finevin

Azelaic acid topical has an average rating of 7.7 out of 10 from a total of 126 reviews on Drugs.com. 71% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 16% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Azelaic acid topical

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Dol...
  • December 30, 2018

Azelaic acid topical for Rosacea "I struggled with rosacea since age 13. Back then, there were few options for those of us, and my physician prescribed tetracycline. But it never adequately kept my eruptions under control. I suffered for years with large red pustules, and it affected my life. I went on Accutane per my dermatologist, who was supposed to be top in his field. It went away completely, but six months later, it reappeared. My dermatologist said, “I think you have rosacea.” What an idiot. So he prescribed Metrogel. It barely worked. Meanwhile, ten years later, my GP prescribed Finacea gel 15 percent. It was getting under control."

9 / 10
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  • Bha...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 30, 2018

For Acne "I have been using Finacea for one week so far. I have been struggling with cystic acne after getting off birth control. My breakouts are mainly on the bottom half of my face, and I am getting reoccurring cystic acne on my chin (ouch!). My doc prescribed this because it is safe to take when pregnant. I have been using Finacea morning and evening, and my acne has calmed down and has gotten less red. (I was also icing my cystic bumps in the evening for an hour when they were really inflamed and painful, and that really helped!) I am still getting new whiteheads but haven't gotten a new cyst. Hopefully, as I keep using Finacea, both will continue to lessen. It does itch after you put it on. I try to wait a bit after washing my face before applying and use a moisturizer or serum with it, and that helps. Even with insurance, I had to pay $65, but when my skin is breaking out really bad, I will pay good money for something that works. If your doctor prescribes this, I would give it a try!"

9 / 10
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  • Bun...
  • May 14, 2018

For Rosacea "I've been using this for 4 days so far. I had an outbreak of acne rosacea on my temple, which was unusual as I'd never had that before. It's a cluster of 4 spots. They have persisted over 8 weeks now and haven't gone away. I take Doxycycline at the moment, which has previously helped. The spots receded during a weeklong holiday in a sunnier climate, but when I returned, they came straight back. I was at a loss and found azelaic acid being discussed here and on another site. So far, the cream has done very well, and the spots have gone right down. At this rate, they will hopefully be gone completely in a short while. I'm very impressed with it so far and would certainly recommend trying this. It is on NHS prescription in the UK."

9 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Win...
  • October 1, 2016

For Rosacea "I have had some luck with reducing pustules with a product available in Australia - Azclear. It is a 20% azelaic acid. I have had a little bit of peeling - it's quite strong, so I use it sparingly. For those in the US, it is only $8.95 Aus dollars. Yes! It doesn't need a prescription, and it is made by a well-trusted company - I'm sure it's able to be purchased online and shipped overseas. Well worth a try - I can't believe it's so expensive in the US!"

7 / 10
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  • Sab...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 23, 2022

Azelaic acid topical for Rosacea "This has been a lifesaver for my cystic acne and rosacea. It cleared up the cystic acne along my jawline, and while it didn't cure my rosacea, it has gotten demonstrably better. I tried everything prior to this, including medication, and this is the only thing that has worked. I have been using it for over three years. I took a break last summer to see if I could go without, and in less than a month I was flushed bright red, and in less than two months the cystic acne was back."

9 / 10
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  • Idk...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 8, 2021

For Acne "I used Skinoren for my acne (20% azelaic acid). I had a lot (like A LOT) of closed comedones and whiteheads on my forehead, temples, under my eyes, and on my nose wings, as well as overactive oil production on my nose (it was red and swollen all winter). I saw results immediately on my nose, it became less oily, red, and also looked smaller (I'm so happy)! The comedones cleared up fast, half of them were gone by around three days, and after two weeks, I barely had any. It worked wonders until three weeks in when I started getting cystic acne on my forehead and temples. I’ve never had cystic acne before and didn't know what to do. After struggling with it for two more months, I finally quit azelaic acid on my forehead and temples, and my skin returned to normal after two weeks. I still don't know what happened, but since I quit, my comedones have slowly started returning…but I’d rather have them than cystic acne and scars, so :) however, I'd give it a try, I still use it on my nose!"

5 / 10
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  • use...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 14, 2021

For Acne "I was 16 when I got prescribed (oral) doxycycline for 3 months, and it worked. I saw results, and after, I got prescribed Finacea azelaic acid (gave me very painful stinging every time). I should have known by then that shouldn’t be normal. The first few days I used it, some acne would go away, but after using it for a couple of weeks, acne got worse than before-small, painful pimples all over my forehead, cheeks, and chin. I think I was allergic to it. I stopped using it and disposed of it. Do not recommend."

1 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Fif...
  • December 10, 2023

Azelaic acid topical "Finacea foam has been a godsend for me! I struggle with perioral dermatitis and overall very sensitive and reactive skin. My dermatologist suggested the foam as it’s less drying, along with Vanicream for my moisturizer. It’s been a miracle! It cleared up the dermatitis around my mouth, killed all the random breakouts, and still left my skin feeling good and less sensitive. This is great stuff, definitely give it a try!"

10 / 10
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  • Gra...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 10, 2018

For Rosacea "After using this medication 3 times (morning, night, morning), I realized that I was having a severe allergic reaction to it. My nose swelled, my face got red, and every lymph node in my neck was swollen."

1 / 10
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  • ano...
  • November 1, 2016

For Rosacea "Used this for rosacea, which I thought was a shaving rash on my face. It immediately went far more red than before, to the point where it was visible to others and on a larger area. I persisted, and after a few days, it was beginning to clear. The peeling is pretty severe, and I seem to be flaking heavily every time I rub my face. I will persist for another few weeks, but it has definitely helped. Interesting to note that a tub of 15% 30g costs £8 on the NHS or £45 private, whereas in the US, it seems comparatively extortionate."

8 / 10
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  • Day...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 27, 2016

Azelaic acid topical for Rosacea "This review is for Finacea Foam. I visited a dermatologist and discovered I have rosacea. She prescribed Finacea Foam and gave me a small booklet to read. In the middle of the booklet, it was mentioned that it is important to throw out anything left over 8 weeks after opening. Reason not given... wasteful for something that costs close to $300. I wasn't concerned about any redness in my skin, as it wasn't bad, but I was assured it would take care of the pimple-like bumps that had persisted for years. I tried it for two weeks and there was no improvement... just got a little worse. It also dried out my skin, so I had to use extra moisturizers. No terrible side effects, so rating it a 2. Wish I'd been able to get a sample to try out."

2 / 10
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  • Gin...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 25, 2019

For Rosacea "I started taking azelaic acid a little over a month ago for my mild rosacea because my new insurance won't cover Soolantra. I was worried when I saw other people's experiences with the side effects, but I didn't experience the burning or itching. I must say I'm disappointed, though. I haven't seen any improvement in my skin. Glad it didn't cost anything!"

6 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • April 10, 2023

Azelaic acid topical for Rosacea "Been using this, tretinoin 0.05% and dapsone 5%, and it has helped me with my acne and hyperpigmentation. What I like about Finacea is that it doesn't irritate my skin and helps with hyperpigmentation. 9/10."

9 / 10
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  • Dr ...
  • June 20, 2016

For Rosacea "Finacea has transformed my face. It has cleared the breakouts and improved the pigmentation. Just wish they made a cream formulation. I use too much because it dries so fast spreading, it is difficult. I have to rush before it dries. A 50-gram tube should last me two months, but for me, only one month. And even with insurance, it costs me 109 dollars monthly. Maybe one day they will combine CeraVe moisturizer with active ingredient azelaic acid. Sorry, so long."

10 / 10
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  • ghi...
  • December 23, 2015

For Rosacea "I used this because my friend recommended it and has healed her face for 4 months. I rarely get pimples, probably 3-5 sometimes when my period is about to come. But I was greedy, and I like a clearer face, one that looks like a baby's skin, no pores and whatsoever. So I dreamed too much and I used this for 6 weeks. They said purging is normal, but on the 5th week, it's like I made myself a monster. And worse on the 6th week. So my advice is not to use this until the doctor tells you to use it."

1 / 10
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  • Doc...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • April 4, 2017

For Rosacea "Finacea Rx for rosacea. Love this! US price is a ripoff. Will buy in France. I am 70, but my skin has never dried out. I like the Clinique Lotion #4 that is heavy-duty salicylic acid. I sometimes use it instead of Finacea. My skin looks lovely from the Finacea. It's not just good for rosacea, but to exfoliate. I also use Sumadan wash with a Clarisonic. I also have seborrhea and use Nizoral shampoo. Web derm and rosacea may go hand in hand. I don't overuse, as the product can be very drying."

10 / 10
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  • Avp...
  • September 21, 2015

For Rosacea "My dermatologist prescribed this for dry skin under my mouth/perioral dermatitis. It cleared up this stubborn dry skin in 3 or 4 days. Doc told me to use it on my acne. It cleared up existing acne but brought big, nasty, honking zits to the surface that haven't cleared up after a month."

9 / 10
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  • ama...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 1, 2022

Azelaic acid topical for Rosacea "What I like about Finacea over Soolantra is that you can apply it only to the areas that need it (Soolantra really has to be applied all over, otherwise, the mites just relocate). I find that 2x a day Finacea all over the face can make the more sensitive areas of my face (chin for me) more red. It does a great job of clearing up pustules, though. Also, very little purging (3-4 days for me). Works much better than Metrogel. I used it for 6 months but stopped because I felt like it made the little red veins more visible after a while. Now I am 3 weeks into Soolantra, but it has drawn out so many more bumps... I may switch back. Also, you can order this drug online from Australia. $28/tube. Same as prescription med here in the USA."

7 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 1, 2021

Azelaic acid topical for Rosacea "I have never suffered with acne/rosacea apart from stress related in my early 40s. I'm now 57, and it came back. I have slightly red skin with fatty-type lumps under my eyes and down the sides of my nose and cheek. I went to the doctor, and he prescribed Finacea 15. It worked immediately. My skin hasn't looked so clear in years. Would definitely recommend. Slight tingling sensation, but worth it for the results. Don't understand the huge price tag in the States. No doubt something political/financial. Ridiculous."

10 / 10
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  • Lov...
  • June 8, 2017

Azelaic acid topical for Rosacea "I used Finacea cream for years but now had to switch to the foam. While the actual medicine is still working for me, I have to say that the price of $175 I would expect for the dispenser to work. I tried to exchange it but will not get any answer. I spend my morning on hold without ever even getting a person to talk to. The coupon line, yes. But not Bayer. I just cannot endorse this product. Would love to give it 0 stars, but the cream worked, just no longer available. Big Pharma rip-off!"

2 / 10
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  • Ros...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 14, 2021

For Rosacea "I was using Metrogel, and it had a limited effect on my mild rosacea. I went and just bought a 10% solution online for about $8.00, tried it, and after a few weeks, had significant and noticeable improvement. I've stopped Metrogel, and now this is the only thing I need to keep my rosacea under control. Highly recommend."

10 / 10
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  • Kev...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • July 18, 2022

Azelaic acid topical for Rosacea "Finacea foam is what I have used over the last 3 years. My dermatologist had a small sample of the foam he gave to me. I loved it! That small container lasted about a year. Now I have refilled a slightly larger 50-gram foam 15%. Ease of use, easy to apply and spread, and whatever it touches, it seems to disappear. Raised bumps also disappear as well as rosacea. I'm 63 y.o. male. It is very effective, just shake it and push the button softly and spread it on skin. I like the way I can spread a light/thin layer and do it again 12 hours later. After about the 2nd application, it's clearing up, by the 3rd application, most blemishes just disappear. 10 on a 1–10 scale foam."

10 / 10
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  • Cou...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 19, 2023

For Rosacea "Azelaic acid 15% gel was prescribed for my mild rosacea. Within 5 minutes of applying it, my face was beet red and swollen. It was burning, and my breathing felt labored. I obviously am allergic to this product, which sucks because my skin is sensitive to everything."

1 / 10
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  • Bla...
  • October 11, 2017

For Acne "I had a really bad breakout, and my doctor prescribed an antibiotic (doxycycline), Finacea gel, and Ziana. Finacea worked well, when I started using it, it was $40 with their coupon, and after my insurance paid their part, then it went up to $80 a few months later. I was told the coupon was no longer available, so my copay was higher. Then, a few months later, it was a $160 copay, and I couldn't afford it. Talk about big pharma greed! Now they have a foam version (I hate it) of the Finacea instead of the gel that just came out, and it's starting at $40 with my co-pay. I think I can see where this is going."

6 / 10
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  • kay...
  • November 5, 2015

For Acne "My idiot dermatologist prescribed me Finacea for acne. Absolutely terrible for me. I used it for 2 months during the summer, made my skin so much worse than it was in the beginning and gave me huge cysts on both my cheeks. Self-esteem had never been lower. Do NOT TAKE for acne. It was also very expensive ($80). Biggest waste of money."

1 / 10
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