How long does it take for Finacea to work?
- Anecdotally, improvements in rosacea symptoms have been reported within two weeks to a month with Finacea
- A 50 to 58% reduction in papules and pustules has been reported after 12 weeks of treatment
- 61% reported either a complete clearing of their rosacea or a significant reduction in the number of papules and pustules after 12 weeks of treatment
- If no improvement is seen within 4 to 8 weeks talk to your doctor.
Finacea is a prescription topical gel that contains 15% azelaic acid. It is FDA approved to treat redness (inflammation) and papules (raised areas of skin of around 1cm) and pustules (small bumps on the skin that contain fluid or pus) caused by mild to moderate rosacea.
Finacea is applied twice daily and it is important to be consistent with the application of the gel, to ensure you get the best results from treatment.
Anecdotally, improvements have been reported in rosacea within the first two weeks to month of using the gel. Research has found that after twelve weeks treatment with twice daily Finacea:
- Papules and pustules reduced by 50 to 58%
- Redness and telangiectasia (thread-like tiny red blood vessels) also decreased among research participants
- 61% reported either a complete clearing of their rosacea or a significant reduction in the number of papules and pustules (an improvement in rosacea to a mild status) after twelve weeks.
It is important to note that skin irritation (such as itching, burning, or stinging) may occur during the first few weeks of Finacea treatment. This should improve; however, if it doesn’t, discontinue Finacea and consult your doctor. Also talk to your doctor if you have been using Finacea for four to eight weeks without seeing any improvement.
Other, nonpharmacological measures should be undertaken as well, such as avoiding triggers that may promote flushing or blushing, such as spicy or thermally hot food, and drinks such as coffee, tea, or alcohol.
References
- Newbury C. What is Finacea and how does it work? The Independent Pharmacy https://www.theindependentpharmacy.co.uk/rosacea/guides/about-finacea
- Finacea (azelic acid topical) LEO Pharma Inc. https://www.drugs.com/pro/finacea.html
See also:
Aimovig
Learn about Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) a once-monthly, injectable medication that can be ...
Botox
Botox is used for cosmetic purposes and to treat overactive bladder symptoms, urinary incontinence ...
Ozempic
Learn about Ozempic (semaglutide) for type 2 diabetes treatment, weight management, cardiovascular ...
Nurtec ODT
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is used to treat acute migraines and prevent episodic migraines, by ...
Emgality
Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is a CGRP antagonist for the preventive treatment of migraine and for ...
Inderal
Inderal (propranolol) is used to treat angina, high blood pressure and heart rhythm disorders ...
Ajovy
Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm) is a preventive migraine treatment. Includes Ajovy side effects ...
Vyepti
Vyepti (eptinezumab-jjmr) is used for the preventive treatment of migraine. Includes Vyepti ...
Botox Cosmetic
Botox Cosmetic is a prescription treatment for fine lines and wrinkles. It temporarily improves the ...
Fremanezumab
Fremanezumab is used for chronic migraine, headache, migraine, migraine prevention
Related medical questions
- What are the most common skin conditions? (with photos)
- Can Finacea help with wrinkles or acne or aging?
- How much does Finacea cost without insurance?
- How do you use Finacea foam?
- Nonprescription treatments for acne – so many choices!
Drug information
Related support groups
- Finacea (5 questions, 16 members)
- Azelaic Acid (5 questions, 9 members)