Azelaic Acid

• This medicine is a gel applied to the skin to treat the red bumps and pimples of mild to moderate rosacea, as well as the facial redness that comes with it.

• Wash and dry the affected skin before each application.
• Apply a thin layer of the gel to the affected areas and gently rub it in.
• Wash your hands after applying the gel.
• Do not cover the treated skin with bandages or wraps.
• Avoid getting the gel in your eyes, mouth, nose, or other sensitive areas. If this happens, rinse well with water.
• Use this medicine regularly for the full length of time your healthcare professional recommends — it can take several weeks of steady use before you see improvement.

If you miss a dose

• If you forget an application, just apply it as soon as you remember and continue with your regular schedule.
• Do not apply extra gel to make up for a missed application.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, so they can weigh the benefits and risks for you.
• Only a small amount of this medicine is absorbed through the skin, so it is not expected to significantly affect breast milk, but use caution and tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

• Tell your healthcare professional if you have ever had an allergic reaction to azelaic acid or any other skin product.
• Tell your healthcare professional if you have asthma or a history of cold sores or other herpes infections.
• Wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat it dry before applying this medicine.

Important warnings

• Serious allergic reactions are possible, though uncommon, and can cause swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or trouble breathing.
• This medicine can rarely cause lighter patches of skin (skin lightening), which may be more noticeable in people with darker skin tones.
• Rarely, this medicine has been linked to worsening of asthma.
• Cold sores and other herpes infections have flared up in some people using this medicine.

• Burning, stinging, or tingling of the skin, especially when you first start
• Itching
• Dry or scaly skin
• Redness or irritation
• Mild swelling of the skin
• Contact irritation of the skin
• Acne appearing or getting worse
• Oily skin
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight
• Small visible blood vessels
• Small skin growths, extra hair growth in the treated area, or small light patches of skin, uncommonly

When to get emergency help

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Sudden difficulty breathing
• Widespread hives

When to contact a healthcare professional

• If skin irritation, burning, or redness is severe or does not improve.
• If you notice patches of lighter skin developing in the treated area.
• If your cold sores or another herpes infection flares up while using this medicine.
• If your asthma seems to be getting worse.

• Avoid spicy food, hot drinks, and alcohol, since these can make rosacea flushing worse.
• Tell the Care365 care team about any other skin products or medicines you are using on your face, since combining treatments has not been well studied.
• Wait until the gel has dried before applying makeup or other skin products.

• Store this medicine at room temperature.
• Keep it out of the reach and sight of children.