Finacea

Finacea is a treatment for papulopustular acne and papulopustular rosacea.

Can I get Finacea prescribed online?

The Online Clinic can prescribe Finacea gel online. Simply complete a skin consultation on our website, which will be reviewed by one of our GPs. If approved, we can prescribe this item for next day delivery.

What is Finacea?

Finacea, packaged as Finacea 15% gel, is a gel with azelaic acid as its active substance. This product is an anti-acne medicine that works to overcome mild acne and rosacea that are papulopustular in form. This means there are both papules (hard raised lumps) and pustules (pus-filled lumps) present.

Azelaic acid has antimicrobial action, preventing the growth of bacteria. It also acts on special skin cells called keratinocytes to regulate their inflammatory reactions and normalise their disturbed processes that occur with papulopustular acne and rosacea.

How to use Finacea

Finacea is a skin application, and so should be used only on the skin surface. It is important that you do not directly apply other medicines or beauty treatments on your face when using Finacea.

To apply, firstly clean and dry the area. Rub the gel into the skin each morning and evening, avoiding the eyes, mouth and nasal openings. You will need about 2.5 cm to treat all of your face. Preferably, leave the treated area to the air; otherwise do not use any dressings that occlude air and water. Finally, wash your hands.

Finacea should be used continuously for best results; Your doctor will decide on the length of treatment, which will be influenced by the severity of your condition, but it can be over a number of months. However, if you do not notice any improvement by one month (acne) or two months (rosacea), or if the condition worsens, then stop Finacea treatment and speak to your doctor. In the case where the skin becomes itchy, then either apply a smaller amount of Finacea each time or use Finacea once a day until the itchiness stops. If there is any persistent irritation, then contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Using too much Finacea or occasionally forgetting to use it is unlikely to have any effect. Always continue as directed by your doctor and, if unsure, then contact your doctor. Never try to make up missed applications by using twice the amount of gel. Note that the acne or rosacea may become worse if treatment is discontinued early.

Who can use Finacea?

Over the age of 18 years, then all people can be prescribed Finacea. Children with acne under the age of 12 years and children with rosacea under 18 years should not use Finacea.

Finacea is not to be used to treat people who have an allergy to azelaic acid or the medicine’s other ingredients, specifically benzoic acid and propylene glycol. It should not be used with other treatments applied directly to facial skin. Let your doctor decide about your treatment plan if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy. Do not let your baby touch any treated skin.

Finacea side effects

If side effects occur, then generally they are at the site of Finacea application. Skin irritation (including burning, pain, and itchiness) is very common, but tend to be mild or moderate and decreases over time. Numbness and tingling feeling, rash, dry skin and some swelling are common. Uncommonly, some people report skin reactions from contact with other products, and reddening, warmer, scaly, or discoloured skin. Those with rosacea also may have an itchy ‘nettle rash’, acne, or some discomfort. Rarely, if you are allergic to one of the ingredients of Finacea, you may develop swelling beneath the skin (angiodema) or swelling of the eyes or face, or difficulty breathing (dyspnoea). Other rarely reported side effects include worsening of asthma.