What is Azelex: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Azelex overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Azelex, Finacea, Acne Medication 10, Acne Medication, Acne Treatment, Acne Medication 5, Azelex, Avar LS Cleanser, Acne Control Cleanser, Benzac AC, BPO-5, BPO 4% Gel, BPO-10, Benzac W Wash, Benzac AC Wash, BPO 8% Gel, BPO Foaming Cloths

Generic Names:

  • Azelex

Uses:

  • Treats severe acne., Treats rosacea and severe acne.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiacne Antibacterial, Sunscreen, Antiacne Antibacterial, Antiacne Keratolytic, Antibacterial Combination, Antiseborrheic, Emollient, Keratolytic

Forms:

  • Lotion, Liquid, Cream, Gel/Jelly, Soap, Pad, Cream, Foam, Gel/Jelly

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin, On the skin

What is Azelex used for?

What form(s) does Azelex come in

  • Lotion

  • Liquid

  • Cream

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Soap

  • Pad

  • Cream

  • Foam

  • Gel/Jelly

What are common Azelex doses?

  • Tube 30GM of 20%

  • Tube 50GM of 20%

Common Azelex prescriptions

  • Azelex
    50gm of 20% tube

  • Azelex
    30gm of 20% tube of cream

  • Azelex
    50gm of 20% tube of cream

How to take Azelex

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to apply and how often. Do not use more medicine or apply it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Wash the affected skin with mild soap or a cleansing lotion that does not contain soap. Gently pat dry with a soft towel.

  • Foam: Shake the can well before each use.The foam is flammable. Avoid fire, flame, and smoking when you apply the medicine and right after it is applied.

  • Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

  • Foam or gel: You may apply cosmetics after the medicine has dried.

  • Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.

  • Foam: Do not store the can at temperatures above 49 degrees C (120 degrees F). Do not poke holes in the can or throw it into a fire, even if it is empty. Throw away any unused medicine 8 weeks after you use it for the first time.

  • Gel: Throw away the pump 8 weeks after opening.

  • Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Gel: Throw away the pump 8 weeks after opening.

  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Wash the affected skin with mild soap or a cleansing lotion that does not contain soap. Gently pat dry with a soft towel.

  • Foam or gel: You may apply cosmetics after the medicine has dried.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to apply and how often. Do not use more medicine or apply it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Foam: Shake the can well before each use.The foam is flammable. Avoid fire, flame, and smoking when you apply the medicine and right after it is applied.

  • Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.

  • Foam: Do not store the can at temperatures above 49 degrees C (120 degrees F). Do not poke holes in the can or throw it into a fire, even if it is empty. Throw away any unused medicine 8 weeks after you use it for the first time.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Apply a thin layer of this medicine to your skin and rub it in gently.

  • If you are using the lotion form of this medicine, shake it well just before each use.

  • If you are using the pledget form, leave the pledget applicator in its foil pouch until you are ready to use the medicine. Use each pledget only one time and throw it away after use.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • If you are using the pledget form, leave the pledget applicator in its foil pouch until you are ready to use the medicine. Use each pledget only one time and throw it away after use.

  • If you are using the lotion form of this medicine, shake it well just before each use.

  • Apply a thin layer of this medicine to your skin and rub it in gently.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

What to do if you miss a dose of Azelex

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Topical application routeAsk your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Azelex contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to azelaic acid or propylene glycol.

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any ingredients.

Azelex warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have problems with your digestive tract.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have an asthma.

  • Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Azelex interactions

  • Do not use skin care products that contain alcohol, peel off (including masks), or are abrasive while you are using this medicine.

  • Avoid spicy foods, hot foods and drinks (such as coffee, tea), and alcoholic beverages.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Topical application routeDo not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

Azelex side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Increased skin redness

  • Severe skin swelling, itching, burning, peeling, or stinging

  • Diarrhea that may contain blood.

  • Redness or peeling of treated skin areas.

  • Worsened acne or symptoms of new skin infection.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Oily skin.

  • Burning, itching, or dry skin.

  • Stomach pain or discomfort.

  • Mild skin burning, stinging, tingling, dryness, or itching

  • Changes in skin color where the medicine is applied