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Azelaic Acid

This form:

Pronounced

"ay-zeh-LAY-ick acid"

Uses

This medication is used to treat mild to moderate acne. It works by reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria on the skin and by helping to keep your pores open and unblocked, thus decreasing the number of acne pimples. Azelaic acid belongs to a class of drugs known as dicarboxylic acids.

How to Use This Medication

Before using this medication, clean the affected area and pat dry. Apply this medication to the skin as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (in the morning and evening). Apply a thin layer and massage gently into the affected areas. Wash your hands after use.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

Avoid contact in or near the eyes or inside the nose and mouth. If this medication gets into any of these areas, wash right away with plenty of water and call your doctor if irritation lasts. Do not place a bandage or cover over the cream unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Do not use large amounts of this medication or apply it more often than directed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of side effects may increase. Use this medication for the full course of treatment as directed by your doctor. It usually takes about 1 month to see an improvement, but the full effects of treatment may take longer.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve after 1 month or if it worsens.