Azelaic Acid

Generic Name: azelaic acid

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Azelaic Acid Gel

11 DESCRIPTION Azelaic Acid Gel, 15%, is an aqueous gel which contains azelaic acid, a naturally-occurring saturated dicarboxylic acid. It is for topical use. Chemically, azelaic acid is 1,7-heptanedicarboxylic acid. The molecular formula for azelaic acid is C9 H16 O4. It has the following structure: Azelaic acid has a molecular weight of 188.22. It is a white, odorless crystalline solid. It is poorly soluble in water at 20°C (0.24%) but freely soluble in boiling water and in ethanol.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Azelaic Acid Gel, 15%, is an aqueous gel which contains azelaic acid, a naturally-occurring saturated dicarboxylic acid. It is for topical use. Chemically, azelaic acid is 1,7-heptanedicarboxylic acid. The molecular formula for azelaic acid is C9 H16 O4. It has the following structure: Azelaic acid has a molecular weight of 188.22. It is a white, odorless crystalline solid. It is poorly soluble in water at 20°C (0.24%) but freely soluble in boiling water and in ethanol.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Azelaic Acid Gel, 15% is indicated for topical treatment of the inflammatory papules and pustules of mild to moderate rosacea. Limitations of Use Although some reduction of erythema which was present in patients with papules and pustules of rosacea occurred in clinical studies, efficacy for treatment of erythema in rosacea in the absence of papules and pustules has not been evaluated. Azelaic Acid Gel, 15% is indicated for topical treatment of the inflammatory papules and pustules of mild to moderate rosacea ( 1 ). Limitations of Use Efficacy for treatment of erythema in rosacea in the absence of papules and pustules has not been evaluated. ( 1 )

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Cleanse affected area(s) using only very mild soaps or soapless cleansing lotion and pat dry with a soft towel before application of Azelaic Acid Gel, 15%. Apply and gently massage a thin layer of Azelaic Acid Gel, 15% into the affected areas on the face twice daily (morning and evening). Wash hands immediately following application of Azelaic Acid Gel,15%. Cosmetics may be applied after the application of Azelaic Acid Gel,15% has dried. Reassess the diagnosis if no improvement is observed upon completing 12 weeks of therapy. Avoid the use of occlusive dressings or wrappings. Instruct patients to avoid use of alcoholic cleansers, tinctures and astringents, abrasives and peeling agents. For topical use. Not for oral, ophthalmic or intravaginal use.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions are burning/stinging/tingling (29%), pruritus (11%), scaling/dry skin/xerosis (8%) and erythema/irritation (4%). ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Encube Ethicals Private Limited at 1-833-285-4151 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In two vehicle-controlled and one active-controlled U.S.

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reactions, including cases of angioedema, eye swelling, facial swelling, dyspnea, urticaria, and adverse skin reactions, have been reported. In case of known hypersensitivity to any component of the gel, avoid the use of Azelaic Acid Gel, 15%. If hypersensitivity develops, discontinue treatment and institute appropriate therapy. ( 5.1 ) Skin Reactions: Skin irritation (i.e. pruritus, burning or stinging) may occur, usually during the first few weeks of treatment. If sensitivity or severe irritation develops and persists, discontinue treatment and institute appropriate therapy. ( 5.2 ) Hypopigmentation: Isolated cases of hypopigmentation occurred after azelaic acid use. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Azelaic acid is minimally absorbed systemically following topical route of administration, and maternal use is not expected to result in fetal exposure to the drug [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. In animal reproduction studies, embryofetal toxicity was noted when azelaic acid was administered orally during the period of organogenesis at doses 162, 19, and 65 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) in rats, rabbits, and monkeys, respectively.

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied Azelaic Acid Gel, 15% is a white to yellowish white opaque gel supplied in a 50 g tube (NDC-21922-038-14) Storage and Handling Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [ see USP Controlled Room Temperature ].

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Azelaic Acid used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Azelaic Acid Gel, 15% is indicated for topical treatment of the inflammatory papules and pustules of mild to moderate rosacea. Limitations of Use Although some reduction of erythema which was present in patients with papules and pustules of rosacea occurred in clinical studies, efficacy for treatment of erythema in rosacea in the absence of papules and pustules has not been evaluated. Azelaic Acid Gel, 15% is indicated for topical treatment of the inflammatory papules and pustules of mild to moderate rosacea ( 1 ). Limitations of Use Efficacy for treatment of erythema in rosacea in the absence of papules and pustules has not been evaluated. ( 1 )

What are the side effects of Azelaic Acid?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions are burning/stinging/tingling (29%), pruritus (11%), scaling/dry skin/xerosis (8%) and erythema/irritation (4%). ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Encube Ethicals Private Limited at 1-833-285-4151 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In two vehicle-controlled and one active-controlled U.S.

Can I take Azelaic Acid during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Azelaic acid is minimally absorbed systemically following topical route of administration, and maternal use is not expected to result in fetal exposure to the drug [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. In animal reproduction studies, embryofetal toxicity was noted when azelaic acid was administered orally during the period of organogenesis at doses 162, 19, and 65 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) in rats, rabbits, and monkeys, respectively.

What are the important warnings for Azelaic Acid?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reactions, including cases of angioedema, eye swelling, facial swelling, dyspnea, urticaria, and adverse skin reactions, have been reported. In case of known hypersensitivity to any component of the gel, avoid the use of Azelaic Acid Gel, 15%. If hypersensitivity develops, discontinue treatment and institute appropriate therapy. ( 5.1 ) Skin Reactions: Skin irritation (i.e. pruritus, burning or stinging) may occur, usually during the first few weeks of treatment. If sensitivity or severe irritation develops and persists, discontinue treatment and institute appropriate therapy. ( 5.2 ) Hypopigmentation: Isolated cases of hypopigmentation occurred after azelaic acid use. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.