Azelaic Acid

OVERVIEW:

This treatment plan outlines the application, dosage, expected benefits, and potential side effects of azelaic acid 15% for acne treatment. Please read this plan carefully, along with the manufacturer’s information provided with your medication, for complete details regarding precautions, interactions, and other important safety information.

Azelaic acid is a prescription-strength topical medication used to treat acne and improve overall skin tone. It works by reducing inflammation, clearing clogged pores, and decreasing acne-causing bacteria. It is also especially helpful for improving redness and post-acne discoloration.

INSTRUCTIONS:

For treatment of acne, you have been prescribed:

Azelaic acid 15%, to be applied once per day in the morning.

Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin over the affected areas. Avoid contact with the eyes, lips, and mucous membranes.

If irritation occurs, you may apply every other day to build tolerance. 

Azelaic acid works gradually. Improvement in acne and skin tone typically occurs over 6-12 weeks with consistent use.

IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING YOUR TREATMENT:

  • Mild burning, stinging, dryness, or peeling may occur during the first few weeks of treatment.
  • Avoid harsh exfoliants, abrasive scrubs, or irritating skincare products while using azelaic acid.
  • Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers to support the skin barrier.
  • If severe irritation, swelling, blistering, or rash develops, discontinue use and seek medical advice.
  • Daily sunscreen use (SPF 30 or higher) is recommended, especially when treating discoloration or uneven skin tone.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

This medication contains the following active ingredient. If you are allergic to this ingredient or any components listed in the manufacturer’s pamphlet, do not use it.

  • Azelaic Acid 15%

ALLERGIES:

This medication may cause an allergic reaction in rare cases.

Stop this medication and seek medical care if you experience:

  • Severe rash or hives
  • Facial swelling
    Difficulty breathing
  • Severe burning, blistering, or peeling

SIDE EFFECTS:

Common (usually mild and temporary):

  • Burning or stinging sensation
  • Tingling
  • Itching
  • Redness
  • Dryness
  • Peeling or flaking

These often improve after the first few weeks of use.

ACCURATE INFORMATION:

We evaluate the specific health information you provide and make our recommendations based on it. If you incorrectly provide that information, we may misdiagnose or fail to diagnose conditions that you may have which could affect our recommendation for treatment.

TREATMENT FAILURE:

This treatment is not 100% effective. It may not work or may only partially resolve the condition for which you are seeking treatment. If it is an emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical help in person.

MISDIAGNOSIS AND DELAYED DIAGNOSIS:

There is also a risk that we will misdiagnose or fail to diagnose conditions that you may have which could affect our recommendation for treatment. This risk exists with a doctor in person as well but they may have additional signs and symptoms to aid their evaluation. We use an evidence-based practice and guidelines as well as clinical decision support to try to minimize these risks.

ACCEPTING OR DECLINING OUR RECOMMENDATION:

We recommend this treatment because the potential benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. You should evaluate this information as well as the manufacturer’s pamphlet, and any input from your in-person healthcare team, or other information to decide if this treatment plan is appropriate for you. You are free to decline our treatment recommendations although, doing so may prolong symptoms and be associated with negative outcomes.

OTHER TREATMENTS:

We have based our recommendation on your specific case and medical guidelines, but there may be alternative treatments or strategies that may be helpful to you. Some may be more or less effective than what we provide. Some treatments may require an in-person exam or procedure which we can’t provide.

SHARE WITH YOUR IN-PERSON HEALTHCARE TEAM:

You can access your records anytime. We strongly recommend that you update your in-person doctor, pharmacist, and the rest of your healthcare team to let them know about any new medicines you are taking or other changes in your health.