What are the side effects of Azelaic Acid?
The most common side effects are stinging, burning, itching, dry skin, increased reddening of the skin and irritation. Most side effects are mild and disappear with continued use.
Warnings and Precautions:
- Hypersensitivity: Those with known hypersensitivity to Azelaic Acid gel or any of its components should avoid its use. Should hypersensitivity develop during treatment, discontinue use and consult your physician
- Skin Reactions: Itching, burning or stinging may occur during the first few weeks of use. If severe and/or persistent reactions occur, discontinue use and consult your physician
- Hypopigmentation: Isolated instances of hypopigmentation (unwanted skin lightening) have occurred. Skin should be monitored for any early signs of hypopigmentation, particularly for those with dark complexions
- Eye and Mucous Membrane Irritation: Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes as irritation has been reported
- Exacerbation of Asthma: If asthma becomes exacerbated, discontinue use and consult your physician
In patients using Azelaic Acid formulations, the following adverse events have been reported: worsening of asthma, vitiligo, depigmentation, small depigmented spots, hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth), reddening (signs of keratosis pilaris) and exacerbation of recurrent herpes labialis (oral herpes also known as cold sores or fever blisters). If any of these events occur, discontinue use and consult your physician.
The following adverse reactions have been identified post approval of Azelaic Acid gel. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate the frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
- Eyes: iridocyclitis (inflammation of the iris) upon accidental exposure of the eyes to Azelaic Acid gel
- Hypersensitivity: angioedema (swelling below the skin), eye swelling, facial swelling, urticaria (hive-like, bumpy rash)
- Respiratory: worsening of asthma, difficult or labored breathing, wheezing
If you experience any of these adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult your physician immediately.
Contraindications
Do not use Azelaic Acid if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. You should inform your doctor if this is the case and they can recommend an alternative treatment.
Drug interactions
There are no known interactions between Azelaic Acid and other drugs.