Finacea (azelaic acid) is prescribed for adults to treat mild to moderate rosacea. The drug comes as a gel and foam. You usually apply either form to the affected skin twice daily.

Finacea treats mild to moderate forms of rosacea. This condition causes small, inflamed bumps filled with pus. They typically appear on the skin of your cheeks, nose, and forehead.

The active ingredient in Finacea is azelaic acid. Finacea belongs to a group of drugs called topical anti-acne agents.

This article describes the dosage of Finacea, as well as its strength and how to use it. To learn more about Finacea, see this in-depth article.

This section describes the usual dosage of Finacea. Keep reading to learn more.

What are Finacea’s forms?

Finacea comes in two forms that you apply to your skin: topical gel and topical foam.

What strength does Finacea come in?

Finacea’s topical gel and topical foam both come in one strength of 15%.

What are the usual dosages of Finacea?

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for rosacea

The typical Finacea dosage for adults with rosacea is a thin layer applied to the affected areas twice daily. You usually apply it in the morning and evening.

If you have questions about your dosage of Finacea, talk with your doctor to learn more.

How to use Finacea

Finacea comes as a gel and foam that you apply in a thin layer to the affected areas of your skin. You use either form twice daily (morning and evening). You should not apply Finacea on the eyes, mouth, nose, or vagina.

Before applying Finacea, wash your face with a mild soap or a soap-free cleansing product. Then, pat the skin dry before applying the gel. After you apply Finacea, wash your hands right away.

During treatment with Finacea, you should not use certain products that can irritate your skin. These include:

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how to apply Finacea.

Is Finacea used long term?

Yes, Finacea is usually used as a long-term treatment, whether you use the gel or the foam. You and your doctor can discuss whether it’s safe and effective for your condition. If you agree that it is, you’ll likely use it long term.

Your doctor will watch for improvement in your condition for several weeks. If there is no improvement after 12 weeks, your doctor will discuss whether you should continue Finacea. They may discuss switching you to a different treatment.

Do not use more Finacea than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

What to do in case you use too much Finacea

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used too much Finacea. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Finacea’s dosage.

How long does it take for Finacea to start working?

Finacea starts to work after your first dose. But it may take up to 12 weeks to see an improvement in your condition. Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working for you.

If there is no improvement after 12 weeks, your doctor will discuss whether you should continue Finacea. They may discuss switching you to a different treatment.

If you have other questions about what to expect from your Finacea treatment, talk with your doctor.

Can Finacea be used for acne? If so, what’s the dosage?

Finacea is not approved for acne. But in some cases, your doctor may prescribe it off-label for this use. (With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved to treat or help prevent.)

The active ingredient in Finacea (azelaic acid) is used to treat acne.

Because Finacea isn’t approved for acne, the drugmaker doesn’t provide recommended dosages for this use.

To learn more about treatment options for acne, talk with your doctor.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Finacea?

If you miss a dose of Finacea, skip the missed dose. And then continue with your next dose at its usual time. You should not use two doses of Finacea at one time to make up for a missed dose. Doing so could increase your risk of serious side effects of the medication.

If you need help remembering to apply your dose of Finacea on time, try using a medication reminder. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.