Finacea

Finacea is a prescription medication used to treat rosacea. It clears the bumps, lesions, and swelling caused by rosacea.

Finacea belongs to a group of drugs called carboxylic acids, which work by killing the bacteria that infect pores and by decreasing the production of keratin.

This medication comes in gel form and is usually applied to the skin two times a day. 

Common side effects of Finacea include itching, burning, stinging, and tingling of the skin.

Finacea is a prescription medication used to treat the bumps, lesions, and swelling caused by rosacea. It does not cure rosacea.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

• Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Serious side effects have been reported with Finacea. See the “Finacea Precautions” section.

Common side effects of Finacea include the following:

• itching
• burning
• stinging
• tingling

This is not a complete list of Finacea side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

No Finacea drug interactions have been identified. However, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all drug interactions are known or reported and new drug interactions are continually being reported.

Serious side effects have been reported with the use of Finacea including the following:

• Skin irritation. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have some or all of the following symptoms of skin irritation.
  • itching
  • burning
  • stinging
• Hypopigmentation. Skin discoloration may occur with the use of Finacea.

Do not use Finacea if you are allergic to Finacea or to any of its ingredients.

Medications can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of Finacea, you should avoid foods or drinks that cause you to blush or flush, such as alcoholic drinks, spicy food, and hot food and drinks.

Before using Finacea, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. Especially tell your doctor if you:

• are allergic to Finacea or to any of its ingredients
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X - are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Finacea falls into category B. There are no well-done studies that have been done in humans with Finacea. But in animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication, and the babies did not show any medical issues related to this medication.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

It is not known if Finacea crosses into human milk. Because many medications can cross into human milk and because of the possibility for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants with use of this medication, a choice should be made whether to stop nursing or stop the use of this medication. Your doctor and you will decide if the benefits outweigh the risk of using Finacea.

Use Finacea exactly as prescribed.

Finacea comes in gel form and is used twice daily, in the morning and the evening.

Before using Finacea, wash the affected skin with water and mild soap or cleanser and pat dry with a soft towel. Apply a thin layer of gel to the affected skin. Gently massage it into the skin. Do not get Finacea in your eyes or mouth. If you get Finacea in your eyes, wash thoroughly with water and call your doctor if your eyes are irritated.

Do not cover the affected skin with bandages, dressings, or wraps. You may apply non-irritating cosmetics after Finacea is dry.

Wash your hands after handling Finacea.

If you miss a dose, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses of Finacea at the same time.

Use Finacea exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.

The Finacea dose your doctor recommends will be based on the following:

• the condition being treated
• other medical conditions you have
• how you respond to this medication
• your age

The recommended dose range for Finacea is two applications to the affected skin each day.

If you use too much Finacea, call your healthcare provider or local Poison Control Center, or seek emergency medical attention right away.

If Finacea is administered by a healthcare provider in a medical setting, it is unlikely that an overdose will occur. However, if overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention.

Store Finacea at room temperature.

Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.