Skinoren cream (azelaic acid)

Azelaic acid reduces the growth of the keratin surface skin cells that can block pores. This helps to unblock the pores and sebaceous glands (glands which secrete sebum) and as a result the sebum can escape. This reduces the formation of blackheads (comedones) and spots.

Azelaic acid also kills the bacteria associated with acne, Propionebacterium acnes. This is a common type of bacteria that feeds on sebum produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. It produces waste products and fatty acids that irritate the sebaceous glands, making them inflamed and causing spots.

Azelaic acid reduces the numbers of these bacteria by reducing their food source (sebum) and by inhibiting their growth. By controlling bacterial numbers, the inflammation of the sebaceous glands is brought under control, and the skin is allowed to heal.

Skinoren cream should be applied to the affected areas twice daily (mornings and evenings) after washing the skin, and rubbed in well. (People with sensitive skin should use the cream only once a day (in the evening) for the first week of treatment and then increase to twice daily applications.

Regular use is important. In general, an improvement in the acne becomes apparent after about four weeks of using the cream. The manufacturer states that to obtain the best results, Skinoren cream should be applied over a period of several months, but not for more than six months.

What is it used for?

- Acne vulgaris.

Warning!

- This medicine is for external use on the skin only.
- Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth and inside of the nose. If the cream accidentally comes into contact with these areas, rinse immediately with large amounts of water.
- Wash your hands after applying the cream.
- If other areas of acne in addition to the face require treatment, for example the chest and back, a total daily dose of 10g of cream should not, in general, be exceeded (10g = 40cm cream).
- If your skin becomes irritated after using the cream you should either use less, or reduce use to once a day until the irritation has resolved. If necessary, treatment can be temporarily interrupted until the irritation has resolved. If any irritation persists, consult your doctor.
- This cream should not be used for longer than six months.

Not to be used in

- Allergy to any ingredient, in particular propylene glycol.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established and as a result, the manufacturer states that it should be avoided in women who are pregnant, unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine is unlikely to pose any risk to a nursing infant if used by mothers who are breastfeeding. However, you should avoid applying the cream on or near the breasts before feeding to avoid the infant accidentally coming into contact with it. Seek further advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Skin irritation, eg redness, scaling, itching or burning.
- Abnormal reaction of the skin to light, usually a rash (photosensitivity).

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine is not known to affect other medicines.

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