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Doxycycline and azelaic acid gel

"An effective combination treatment for mild to moderate acne. Take one daily antibiotic tablet and apply an antibacterial gel to your skin morning and night. Side effects are often mild. Azelaic acid gel is also widely known as Finacea."

What are doxycycline and azelaic acid gel?

Doxycycline is an oral antibiotic and azelaic acid gel is a gentle, antibacterial exfoliator. You’ll also see this combination treatment as doxycycline and Finacea, which is a branded azelaic acid treatment.

How do they work?

Doxycycline is an antibacterial tablet that targets the root cause of acne to prevent it from forming. It works to clear acne-causing bacteria from the skin, prevent new bacterial growth and reduce inflammation.

Azelaic acid gel also kills the bacteria that cause acne, when you apply it to your skin. It’s a chemical exfoliator that also works to break down blockages that clog up pores, which can feed the bacteria that cause acne.

How to use doxycycline and azelaic acid gel

Take doxycycline once a day with a meal and lots of water. You shouldn’t lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking it, to avoid irritation. You should swallow the tablet while sitting or standing, and not too close to bedtime. Otherwise it might irritate your digestive system.

Apply azelaic acid gel to clean and dry skin morning and evening. Regular use is important, so make sure you use it continuously throughout your course of treatment.

Treatment results

This combination treatment is likely to be most effective for those who have sensitive skin, as azelaic acid gel isn’t as harsh on the skin as other topical acne treatments can be. It can also be effective for those who experience larger lumps (nodular or cystic acne), the small red spots (papules) or the red bumps with white tips (pustules).

Side effects of doxycycline and azelaic gel

As with all medications, some people may experience side effects when taking doxycycline. These include nausea, dizziness, fast heart rate, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Doxycycline can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight while you’re taking it. So, try to protect yourself from the sun, use oil-free SPF 50 sunscreen, and avoid sunbeds or sun lamps.

Generally, azelaic acid gel is easier on the skin than other acne treatments. However, some people may experience itching, burning sensation or a tingling feeling in the treated area.

For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the doxycycline and azelaic acid gel patient information leaflets. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.

Product features

  • Oral antibiotic doxycycline kills the bacteria that cause acne

  • Azelaic acid gel gently exfoliates and helps to break down acne

  • Suitable for those with sensitive skin

What are doxycycline and azelaic acid gel?

Doxycycline is an oral antibiotic and azelaic acid gel is a gentle, antibacterial exfoliator. You’ll also see this combination treatment as doxycycline and Finacea, which is a branded azelaic acid treatment.

How do they work?

Doxycycline is an antibacterial tablet that targets the root cause of acne to prevent it from forming. It works to clear acne-causing bacteria from the skin, prevent new bacterial growth and reduce inflammation.

Azelaic acid gel also kills the bacteria that cause acne, when you apply it to your skin. It’s a chemical exfoliator that also works to break down blockages that clog up pores, which can feed the bacteria that cause acne.

How to use doxycycline and azelaic acid gel

Take doxycycline once a day with a meal and lots of water. You shouldn’t lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking it, to avoid irritation. You should swallow the tablet while sitting or standing, and not too close to bedtime. Otherwise it might irritate your digestive system.

Apply azelaic acid gel to clean and dry skin morning and evening. Regular use is important, so make sure you use it continuously throughout your course of treatment.

Treatment results

This combination treatment is likely to be most effective for those who have sensitive skin, as azelaic acid gel isn’t as harsh on the skin as other topical acne treatments can be. It can also be effective for those who experience larger lumps (nodular or cystic acne), the small red spots (papules) or the red bumps with white tips (pustules).

Side effects of doxycycline and azelaic gel

As with all medications, some people may experience side effects when taking doxycycline. These include nausea, dizziness, fast heart rate, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Doxycycline can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight while you’re taking it. So, try to protect yourself from the sun, use oil-free SPF 50 sunscreen, and avoid sunbeds or sun lamps.

Generally, azelaic acid gel is easier on the skin than other acne treatments. However, some people may experience itching, burning sensation or a tingling feeling in the treated area.

For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the doxycycline and azelaic acid gel patient information leaflets. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.

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Doxycycline and azelaic acid gel FAQs

  • Can I take doxycycline and use azelaic acid gel while pregnant or breastfeeding?

    You shouldn't take doxycycline or use azelaic acid gel while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. If you think you could be pregnant, we advise taking a test before starting this combination treatment.

  • Where can I buy doxycycline and azelaic acid gel (Finacea)?

    You’ll need a prescription to buy doxycycline and azelaic acid gel, if you’re using an online service like ours.

    One of our clinicians can prescribe these medications after an online consultation where we make sure they’re right for you. It only takes a few minutes.

  • Doxycycline and azelaic acid gel (Finacea) warnings

    Doxycycline

    Taking doxycycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunburn than normal, so you should avoid strong sunlight or UV light, for example from sun beds.

    Tell your clinician before taking doxycycline if you have diarrhoea or usually get it when you take antibiotics, or have ever had stomach or intestine problems.

    If you develop severe or prolonged or bloody diarrhoea during or after using doxycycline, tell your clinician immediately as you may need to pause the treatment. 

    Azelaic acid gel

    Your clinician will advise you of any warnings before you use azelaic acid gel. Please note:

    • The gel is for use on your skin only. Avoid contact with your eyes, mouth and the thin skin around body openings called mucous membranes.
    • Remember to always wash your hands after you apply the gel. 

    In rare cases, those with asthma who were treated with azelaic acid reported worsening symptoms.

  • Do doxycycline and azelaic acid gel interact with any other medications?

    So our clinicians can prescribe an effective and safe acne treatment, you’ll need to let us know which prescription and over-the-counter medicines you’re taking regularly. This includes any medications for other skin conditions like eczema.

    Taking certain other medications alongside doxycycline could make it less effective in treating your acne.

    When using azelaic acid gel, it’s best to avoid:

    • Other acne treatments you apply to your skin (topical) unless prescribed by your clinician
    • Harsh skincare products like scrubs and peels
    • Cleansers with high levels of alcohol that can dry out skin 
  • Alternative acne treatments

    Our clinicians can also prescribe different oral antibiotics to treat your acne alongside a gel or cream, tailoring the right combination for your needs. Medications you apply to your skin (topical) may also work on their own, depending on how serious your acne is and what’s causing it. If you’re a woman with hormonal acne, your treatment could include the contraceptive pill co-cyprindiol (widely known as Dianette or Clairette). 

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