Aziderm 20% Gel (Azelaic Acid )

PRODUCT INTRODUCTION

Aziderm 20% Gel is used in the treatment of acne (pimples). It effectively relieves symptoms such as lumps, redness, and swelling associated with different forms of acne. It works by killing acne-causing bacteria.

Aziderm 20% Gel is for external use only. You should always use it exactly as prescribed. Both the affected area and your hands should be clean and dry before application.

Use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit from it. Do not use more than you need as it will not clear your condition faster and some side effects may be increased.

If your condition goes on for longer than four weeks or gets worse at any time, let your doctor know. You can help this medication work better by keeping the affected areas clean.

Aziderm 20% Gel has a few potential side effects but not everyone will get them. These include application site reactions like burning, irritation, itching, and redness. Let your doctor know if you’re bothered by these or they do not go away. Avoid getting the medicine in your eye. In case of accidental contact, rinse thoroughly with water.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant, you should consult your doctor before using this medicine.

HOW TO USE Aziderm 20% Gel

This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area and apply the gel. Wash your hands after applying, unless hands are the affected area.

Azelaic acid can relieve the symptoms occurs in acne and rosacea conditions like redness, bumps and lesions.

It is also used to treat skin pigmentation which includes the melasma and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients who are darker skin types, recommended as an alternative to hydroquinone, being a tyrosine inhibitor it can also act by decreasing the synthesis of melanin.

It also relieves the symptoms like black heads, redness, tenderness, bumps on the skin associated with acne vulgaris.

BENEFITS OF Aziderm 20% Gel

In Treatment of Acne

Aziderm 20% Gel treats acne, commonly called pimples. It kills the acne-causing bacteria and prevents spots or pimples from appearing. It usually takes a few weeks to have a noticeable effect so keep using it even if it appears not to be working.

Sometimes acne may get worse before it gets better, however, with proper use, your skin will get clearer. The earlier you start using it, the less likely you are to get scars.

This medicine will help improve your mood and uplift your confidence as your skin becomes acne-free. It should not be used if you have eczema or sunburned skin.

HOW Aziderm 20% Gel WORKS

Aziderm 20% Gel works by killing the acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation (redness and swelling) of the skin.

Azelaic acid belongs to monosodium salt of di-carboxylic acid class of antimicrobial. It is saturated dicarboxylic acid which is naturally found in wheat, rye and barley and is also produced by 2 genera of fungi namely Pityrosporum ovale and Malassezia furfur.

It is a topical cream which is applied generally over the skin. It works by stopping the growth of skin bacteria that cause acne and it will keep skin pores clear.

It’s main mechanism of action is mainly attributed to inhibition of microbial cellular protein synthesis. The exact mechanism of action is unknown but it is thought to be as inhibition of hyperactive protease which converts cathelicidin to antimicrobial skin peptide.

Being a tyrosine inhibitor it is proven to even reduce the content of melanin in the skin by inhibiting it’s synthesis.

Side effects of Aziderm 20% Gel 

The major side effects which are observed while using this cream are redness, itching and burning at the application site, dry skin, tenderness of the skin, stinging sensation at the application site, sudden swelling of eyelids, face, throat and tongue, the other effects like difficulty in swallowing and difficulty in breathing may also occur rarely.

The irritation will generally occurs at the initial stage of treatment but as the time proceeds it will get decreased. The side effects like hypopigmentation that is lightening of skin will also occur while using the drug.

If any of the above symptoms bother the patient then it will be advisable that he or she should contact the physician or pharmacist as early as possible so that he can get relieved from the symptoms.

Storage of Aziderm 20% Gel

The drug should be stored in room temperature and make sure that the temperature is below 30 degrees centigrade

The medication should not be freezed

Keep out of the reach of children

Flushing the cream in the toilet should be avoided.

Precautions:

• Alcohol: Drinking of alcohol should be avoided as the drug causes dizziness and exact interaction of drug with alcohol is still unknown. So, it will be better to discuss with a doctor before consumption.
• Driving: drug has one of major side effects i.e. dizziness so this medication is not recommended to receive before driving as the patient will not be alert in operating machines.
• Pregnant Women: The use of the drug should be avoided in pregnant women as it may affect the new born baby.
• Nursing mothers: it is better to avoid the drug in nursing mother’s, if used care should be exercised to avoid every chance of infant being in contact with drug. 

FAQs

1.What amount of Aziderm 20% Gel should be applied?

Use it exactly as recommended by your doctor. As a guide, if the whole of your face is affected, use 2.5 cm (approx. 0.5 g) of cream each time. If you have acne on your chest and back, as well as your face, adjust the amount of cream accordingly.

2.How long does Aziderm 20% Gel take to show complete effect?

The time taken by Aziderm 20% Gel to cure acne varies from individual to individual. It depends upon the severity of acne at the start of the treatment. Usually, the condition shows a distinct improvement after about 4 weeks.

For best results, your doctor may prescribe to use Aziderm 20% Gel regularly for several months. However, you should not use Aziderm 20% Gel for more than 12 months at any time.

3.Does Aziderm 20% Gel lighten skin?

Aziderm 20% Gel may cause change in skin color, especially if you have dark colored skin. If you notice any change in your skin color, contact your doctor immediately.

4.Does Aziderm 20% Gel help blackheads?

Aziderm 20% Gel works by killing the bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) that is responsible for acne. It also reduces growth of the harder outermost skin cells that block the pores of the skin to cause blackheads and whiteheads.

5.Can Aziderm 20% Gel be used to treat melasma?

Aziderm 20% Gel is not approved for treating melasma. It should be used to treat acne and rosacea (a skin disease that causes redness, flushing, and pimples on the face). However, it may be used for melasma if prescribed by the doctor.

6.How should Aziderm 20% Gel be applied?

The area to be treated should be thoroughly washed with water. If the skin is greasy, use a mild cleanser. You should dry the skin before applying the cream. After applying the cream, rub it gently. Wash your hands thoroughly after using it.

7.How often should Aziderm 20% Gel be used?

Aziderm 20% Gel should be applied to the affected areas of the skin twice daily (morning and evening), unless the doctor directs otherwise.

People with very sensitive skin should use it only once a day (in the evening) during the first week of the treatment. After the first week, they can proceed to using it twice a day.