FINACEA
Get your FINACEA treatment* online in a few simple steps, without having to see your doctor. Our virtual care service connects you to highly trained clinicians who can assess your health needs and safely prescribe your treatment.
Finacea key facts
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Report suspected side effects or adverse reactions to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) using the Yellow Card Reporting system that covers medicines, vaccines, e-cigarettes and medical device incidents.
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Learn more about reporting side effects in the USAbout Finacea
Finacea is a prescription-only gel containing azelaic acid, a saturated dicarboxylic acid, as the active ingredient. Finacea gel is used for the treatment of skin conditions such as mild to moderate facial acne and rosacea.
Finacea gel works by blocking the production of keratin surface skin cells, which cause pores to clog up, and by killing skin bacteria. This prevents spots, pustules, and papules from appearing on the face, as well as reducing skin redness.
NowPatient offers Finacea as a treatment for rosacea only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Finacea
- Finacea is used to treat rosacea flare-ups
- Finacea can take up to a month to see an effect
- Finacea has some common side effects which include skin irritation and dryness
- It can be dangerous if you use Finacea with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
Who is Finacea suitable for?
Finacea gel is suitable for adults 18 years of age and older that have already tried other topical treatments, but have not been successful. Finacea is also safe for sensitive skin.
Who is Finacea not suitable for?
Finacea may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking Finacea if you:
- Have had an allergic reaction to azelaic acid in the past
- Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in Finacea
- Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
How and where to get Finacea?
You can buy Finacea safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with one of our prescribers for the treatment of rosacea, you can discuss if Finacea is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Finacea for rosacea
Finacea is available as a gel containing 15% azelaic acid, when used for rosacea.
Information about how to use Finacea for rosacea
Wash the affected area before applying Finacea. You may use soap and water or a mild skin-cleanser. Apply Finacea to the affected skin in the morning and the evening. Rub into the skin gently. 2.5cm of gel is enough for the entire face. Wash your hands after using the gel.
Always use Finacea as directed by a healthcare professional. Also, read the patient information leaflet provided with your medication or speak to your doctor for further medical advice.
What happens if you use too much Finacea?
If you use more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have used too much Finacea and you experience any side effects.
What are the side effects of Finacea?
Common side effects of Finacea include skin reactions such as:
- Burning
- Skin irritation
- Itching
Less common side effects include:
- Skin discolouration
- Contact dermatitis at the application site
- Rash
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Dry skin
Serious side effects include:
- Eye swelling
- Face swelling
- Worsening of asthma
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication? – NowPatient
Information about using Finacea at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Finacea. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.
Can Finacea used for rosacea be used long term?
Finacea gel can reduce rosacea over a few months when used correctly. You will normally see an improvement in rosacea within the first month of treatment. If you do not see an improvement after four weeks or your skin condition worsens, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Is there a herbal Finacea?
No. Herbal Finacea does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Finacea
Women can use Finacea for the treatment of rosacea. Speak to a doctor before using Finacea gel if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Azelaic acid may pass into breast milk causing harm to a nursing infant.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when using Finacea?
You can eat and drink normally when using Finacea.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me treat acne or rosacea?
Lifestyle changes you can make include:
- Not washing affected areas of skin more often than twice a day as this may irritate your skin and make spots worse
- Washing affected skin with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water
- Never squeeze spots as this can cause permanent scars
- Not to use too much make-up or cosmetics and use water-based make-up and toiletries that are less likely to block skin pores
Alternatives to Finacea
Alternatives for the treatment of mild to moderate acne and rosacea include Efracea, Differin gel, Epiduo gel, Soolantra, Mirvaso, and Metrogel (metronidazole).
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
Service Guide
Everything you need to know about Getting Treated Privately with Finacea
What does the Get Treated Privately service for Finacea do?
The Get Treated Privately service is a private prescribing service which is designed for adults aged 18 years and over, who are experiencing health issues and who would like to receive a fast-track assessment and if applicable, a treatment plan from a qualified prescribing clinician. Treatments for Finacea are dispensed and delivered to your home or workplace from our regulated online pharmacy.
Is this a safe Finacea prescribing service?
Yes. Our formulary of medications prescribed and conditions treated are controlled, governed, and continuously risk-assessed by our Medical Director, Dr. Aseel Hamoud. Unlike other prescribing services which operate using faceless questionnaires, our Finacea prescribing service is conducted through remote video consultations, also known as synchronous consultations. This builds patient safety and prescribing appropriateness into our service, ensuring our prescribing clinicians can be satisfied with who and what they are treating. There is no guarantee of supply of medications, and any prescriptions supplied are at the sole discretion of our clinician prescriber. There is no charge for the Finacea consultation.
What is a prescribing clinician and is it safe for me to use them on the NowPatient platform?
Our prescribing clinicians are board-certified pharmacists, nurses, or doctors who can also prescribe any medicine for any medical condition, subject to accepted accreditation and good clinical practice. They are all registered with their respective regulatory bodies. For example, a pharmacist independent prescriber is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Each prescribing clinician undergoes an extensive background check including a disclosure and barring service check (DBS). In addition, they undergo a rigorous license verification process. When you book an appointment with our prescribing clinicians you will see their full name, license number, and any specialized credentials they have.
Is the service available worldwide?
Yes, you can get treated privately for Finacea worldwide.
Do I need to pay for this service?
Yes. This is a private service. You do not need to pay for the consultation. You only pay for the cost of the Finacea you are prescribed.
How do I book a consultation?
Once you have logged into your account, you will need to navigate to the Get Treated Privately service card which is located as a service item on the dashboard.
Using the action button on the service card, you can select one of the following – ‘Search Treatments’ or ‘Search Conditions’. From here you can search for Finacea.
Depending on the search type and the product/condition that you would like to get treated, you will be taken to a consultation booking screen. Follow the simple steps to complete your booking. During the booking confirmation, you will be able to select a date and time that is convenient for you, along with the preferred language and gender of the prescribing clinician you wish to choose. You will then see a list of all available expert clinicians who are trained to assess the medication or condition chosen. Once you have confirmed your booking, you will see a summary of the appointment including preliminary information about the consultation. At this point, you will also be able to add a reminder to your calendar. Always ensure your account health profile is up to date before any consultation. This ensures that our clinicians have the most up-to-date information about your current health status and anything that may influence their prescribing decisions. You will receive a push notification, SMS notification and email reminding you of your consultation, 30 minutes before the virtual consultation is due to start.
Depending on certain medications which require our clinicians to have your up-to-date blood pressure readings, you may be required to submit a virtual blood pressure check, using your smartphone or device. We will provide you with full instructions, when this is required.
What happens during the remote video consultation?
During the consultation, the clinician will ask you a series of questions that will allow the clinician to assess your condition and potential treatment options including Finacea. At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if Finacea is a safe and suitable option for you.
If it is, the clinician will discuss the treatment option, so that you can jointly agree on the treatment plan. Once you have jointly agreed on a treatment plan, the clinician will issue a prescription for Finacea which will be available in your Cart at the end of the consultation.
Also, with your consent, the clinician may wish to inform your doctor of the treatment that was prescribed. We recommend that you agree to this since your doctor is responsible for your overall care and they should have a record of this consultation and medication prescribed. In addition, our clinician may take the opportunity to advise you on your overall health including advice on healthy living or stop smoking.
What happens at the end of the Finacea consultation?
At the end of the consultation, you will receive a notification which will summarise the outcome. It will also advise you if any referrals were made to your doctor, along with any other advice that was given to you by the clinician.
If a referral letter was issued to your doctor, you will be able to view a copy of this in the ‘Documents’ section of the dashboard.
If you were prescribed a treatment, it will now be available in your Cart.
When you go to your Cart, you will be able to select the treatment, checkout and make payment. Once the checkout is complete, your prescription order will be sent to our regulated online pharmacy for processing.
What if the prescriber does not prescribe Finacea?
We operate a safe prescribing service. This means that our prescribing clinicians always exercise their clinical judgment when prescribing . Unfortunately, we do not operate a self select service where you can choose a medication and simply buy. If the clinician that sees you does not prescribe anything, then you will not be charged.
Will I get status updates for my Finacea order?
Yes. When your Finacea prescription is approved, and after you have checked out and paid for your order, we will keep you fully updated with the status of your order. Every time the status of your order changes, you will be notified immediately. These notifications will appear in the ‘Notification Feed’ section on the dashboard.
How will my Finacea be delivered?
All orders are shipped in discreet and unmarked packaging. This means it is suitable for delivery wherever you require (home, work, or a neighbour).
For thermo-sensitive orders (e.g. Insulin or weight loss injections) we use cold chain-validated packaging. Your parcel will normally receive an estimated delivery window from the courier on the day of delivery.
For your protection and safety, your first order can only be delivered to the address that is registered with NowPatient. Future orders can be delivered to any other address, for example, your workplace.
Do you ship cold-chain or temperature sensitive products?
Yes. We use a specialist courier service for all thermo-sensitive deliveries. This is to ensure that cold chain integrity is always maintained and thus the product quality, safety and efficacy.
Learn more about how we handle the delivery of temperature sensitive products.
Where do you deliver?
We currently deliver to all postcodes/zipcodes worldwide. Some postcodes in rural areas may have a slightly longer delivery time.
When will my order arrive?
We aim to ship all orders placed Monday – Friday before 3pm on the same day. Orders placed outside these times will be shipped the next working day. All deliveries are shipped by Royal Mail, which delivers Monday through Saturday in the UK. For deliveries outside of the UK, please check with your national postal service for accurate delivery days.
Our delivery options have the following delivery times:
- UK – Royal Mail Tracked 24 & Signed for Delivery – Next day delivery
- Europe – Royal Mail Tracked – Typical delivery of 3-5 working days
- Worldwide – Royal Mail – Typical delivery of 5-7 working days. If a tracked option is available for your country via Royal Mail, this service will be applied.
What should I do if my order has not arrived?
Delivery is normally made promptly after your dispatch notification is received. You can check the tracking details of your Finacea order in the ‘Notification Feed’ section of the dashboard, at any point after dispatch.
Unfortunately, packages can sometimes get lost in the delivery system. If after 10 days you have not received your delivery, please contact us and we will do all we can to resolve the problem.
Can you prescribe GLP-1 weight loss injections?
Yes. However, with GLP-1 weight loss medications, the license requires that there are support resources put in place as part of the plan including coaching for a healthy lifestyle, exercise, and diet. Our clinicians will discuss this with you, if you are prescribed this type of treatment.
You can learn more on our Weight Loss Programs feature page.
What’s included with my order?
If you are ordering prescription medication, your order will contain your medication only.
If you are ordering weight loss injections, your order will contain:
- Your prescription of pre-filled weight loss injection pens
- Needles
- Sharps bin for safe disposal of needles (if ordered as part of the bundle)
Can I reorder my medication, if I have already been prescribed a course?
Yes. However, as a responsible prescribing service, we do not issue more than one monthly cycle of medication at a time.
This means that, if you would like to reorder, you will need to rebook a consultation.
This is important, because it allows our clinicians to keep track on the progress of your treatment plan and ensure that the medication remains safe and effective for you.
What is the earliest I can reorder my medication or treatment?
14 days after you have received your first monthly supply of Finacea, we will send you a notification to advise you that you are eligible to reorder your medication. To ensure that we are able to safely prescribe Finacea for the next supply, you will need to rebook a consultation.
This ensures that our clinician can check in on your treatment plan and ensure it is working as intended and continues to be safe, suitable and appropriate for you.
How do I reorder my Finacea?
When you are eligible to reorder your next Finacea prescription, we will send you a notification reminder. This notification reminder will request that you book a consultation with a NowPatient Clinician.
You should book a suitable time and date for the consultation.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician may advise you to either
- Stop the treatment
- Stay on the current dose of Finacea
- Increase the dose of Finacea
If our clinician deems it safe for you to continue with Finacea, the prescription will be added to your cart, from where you can checkout.
Delivery will be made in line with our delivery timescales.
As a responsible prescribing service, we will always monitor your Finacea treatment plan to ensure that it remains safe, effective and suitable for you.
How do I reorder weight loss medication?
Our weight loss programs are built to closely monitor treatment progress and safety. Please refer to the Weight Loss Programs Service Guide that explains how you can reorder or step edit your dose.
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