Finacea Gel

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Finacea 15% gel contains the active ingredient azelaic acid and is used to treat inflammatory spots, bumps and facial redness caused by rosacea. As a prescription-only medicine (POM) you can access treatment online from Quick Meds.

Quick Meds offers a convenient, confidential online service for eligible patients to access Finacea. After completing a short online consultation, an in-house GPhC-registered prescriber reviews your order for clinical appropriateness before dispatching in plain, discreet packaging.

At a glance:

  • Dual-action benefit - Reduces inflammatory spots and redness linked to the inflamed spots

  • Non-antibiotic formula - effective long-term treatment without a risk of antibiotic resistance.

  • Proven results - visible improvements seen within 4 to 8 weeks.

Finacea Gel - Summary Table

Feature

Details

Active ingredient

Azelaic acid 15%

Intended use

Papulopustular rosacea

Medicine type

Topical dicarboxylic acid gel

Age eligibility

Adults aged 18 and over

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not supplied from Quick Meds. Only under GP supervision

Dose

Apply thinly twice daily

Onset of effect

Initial improvement within 4 to 8 weeks

Treatment length

Used continuously up to 12 to 24 weeks

Drug class

Prescription-only medicine (POM)

How To Buy Finacea Online In The UK?

Finacea is a prescription-only medicine and is available from Quick Meds following a short online consultation. A registered clinician will review your information to determine whether Finacea is suitable and safe for you.

To order Finacea online:

  1. Complete an online consultation. This asks about your symptoms, medical history and if you take other medicines.

  2. Checkout. Add Finacea to your basket and checkout.

  3. Clinical review. A UK-registered prescriber reviews your consultation for safety and appropriateness.

  4. Fast delivery. All approved orders are dispensed in-house, packaged securely in plain, discreet packaging and sent straight to your door.

What You Receive

Each approved order contains a sealed box of Finacea 15% gel, along with a patient information leaflet.

Finacea gel is available in a 30g pack size.

At Quick Meds, all stock of medication is obtained from MHRA-licensed wholesalers - ensuring genuine treatment is supplied.

All packaging used at Quick Meds is plain and non-branded. Parcels are securely sealed in house - ensuring you receive your treatment in tamper-proof packaging whilst maintaining your privacy.

Delivery information

At Quick Meds, we understand the need for rapid treatment. Orders approved by 3:00PM Monday to Friday are dispatched on the same working day. We offer Royal Mail Tracked 48, Tracked 24 and Special Next Day Guaranteed delivery options to suit your treatment needs.

Finacea Gel Pricing

Pack size

Price

30g tube

£18.95

Prices are correct as of October 2026 and include the medical consultation, prescriber review and dispensing fees. Delivery options are calculated at checkout.

What Is Finacea Gel and How Does It Work?

Finacea is a white/yellowish gel containing 15% azelaic acid. It is licensed to reduce inflammatory spots (papules and pustules) as well as reduce redness in adults with rosacea.

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid that works through:

  1. Anti-inflammatory action - it reduces the production of inflammatory chemicals (free radicals) and calms inflammatory pathways in skin cells, reducing swelling and redness.

  2. Normalising keratinization - it stops dead skin cells clumping together and clogging pores, which reduces bump formation.

  3. Mild antibacterial properties - it lowers the number of bacteria living on the skin that can aggravate rosacea.

As it is not an antibiotic, Finacea can be used over longer periods of time without any risk of antibiotic resistance.

What Dose Of Finacea Will I Need?

Finacea Gel is only available in a single strength: 15% w/w

The gel is applied thinly to affected areas twice daily - in the morning and evening. Applying extra gel, or more frequently will not speed up results or improve its effectiveness, but rather will increase the risk of skin peeling, burning and dryness.

For those who have sensitive skin, your prescriber may suggest starting treatment by only using the gel once-daily to allow the skin to adapt.

How to Use Finacea: Dosage and Administration

To apply Finacea gel, follow the below step-by-step instructions:

  • Cleanse - wash your face with water and a mild, soap-free cleanser and pat completely dry.

  • Measure - squeeze a small amount of gel on to your fingertip

  • Apply - gently massage into the affected areas of the face, avoiding the eyes, lips, nostrils, and mouth.

  • Clean hands - wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after use.

  • Drying time - allow the gel to dry completely before applying moisturisers, sunscreen, or cosmetics.

How To Manage Initial Stinging or Irritation

When using the gel for the first time, local skin irritation (burning, itching, or tingling) is common during the first 1 to 3 weeks.

If skin irritation becomes bothersome:

  • Reduce application to once daily - only at night, until the skin builds tolerance.

  • Pause treatment for a few days, until skin calms, then restart after speaking to your prescriber.

If You Miss an Application

If you forget to apply Finacea, skip the missed application and apply your next dose at the next scheduled time.

Never apply a double dose or apply extra gel, to make up for a missed dose.

Storage Recommendations

  • Do not use it after the expiry date.

  • Keep out of sight and reach of children.

How Effective Is Finacea For Rosacea?

Results from clinical trials show twice-daily Finacea significantly reduces the number of inflammatory spots as well as facial redness compared to a placebo.

In a 12-week Phase III trial:

Outcome at 12 weeks

Finacea 15% Gel

Placebo Gel

Reduction in inflammatory bumps

50% to 65%

28% to 40%

Significant improvement in facial redness

44% to 56%

29% to 34%

Patients rated as “Clear/minimal”

61% to 68%

40% to 48%

How Long Does Finacea Take to Work?

Most patients notice an initial improvement in spots and skin texture within 4 to 8 weeks of continuous use. Maximum clinical benefits are usually achieved after 12 to 24 weeks.

Rosacea is a chronic condition and improvement can take time. Keep using Finacea as prescribed unless you develop a significant reaction or your prescriber advises you to stop.

If no improvement is seen after 12 weeks, contact the team to re-evaluate your treatment plan.

Who Is Finacea Suitable For?

Finacea Gel is suitable for adults over 18 who have been diagnosed with mild-to-moderate papulopustular rosacea.

Cautions and Precautions

If you have any of the following conditions, let your prescriber know:

  • Highly reactive or hyper-sensitive skin.

  • A history of severe facial contact dermatitis or eczema.

  • Asthma - some patients report a worsening of asthma whilst using azelaic acid.

Who Shouldn’t Use Finacea?

Whilst Finacea can safely be used by most patients, you must not use the gel if you:

  • Are allergic to azelaic acid or any of the inactive ingredients (such as propylene glycol or benzoic acid).

  • Are under 18 years of age.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

As the gel is applied locally to the skin, very little of the drug is absorbed into the body. Despite this, Finacea should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if explicitly approved by a doctor. Children must not come into contact with treated skin or the breast.

Side Effects of Finacea Gel

Finacea Gel is generally well tolerated, but like all gels/creams, it can cause localized side effects as your skin adapts.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects, affecting up to 1 in 10 people include:

  • Skin burning or tingling when the gel is applied.

  • Mild itching, or dry, flaky skin.

  • Localised skin redness or irritation.

Less Common/ Rare Side Effects

Less common side effects include:

  • Allergic contact dermatitis.

  • Temporary skin discolouration.

  • Severe eye irritation, if gel enters the eye.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, wash your face immediately, stop using the cream and seek immediate medical attention via NHS 111 or A&E:

  • Severe swelling

  • Painful blistering

  • Signs of an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth or throat, difficulty breathing, hives)

Interactions And Things To Avoid

When azelaic acid is applied externally to the skin surface, very little is absorbed into the body. As a result, drug interactions are rare, though caution is required when combining different creams/gels used on the face

Other Facial Products and Skincare

If you use any of the following products, ensure to tell your prescriber:

  • Harsh, abrasive cleansers, alcohol-based toners, or facial scrubs.

  • Other gels/creams on prescription (e.g., retinoids, benzoyl peroxide)

  • Steroid creams applied to the face (which can worsen rosacea).

Finacea and Sun Exposure

UV radiation can damage the skin, triggering a rosacea flare-up. It is recommended to apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) daily over Finacea once the gel has completely dried.

What Are The Alternatives To Finacea?

If Finacea is unsuitable for you, alternative treatments available from Quick Meds include:

  • Metrogel 0.75% Gel - containing metronidazole. A well-established antibiotic gel used to reduce localised inflammatory spots and swelling.

  • Soolantra 1% Cream - containing ivermectin. A once-daily cream that fights inflammation and Demodex skin mites.

The most appropriate option depends on your symptoms and individual circumstances, which you can discuss with your clinician. If you are unsure, feel free to contact the team before placing your order.

Why Choose Quick Meds?

Quick Meds is a UK-based GPhC-registered online pharmacy dedicated to providing safe, convenient and discreet healthcare. Every prescription request is independently checked by our in-house UK-registered prescribers to ensure clinical safety.

References
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rosacea/
https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/azelaic-acid/
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/240/smpc
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/240/pil
https://www.pcds.org.uk/clinical-guidance/rosacea

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