Azelderm 20% Azelaic Acid Cream 30g

Azelderm 20% cream: currently out of stock

Azelderm 20% azelaic acid cream, 30g, is out of stock at the moment. The Turkish product information describes it as a cream containing 200mg of azelaic acid per gram, in a 30g aluminium tube, and names ORVA İlaç San. ve Tic. A.Ş. as the licence holder. Some shoppers search for it by its Turkish name, Azelderm krem.

The same strength of azelaic acid is listed in other creams and a gel below. Matching strength does not make them interchangeable: their forms and pack sizes differ, and their bases and directions may differ too. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before switching.

Other 20% azelaic acid creams and gels

The two creams match Azelderm’s format; Aziderm and Azelax are 20% gels, in 15g and 20g packs. You can compare every option in the 20% azelaic acid range.

What is in Azelderm 20% cream

The Turkish product information lists azelaic acid 200mg per gram (20%) as the active ingredient. The cream base includes white soft paraffin, liquid paraffin, cetostearyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, glyceryl monostearate and cyclomethicone, and the listed excipients also include butylated hydroxyanisole (E320), triclosan and chlorhexidine hydrochloride. Check the label on your tube if you react to any of these.

How 20% azelaic acid cream is used in the UK

The UK medicines database lists two azelaic acid medicines, both prescription-only: Skinoren 20% cream, licensed for acne vulgaris, and Finacea 15% gel, licensed for mild to moderate papulopustular acne of the face and for papulopustular rosacea.

Skinoren is for external use only, and its directions are to apply the cream to the affected skin twice a day, morning and evening, and rub it in gently. People with sensitive skin start with once a day in the evening for the first week. Those directions belong to Skinoren.

The Skinoren SmPC says to avoid contact with the eyes, mouth and other mucous membranes, to rinse with plenty of water if contact happens, and to wash your hands after applying. For Azelderm, follow the leaflet in the pack and your prescriber’s advice.

DermNet describes azelaic acid as having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and notes that it is mainly used for mild to moderate acne.

Side effects, pregnancy and breastfeeding

Common side effects with Skinoren include burning, itching, redness, peeling, pain, dryness, discolouration and irritation at the application site. DermNet adds that people with very sensitive skin or eczema may find azelaic acid irritating.

There are no adequate, well-controlled studies of topical azelaic acid in pregnancy, and the Skinoren information advises caution when it is prescribed to pregnant women. When breastfeeding, a baby must not come into contact with treated skin or the breast. Speak to a GP, pharmacist or prescriber if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions

Is Azelderm in stock?

Not at the moment. Azelskin cream (20g), azelaic acid cream (15g), Aziderm gel (15g) and Azelax gel (20g) are listed in the same 20% strength.

What is Azelderm used for?

Azelderm contains azelaic acid. The UK medicines database lists Skinoren 20% cream as a prescription-only treatment for acne vulgaris, and Finacea 15% gel for mild to moderate papulopustular acne of the face and papulopustular rosacea. Those are the indications for those two medicines; a prescriber can tell you whether azelaic acid suits your skin.

Is Azelderm the same as Skinoren?

Both are listed as 20% azelaic acid creams containing 200mg per gram, but they are different products. Skinoren is listed by the UK medicines database as a prescription-only medicine for acne vulgaris. Follow the instructions for the product you are using.

Is Azelderm the same as Azaderm?

No. Azaderm is a different brand with a similar name, so check the name on the tube.

Which is closer to Azelderm, a cream or a gel?

A cream, because Azelderm is a cream. A pharmacist can help you choose between the listed creams and the gel.

How do I use Azelderm?

Follow the leaflet supplied with Azelderm and your prescriber’s directions. The Skinoren directions above belong to Skinoren and are not a dosing guide for Azelderm.

More on azelaic acid: how to use azelaic acid safely, azelaic acid for rosacea and using azelaic acid with tretinoin.