Get an azelaic acid prescription

Board-certified dermatologists
Affordable expert care
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Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Patrick Mahar
Dermatologist

What is azelaic acid and what is it used for?

Azelaic acid is used for the treatment of mild to moderately inflamed acne and mild to moderate rosacea and hyperpigmentation and it is available as a cream, gel and foam¹.

The Azelaic acid gel and foam forms are used to alleviate the bumps, lesions, and swelling induced by rosacea—a skin condition marked by facial redness, flushing, and pimples.

The azelaic acid cream is formulated to address the pimples and swelling associated with acne.

Benefits of Azelaic Acid

Anti-inflammatory properties

Regulates sebum production

Antibacterial effects

Suitable for sensitive skin

How to get azelaic acid online?

Do you need a prescription to buy azelaic acid?

It depends. You can buy azelaic acid creams and gels in low concentrations (less than 10%9 but if you want to buy azelaic acid in 15% or 20% you definitely need a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

How to get an azelaic acid prescription online?

To get an online azelaic acid prescription, you can have a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist through Miiskin. If it’s medically appropriate for you, they will send a digital prescription to your preferred local or online pharmacy and you can then buy your azelaic acid right away at an affordable price.

What is the price for an online consultation to get an azelaic acid prescription?

To request or renew an azelaic acid online prescription, there is a consultation fee starting at $39 for returning patients requiring a renewal and $59 for new patients. To be able to buy azelaic acid online or in a physical pharmacy at an affordable price, ask your doctor to give you a prescription for a generic medication.

Get an Azelaic acid prescription via Miiskin

Select “Start consultation” to sign up.
Fill out the consultation form and take photos of your skin.
An independent dermatologist will prescribe Azelaic acid to you, if medically appropriate.
Buy Azelaic acid affordably from the pharmacy of your choice.

Process to getting a prescription for Azelaic acid online
You will connect with a dermatologist via an online consultation. Upon reviewing your case, if the dermatologist determines that azelaic acid cream is safe and appropriate for you, they will issue a prescription to the pharmacy of your choosing.

Azelaic acid explained

How do azelaic acid creams and gels work?

Azelaic acid creams work by addressing multiple skin issues, making them effective for conditions like acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. They help reduce acne-causing bacteria on the skin, while their anti-inflammatory properties calm redness and swelling, which is especially beneficial for sensitive skin.

Azelaic acid also encourages cell turnover and gently exfoliates, helping to clear existing acne and prevent future breakouts. Additionally, it reduces melanin production, gradually fading dark spots and evening out skin tone. Overall, azelaic acid is a gentle yet effective treatment option for improving acne and discoloration across various skin types.

What patients say about Miiskin

Very happy with this service. Quick and easy. With someone with not the greatest insurance and super busy. This was perfect. Got my prescription next day and great advice for my condition.

Marcus Liniarski,
Patient Review →

I had a great experience with Miiskin – I was able to get my prescription very quickly and their app is easy to use. It was very convenient and their team is very responsive. I highly recommend them and will likely use them in the future for other skin issues.

Susie Tse,
Patient Review →

What a technology! I was very impressed by the speed of communication with a doctor using the Miiskin app. Losing my hair has been my biggest concern, but I didn’t have the courage to reveal my bald spot to a doctor in person. Miiskin solved all my issues instantly. I just took a photo in my own room, uploaded it, and wrote about my concerns. That’s it. The best part is that without insurance, the consultation fee was much lower than any health insurance. I submitted my photo at midnight and received a prescription the very next morning. The doctor at Miiskin was very professional and empathetic, which really helped ease my emotional distress. Although I’m just at the beginning stage of my treatment and haven’t seen significant results yet, I feel reassured and supported. I will definitely upload my progress in 3 to 4 months to show my appreciation for the prescription from Miiskin.

Jiyeon Kang,
Patient Review →

My dermatologist was extremely quick, reviewed my consultation request within 2hrs and I had my Rx the next day! The Miiskin team also responds within minutes and are very polite and communicated concisely. I’ll never make a in person appointment again after experiencing this outstanding and affordable telehealth service!

Dion H,
Patient Review →

Quick response from the dermatologist — I wanted a fast turnaround for a skin concern that would be more immediate than going through health insurance, making an appointment, traveling to the doctor.

Timothy C.
Patient Review →

Common Azelaic acid strengths

Azelaic Acid 10%

Azelaic acid 10% concentration is mild and often found in over-the-counter products. This strength is suitable for those with sensitive skin or people new to azelaic acid, as it allows for gentle treatment of concerns like mild acne, redness, and uneven skin tone with minimal risk of irritation. It’s often recommended for everyday maintenance of clear and balanced skin.

Azelaic Acid 15%

Azelaic acid 15% provides a moderate-strength option, commonly prescribed to address moderate acne, rosacea, and noticeable pigmentation issues. This concentration works faster than azelaic acid 10% formulations, delivering more visible results while remaining suitable for regular use. Although it may cause mild dryness or tingling, these effects are usually manageable with proper moisturization.

Azelaic Acid 20%

Azelaic acid 20% is a high-strength formulation, typically used for more stubborn skin concerns, such as persistent acne, prominent hyperpigmentation, or more severe rosacea. This prescription-strength concentration is powerful in reducing bacteria and fading dark spots, making it ideal for individuals with challenging skin concerns. While it can cause side effects like dryness or irritation, these are generally manageable with careful application and guidance from a healthcare provider.

Warnings and Side Effects

Precautions when using azelaic acid

Azelaic acid can have a lightening effect on skin tone, so individuals with darker skin tones are advised to use it with caution.

This medication is generally safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding², though it may cause allergic reactions in some cases. If you experience symptoms like skin itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling similar to hives, seek medical attention immediately.

Be attentive to any side effects that may arise. If your rosacea does not improve within 12 weeks, or if symptoms worsen, consult your healthcare provider. Azelaic acid is versatile and pairs well with other active ingredients. To learn more about using azelaic acid in combination with tretinoin, check out our article, How to use tretinoin and azelaic acid together?

Side effects of azelaic acid

Dryness
Redness
Peeling
Skin irritation
Burning
Stinging³

What ingredients can be combined with azelaic acid?

Sunscreen SPF 50

Hyaluronic acid

Non-greasy moisturizer

Azelaic acid

Niacinamide

Peptides

Ceramides

Which ingredients can be used with azelaic acid under medical supervision?

Tretinoin
Tazarotene
Trifarotene
Adapalene

Benzoyl peroxide
Glycolic acid
Lactic acid
Salicylic acid

Request a prescription for azelaic acid online

Select “Start consultation” to sign up.
Fill out the consultation form and take a photo of your skin.
An independent dermatologist will prescribe azelaic acid to you, if medically appropriate.
Purchase azelaic acid from the pharmacy of your choice.

Got more questions about getting an azelaic acid prescription?

How to buy azelaic acid online (gel or cream)?

By signing up with a provider on miiskin.com you can request a photo-based virtual consultation from a dermatologist. The process takes five minutes approximately and the request is usually reviewed in less than 48 hours – often within 24 hours. After your request has been reviewed, you will be able to buy your azelaic acid cream or gel affordably at the pharmacy of your choice.

What is the price for azelaic acid?

The average price for Finacea without insurance or the manufacturer coupon is $400 – $500. The price of Finacea with a manufacturer coupon is $30.

The generic price of azelaic acid cream varies between $20 – $45*.

*These prices depend on the pharmacy and state and cannot be guaranteed by Miiskin as we do not manufacture or sell this medication.

Is azelaic acid available over the counter?

Yes, azelaic acid is available over the counter in low concentrations, typically up to 10%. Many skincare brands offer these formulations, which are widely accessible without a prescription. Over-the-counter azelaic acid products are commonly used to address issues like mild acne, hyperpigmentation, and skin texture concerns. They can be found in various forms, such as creams, gels, and serums, and are popular for their gentle yet effective skin-brightening and anti-inflammatory properties. However, for more intensive treatments, higher-strength formulations are available through a healthcare provider.

What is the prescription strength of azelaic acid?

For prescription-use formulations, azelaic acid is typically available in strengths ranging from 15% to 20%. These higher-concentration products are often recommended for treating more severe cases of acne, rosacea, and persistent hyperpigmentation that may not respond adequately to over-the-counter options. Prescription-strength azelaic acid is usually dispensed by dermatologists or healthcare providers and comes in forms such as gels or foams, optimized for more targeted treatment. The higher potency of these prescription formulations provides a stronger therapeutic effect but may require monitoring to manage potential side effects like dryness or irritation.

How much does it cost to get a prescription for azelaic acid?

To get a virtual consultation via Miiskin costs around $59, and it does not include the costs for any prescribed medication.

How long will it take to get the prescription for my azelaic acid?

If the medication is safe and adequate for your condition, you will get an answer in 1 to 2 business days.

How/when will I get my azelaic acid?

After you get your prescription, you can pick up medicine at the pharmacy of your choice. You can also choose to have it delivered by an online pharmacy.

Do I have to pay separately for the consultation and the medicine?

Yes, the same way you would have to pay for an in-person dermatology consultation and then for your prescription at the pharmacy. This means that providers are completely independent and will make the right medical decision for you, not try to sell you products.

How long does a photo-based consultation for tretinoin take?

On average it will take you less than five minutes to complete your request for a photo-based virtual consultation. In the event that a tele-consultation or face-to-face consultation is necessary, you will also be informed.

Do I have to pay separately for the consultation and the tretinoin?

What is Miiskin?

Miiskin is platform that connects patients with independent providers for convenient quality medical care for skin health issues.

References:
¹https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557478/
²https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9112391/
³https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557478/
⁴https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557478/
⁵https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9112391/
⁶https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9112391/
⁷https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/553009
⁸https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5574737/
⁹https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00002512-199506060-00008
¹⁰https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3225141/
¹¹https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16045694/
¹²https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3225141/
¹³https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/517/fetal-retinoid-syndrome
¹⁴https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26897386/
¹⁵https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9112391/