Exazel 20% Cream

Exazel 20% Cream is a prescription topical medicine that contains 20% azelaic acid in each tube. It belongs to the azelaic acid class of acne treatments and is used on the skin to help treat acne by reducing clogged pores and inflammation. Exazel 20% Cream is made by East West Pharmaceuticals and comes in a box/strip of 10 tubes.

How it works: Azelaic acid works by slowing the buildup of skin cells inside pores and helping calm the inflammation that contributes to acne. As a cream, Exazel 20% Cream is applied directly to the skin so the medicine can act where breakouts form.

Exazel 20% Cream is the higher-strength option compared with Exazel 10% Cream, so it may be chosen for people whose acne needs stronger treatment or who have not done well with a lower strength. Because it is a 20% cream, it can be more irritating for some users, and a doctor may prefer it when the expected benefit outweighs the chance of dryness, burning, or stinging.

• Acne vulgaris
• Inflamed pimples
• Clogged pores
• Redness linked to acne
• Maintenance treatment for acne when prescribed

• Use Exazel 20% Cream only on clean, dry skin as directed by your doctor.
• Apply a thin layer to the affected areas, not just individual spots, unless your prescriber tells you otherwise.
• Wash your hands before and after applying the cream.
• Avoid getting the cream in your eyes, mouth, nose, and other mucous membranes.
• Do not cover the treated skin with bandages or tight occlusive dressings unless your doctor says to.
• Use it at the same times each day if prescribed for regular daily use.

Exazel 20% Cream provides azelaic acid 20% in each tube, which is a higher-strength topical acne treatment than the 10% cream. The exact amount applied, how often it is used, and the maximum daily use are decided by your doctor based on your acne and skin tolerance; many patients use it 1 to 2 times daily if tolerated, but follow your prescription exactly. Do not apply more often or in larger amounts than prescribed, because higher-strength Exazel 20% Cream can cause more skin irritation.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Azelaic Acid may include:

• Burning or stinging where applied
• Itching
• Dry skin
• Redness
• Peeling or flaking
• Mild swelling or irritation at the application site

• Use Exazel 20% Cream only on the skin; do not take it by mouth.
• Do not use on broken, scraped, or severely irritated skin unless your prescriber instructs you to.
• A 20% cream may sting or burn more than Exazel 10% Cream, especially at the start of treatment.
• Avoid contact with the eyes, lips, nostrils, and inside of the mouth.
• Tell your doctor if you have very sensitive skin, eczema, or a history of allergic reactions to topical medicines.
• Use sunscreen and limit excess sun exposure if your skin becomes more sensitive or irritated.
• Do not combine with other strong acne products unless your doctor approves, because irritation can increase.

• Other topical acne medicines such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, or salicylic acid may increase dryness and irritation
• Abrasive cleansers, scrubs, or alcohol-based skin products can worsen irritation
• Other topical products that peel or dry the skin can make side effects more likely
• Covering the treated area with occlusive dressings may increase skin irritation unless directed by a clinician

Store Exazel 20% Cream at room temperature, tightly closed, and keep it away from excessive heat and moisture.