Azobril Forte (Azelaic Acid 20%) Cream

Azobril cream general information

What is Azobril cream used for?

Azobril cream 20% is a topical medication used to treat acne, by preventing the formation and spread of pimples (papules), spots or whiteheads (pustules) and blackheads (comedones) which occur in acne lesions. Azobril cream 20% helps to clear up these skin blemishes as well as preventing the outbreak of new acne. Azobril cream 20 also has properties that may help in the treatment of androgenic alopecia (hair loss) in men and women, to prevent further hair loss, although it will not restore hair already lost. 

How does Azobril cream work?

Azobril cream 20% contains azelaic acid, an antibacterial topical treatment that penetrates the skin and inhibits the growth of a certain form of bacteria that can cause acne (Propionibacterium acnes). This bacteria lives in the skin causing irritation and inflammation, which is thought to cause infection of acne lesions of the skin. Azelaic acid 20% also stops the production of acne-promoting fatty acids by these bacteria. Both actions help unblock oil ducts in the skin that cause pimples and blackheads (comedones) so that the acne dries up. Azelaic acid in Azobril 20 also has keratolytic properties that inhibit the formation of the thickened skin cells (keratinocytes) of the upper skin layer (epidermis). Comedones form in hair follicles that become blocked by excess keratinized (hardened) epithelial skin cells. Azelaic acid in Azobril cream 20% reduces the replication of keratinocytes and their keratinisation (hardening), and therefore restricts the formation of comedones. The combined antibacterial and keratolytic properties of Azobril cream helps prevent acne spreading. Azelaic acid in Azobril cream 20% has been micronized so that the smaller particles make it easier for absorption into the skin. 

What does Azobril cream contain?

Azobril cream contains the active ingredient micronized Azelaic acid 20%, an antibacterial agent which also has keratolytic properties and is used to treat acne. 

Treating acne with Azobril cream

Azobril cream contains Azelaic acid 20%, a topical treatment for acne that has antibacterial and keratolytic (softens hardened skin) properties. Azobril cream is used to treat acne by preventing the formation and spread of pimples (papules), spots or whiteheads (pustules) and blackheads (comedones) which occur in acne. Azobril cream 20 helps to clear up these skin blemishes as well as preventing the outbreak of new acne. Azelaic acid in Azobril cream 20% inhibits the growth of a certain form of bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) that live in the skin causing irritation and inflammation associated with acne. Azelaic acid in Azobril cream 20% also stops the production of acne-promoting fatty acids by these bacteria. Both actions help unblock oil ducts in the skin that cause pimples and blackheads (comedones) so that the acne dries up. Azelaic acid in Azobril cream 20% also has keratolytic properties that inhibit the formation of the thickened skin cells (keratinocytes) of the upper skin layer (epidermis). Comedones form in hair follicles that become blocked by excess keratinized (hardened) epithelial skin cells. The action of Azobril cream 20% reduces the replication of keratinocytes and their keratinisation (hardening), and therefore restricts the formation of comedones. The combined antibacterial and keratolytic properties of Azelaic acid 20% in Azobril cream helps prevent acne spreading. 

Azobril cream for androgenetic alopecia (hair loss)

Although Azobril cream 20% is primarily a treatment for acne and other skin conditions, the potential beneficial effect of azelaic acid in Aziderm 20 for treatment of androgenetic alopecia (hair loss) in men and women, has been investigated by dermatologists. It has been found that Azobril cream 20% may help promote hair growth and prevent further hair loss, although it will not restore hair already lost. 

How does Azobril cream prevent hair loss?

Azobril cream 20% is a treatment for acne and other skin conditions and has also been found to help promote hair growth. Normal hair growth within the hair follicles is reduced by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a metabolite of the hormone testosterone, and this causes hair loss. Azelaic acid has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase, which is the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. This action of Azelaic acid in Azobril cream 20% may prevent further hair loss in conditions like androgenetic alopecia but it will not restore hair already lost. 

What are the side effects of Azobril cream?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Azobril cream 20% include: local effects at the site of treatment including, stinging, burning, itching, tingling, redness or drying of the skin, usually at the beginning of treatment and particularly if you have sensitive skin or suffer from eczema. 

When should Azobril cream not be used?

You should not use Azobril cream 20% if you:

• are allergic to azelaic acid or any ingredients in Azobril cream
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding

How should Azobril cream be used?

You should apply your Azobril cream 20% to the affected area of the skin twice daily, morning and evening. Clean the skin with a mild soap or soap-free cleanser, rinse with water then apply a small amount with clean fingers and rub gently into the skin. Wash your hands well after use and avoid contact with your eyes or inside your nose and mouth. You should not cover the skin after using Azobril 20, unless recommended by your doctor. Do not use large amounts or apply Azobril cream 20% more often than directed, as your acne will not clear up faster, instead you may increase the chance for side effects like skin irritation. You should continue to use your Azobril cream 20% for the full course of treatment as directed by your doctor. You may see an improvement within 4 weeks, but your acne may take a several weeks or months to improve and clear. You can continue to use Azobril cream 20% for several months if required and you can also repeat the treatment if your acne returns. 

How long should you use Azobril cream?

You should continue to use your Azobril cream 20% for the full course of treatment as directed by your doctor. You may see an improvement within 4 weeks, but your acne may take a several weeks or months to improve and clear. You can continue to use Azobril cream 20% for several months if required and you can also repeat the treatment if your acne returns.

Missed dose of Azobril cream

If you miss an application of Azobril cream 20% apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not apply a double dose. 

How should Azobril cream be stored?

You should store your Azobril cream 20% below 30°C in a cool dry place and do not freeze.