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MetroGel vs. Finacea

Are MetroGel and Finacea the Same Thing?

MetroGel (metronidazole) and Finacea Gel (azelaic acid) are topical (for the skin) medications used to treat skin lesions caused by rosacea.

Finacea Gel is also used to treat acne.

MetroGel and Finacea belong to different drug classes. MetroGel is an antibiotic and Finacea is a naturally occurring acid.

Side effects of MetroGel and Finacea that are similar include application site reactions (skin stinging, burning, irritation, dryness, redness, scaling, itching, tingling, tightness, swelling), nausea, or headache.

Side effects of MetroGel that are different from Finacea include metallic taste, numbness or tingly feeling in your hands or feet, cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, cold symptoms, or vaginal itching or discharge.

Side effects of Finacea that are different from MetroGel include acne, dizziness, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation, changes in taste, furry tongue, and dry mouth.

MetroGel may interact with blood thinners.

Finacea may interact with other topical preparations on the same area you use Finacea Gel, or abrasive, harsh, or drying soaps and cleansers such as alcoholic cleansers, tinctures, astringents, abrasives, or peeling agents.

What Are Possible Side Effects of MetroGel?

Common side effects of MetroGel include:

  • skin stinging/burning/irritation/dryness/ redness/scaling/itching,
  • metallic taste,
  • nausea,
  • headache,
  • numbness or tingly feeling in your hands or feet,
  • cough,
  • stuffy nose,
  • sore throat,
  • cold symptoms, or
  • vaginal itching or discharge.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Finacea?

Common side effects of Finacea include:

  • application site reactions (burning, stinging, tingling, dryness, tightness, scaling, itching, redness, irritation, swelling),
  • acne,
  • dizziness,
  • headache,
  • diarrhea,
  • nausea,
  • stomach pain,
  • loss of appetite,
  • constipation,
  • changes in taste,
  • furry tongue, and
  • dry mouth.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Finacea Gel including:

  • severe application site reactions or
  • changes in skin color.

What Is MetroGel?

MetroGel (metronidazole) Topical gel is a topical (for the skin) antibiotic used to treat skin lesions caused by rosacea. MetroGel is available in generic form.

What Is Finacea?

Finacea Gel (azelaic acid) is a naturally occurring acid used to treat acne and rosacea.

What Drugs Interact With MetroGel?

Metrogel may interact with blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin). It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied Metrogel. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Metrogel should be used only when prescribed during pregnancy. Metrogel passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What Drugs Interact With Finacea?

Do not use other topical preparations on the same area you use Finacea Gel unless directed by your doctor. Avoid abrasive, harsh, or drying soaps and cleansers such as alcoholic cleansers, tinctures, astringents, abrasives, or peeling agents while using Finacea Gel topical. Tell your doctor all medications you use. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using Finacea Gel. It should not be used during the first 3 months of pregnancy and used only with caution during the last 6 months, unless your infection has not improved on other antibiotics. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

How Should MetroGel Be Taken?

Apply and rub in a thin film dose of Metrogel once daily to affected area(s).

How Should Finacea Be Taken?

Apply a thin layer dose of Finacea Gel, 15%, and gently massage into the affected areas on the face twice daily, in the morning and evening.

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