Important Safety Information

The Redness & Acne FormulaRx

Please read this information carefully before using your prescription. Keep it for reference, and message your DermClick care team if you have any questions.

01

What it is

The Redness & Acne FormulaRx is a compounded prescription topical medication, formulated by a licensed compounding pharmacy for individual patients under the direction of a licensed dermatology provider, working from protocols built by DermClick's founding board-certified dermatologists.

Active ingredients

Azelaic acid - an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial active commonly used in rosacea treatmentGlycolic acid - a low-concentration alpha-hydroxy acid for gentle resurfacingNiacinamide - a barrier-supporting vitamin B3 derivative

Inactive ingredients

Centella asiatica - a soothing botanical ingredient

02

What it treats

The Redness & Acne FormulaRx is prescribed for the treatment of mild to moderate rosacea with acne-like breakouts, including:

  • Papulopustular rosacea, which is rosacea with inflammatory papules and pustules
  • Persistent facial redness associated with rosacea
  • Acne-like breakouts in rosacea-prone skin
  • Mild skin congestion and uneven texture in sensitive skin
  • Reactive, flushing-prone skin requiring gentle prescription treatment

Your dermatology provider has determined this formulation is appropriate for your specific skin based on the assessment you completed.

03

Who should not use it

Do not use The Redness & Acne FormulaRx if any of the following apply to you. If your situation changes after your assessment, contact your DermClick care team before continuing use.

  • You have a known allergy or sensitivity to azelaic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide, Centella asiatica, or any other listed ingredient
  • You have an active skin infection or open wounds in the application area
  • You have a severely compromised skin barrier or active eczema in the application area
  • You have used oral isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane, within the past 6 months
  • You are under 12 years of age

04

Warnings and precautions

Pregnancy and nursing

Azelaic acid is one of the few prescription rosacea and acne actives considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The glycolic acid in this formula is included at a concentration suitable for use during pregnancy. However, every pregnancy is different, so confirm appropriateness with your dermatology provider, and contact your DermClick care team immediately if your pregnancy status changes during treatment.

Sun sensitivity

Sun exposure is a primary rosacea trigger and can also increase sensitivity from glycolic acid. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, and avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning beds, and sun lamps. Daily SPF is non-negotiable for rosacea management.

Skin barrier sensitivity

This formula is designed for sensitive skin, but mild stinging or tingling during initial use is common, especially with azelaic acid. If sensitivity persists beyond 2 weeks or worsens, contact your DermClick care team.

Eye, lip, and nostril contact

Avoid contact with eyes, lips, the corners of the nose, and any mucous membranes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Waxing and laser treatments

Do not wax, undergo laser treatments, or use chemical peels on areas where you apply this medication. Pause use for at least one week before and after any such procedure, and consult your DermClick care team.

Hypopigmentation in deeper skin tones

Azelaic acid can rarely cause lightening of the skin in patients with deeper skin tones. If you notice any changes in pigmentation during treatment, contact your DermClick care team.

Drug interactions

Tell your dermatology provider about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you use, especially:

  • Other topical rosacea or acne treatments, including metronidazole, ivermectin, or additional azelaic acid
  • Topical retinoids, including tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, or retinol
  • Other alpha-hydroxy acids such as lactic or mandelic, or beta-hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid, at high concentrations
  • Benzoyl peroxide products
  • Oral antibiotics commonly prescribed for rosacea, including doxycycline or minocycline
  • Topical or oral corticosteroids in the application area

05

Possible side effects

Common side effects

These may happen especially in the first 2 to 4 weeks of treatment.

  • Mild tingling or stinging when first applied, most common with azelaic acid
  • Temporary mild dryness or flaking
  • Mild redness or warmth at the application site
  • Increased sensitivity to sun and rosacea triggers

Less common side effects

  • Persistent redness, swelling, or itching
  • Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction at the application site
  • Lightening of the skin, known as hypopigmentation, particularly in deeper skin tones
  • Worsening of rosacea symptoms, known as a paradoxical flare

These are typical of azelaic acid-based rosacea treatment and usually settle within the first 2 to 4 weeks as your skin adjusts. Your DermClick care team can adjust your application frequency or your formula if these symptoms become uncomfortable.

Rare but serious

Contact your DermClick care team or seek emergency care if you experience:

  • Severe rash, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Signs of severe allergic reaction
  • Severe blistering or skin sloughing at the application site

06

How to use it

Application

Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin on the affected area once or twice daily, after washing your face and patting it dry. Your dermatology provider will tell you whether morning, evening, or both is right for your skin.

Frequency

Start with once daily in the evening for the first 1 to 2 weeks. Increase to twice daily as your skin tolerates it, if your dermatology provider has prescribed twice-daily use. Your DermClick care team will adjust your ramp-up plan based on how your skin responds.

Amount

A pea-sized amount is enough for the entire face. More is not better and can cause stinging without improving results.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the cap closed when not in use. Do not freeze.

Shelf life

Use within the period indicated on your prescription label. Do not use after the expiration date.

Morning

Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, moisturizer, broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (mineral sunscreen is often best tolerated by rosacea-prone skin)

Evening

Gentle cleanser, then The Redness & Acne FormulaRx, then a barrier-supporting, fragrance-free moisturizer.

07

If you have a reaction

For mild irritation

Reduce application frequency to every other day, apply a fragrance-free, barrier-supporting moisturizer 10 to 15 minutes after the medication, and message your DermClick care team. We can adjust your formula or your ramp-up plan.

For moderate to severe reactions

Stop using the medication. Message your DermClick care team. Send photos if you can so your dermatology provider can review and respond.

For medical emergencies

For severe rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or signs of severe allergic reaction, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Contact your DermClick care team

  • Phone: 1-833-496-4045
  • Email: support@dermclick.com
  • Account dashboard: message your care team directly at app.dermclick.com
Message your care team

08

About compounded medications

Compounded medications are prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy for individual patients, based on a prescription written by a licensed dermatology provider. They are not individually evaluated or approved by the FDA.

The active ingredients in The Redness & Acne FormulaRx- azelaic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide, and Centella asiatica - are well-established ingredients used in clinical dermatology, individually and in combination. Compounding allows your dermatology provider to combine them into a single formulation tailored to your skin and tolerance, rather than asking you to layer multiple separate products on top of already-sensitive, redness-prone skin. The supporting ingredients aren't optional extras - they are what makes the actives livable for sensitive skin.

Your prescription is compounded by a 503A licensed compounding pharmacy and shipped directly to you.