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Azelaic Acid 15% with Niacinamide 5% Gel

Azelaic acid 15% w/w + niacinamide 5% w/w

Updated: 2026-09-16 · Albury Compounding Pharmacy

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about Azelaic Acid 15% with Niacinamide 5% Gel.
It does not contain all of the available information. It is not intended to replace the advice of your pharmacist or doctor.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine; you may need to read it again.

What azelaic acid with niacinamide is used for

This gel contains azelaic acid 15% and niacinamide 5% (also called nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3). It is for application to the skin only.

Your doctor or pharmacist may recommend it for acne or for the inflamed bumps and pimples of rosacea. Azelaic acid helps reduce blocked pores and acne-associated bacteria. Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory effects. A doctor should confirm a diagnosis of rosacea before treatment.

This medicine is compounded for an individual patient. The TGA has not assessed this particular preparation for quality, safety or effectiveness. It differs from commercially manufactured azelaic acid products.

Before you use azelaic acid with niacinamide

When you must not use it

Do not use this gel if you are allergic to azelaic acid, niacinamide, propylene glycol, or another ingredient listed under Product description.

Do not use it after the expiry date on the dispensing label, or if the container is damaged or the gel appears contaminated.

Before you start

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have asthma, eczema, very sensitive skin, or a previous reaction to a skin treatment.

This gel contains propylene glycol, which can irritate the skin. Check with your pharmacist before applying it to broken, sunburnt or extensively damaged skin.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Discuss use with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. Information about this compounded combination in pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited.

Do not apply it to the nipple or breast. Prevent a baby from touching or licking treated skin.

Children and adolescents

Use in children or adolescents only on their doctor's advice. Adult directions may not apply.

Other medicines and skin products

Tell your pharmacist about all medicines, supplements and skin products you use. Ask before combining this gel with other acne treatments, exfoliating acids, retinoids or harsh cleansers. Using several irritating products together may worsen discomfort.

How to use azelaic acid with niacinamide

How much and when to use

Apply a thin layer to the affected skin once daily, unless your dispensing label says otherwise. Do not use extra applications to speed up results.

How to apply

Gently clean the affected skin with water or a mild cleanser, then pat dry.
Spread a thin layer over the area you have been told to treat and rub in gently.
Wash your hands afterwards.
Keep it away from the eyes, mouth, inside the nose and genitals. Do not swallow it.
Do not cover treated skin with an airtight dressing.

If gel gets into an eye, rinse it thoroughly with plenty of water. Get medical advice if irritation continues.

How long to use

Improvement may take several weeks. Keep the review appointment recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. Seek advice sooner if the condition worsens, and arrange review if there is no improvement after about eight weeks. Do not keep using an expired container while waiting for a result.

If you miss an application

Resume at your next scheduled application. Do not apply twice the amount to make up for a missed application.

If you use too much or swallow it

If too much gel causes marked irritation, gently wash it off and contact your pharmacist.

If anyone swallows the gel, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 promptly, even if they feel well. Have the container available. For collapse or serious breathing difficulty, call 000.

While you are using azelaic acid with niacinamide

Things to do

Tell your treating health professionals that you are using this compounded gel.
Check with your pharmacist before adding another medicated skin product.
Let the gel dry before applying cosmetics. Ask about suitable gentle skin care and sun protection.
Report troublesome irritation rather than continuing through it.

Things to avoid

Do not share the gel or use it for another skin condition without advice.
Avoid abrasive scrubs, alcohol-based astringents and peeling treatments on the treated area.
Do not increase the amount or frequency without advice.

Driving and using machines

An effect on driving is not expected from the topical ingredients. Do not drive if you feel unwell.

Possible side effects

Side effects can occur with either active ingredient or the gel base. Their frequency has not been established for this compounded combination.

Possible effect	What to do
Mild stinging, burning, tingling, itching, redness, dryness or peeling	These may occur when treatment starts. Ask your pharmacist if they persist or bother you; the treatment may need adjusting.
Severe or persistent irritation, swelling, blistering or an eczema-like rash	Stop applying the gel and obtain medical advice before restarting.
Unexpected lightening or other changes in skin colour	Contact your doctor or pharmacist for review.
New or worsening wheeze or asthma symptoms	Stop the gel and seek urgent medical advice. For severe breathing difficulty, call 000.

Stop using the gel and call 000 immediately for swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, or collapse. These may indicate a serious allergic reaction.

Tell your pharmacist about other unexpected symptoms. You can also report a suspected medicine side effect to the TGA.

Storage and disposal

Store at room temperature. Follow any additional storage instructions on your dispensing label.
Beyond-use / expiry date: refer to packaging.
Keep the gel in its original, tightly closed container, away from children.
Avoid leaving it in a hot car, direct sunlight or a damp bathroom.
Do not use it after the labelled expiry date. Opening the container does not restart its expiry period.
Ask your pharmacist about any change in appearance, smell or texture before using it.
Return leftover or expired gel to a pharmacy for disposal.

Product description

Dosage form and pack size

A compounded gel for use on the skin. The amount supplied is printed on your container; the catalogue lists 30 g and 50 g sizes. Ask the pharmacy if the appearance differs from what you were shown.

Active ingredients

Each gram contains:

Azelaic acid 150 mg (15% w/w).
Niacinamide 50 mg (5% w/w).

Other ingredients

The current formulation contains Methocel E4M (gel-forming ingredient), glycerin, propylene glycol and water.

Propylene glycol makes up 50% w/w (500 mg per gram) and may cause skin irritation. Tell the pharmacist about ingredient allergies before use. Check the label and pharmacist's advice if your individual formulation is changed.

Sponsor / Further information

Prepared by Albury Compounding Pharmacy
Suite 1.5, 470 Wodonga Place
Albury NSW 2640
Phone: (02) 6023 3666
Email: compounding@awardpharmacies.com

Prepared 16 September 2026. Version v1.0.

Keep this leaflet with your medicine. It supports, and does not replace, advice from your doctor or pharmacist.