Compare Finacea vs. minocycline

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Finacea (azelaic acid)

Prescription only

Solodyn (minocycline)

Prescription only
Treats rosacea.

Finacea (azelaic acid) helps treat raised spots and pimple-like bumps that come from rosacea, but only provides slight redness improvement. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about the redness from rosacea.

Treats bacterial infections.

Solodyn (minocycline) is effective in treating a variety of bacterial infections such as acne, but it can cause permanent tooth staining, especially in an unborn baby and those who are age 8 or younger.

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4.0/ 5 average rating with 17 reviewsforminocycline
Upsides
  • Comes in both a gel and foam formulation.
  • Studies show Finacea (azelaic acid) is effective at reducing raised spots and pimple-like bumps in mild to moderate rosacea.
  • Is as effective as alternative medicines.
  • May be taken with or without food.
  • Solodyn (minocycline) is used in combination with other medications to treat severe acne.
  • Available as a generic form.
  • Solodyn (minocycline) is less likely to cause sunburn than other tetracycline antibiotics.
  • Can be a good alternative treatment for certain infections when penicillin can't be used.
Downsides
  • Only available as a prescription.
  • More expensive than alternative medicines. A generic option is not available. Your doctor may have you try a less expensive alternative medicine first.
  • May not be the best option if you are looking to improve redness from rosacea.
  • Causes more skin irritation than alternative medicines. Speak to your doctor if you already have very sensitive skin. An alternative medicine may be better for you.
  • It can make birth control pills less effective, so barrier methods of birth control like condoms or diaphragms should be used while on Solodyn (minocycline).
  • Can permanently discolor your teeth, mouth, gums and skin. This is more common for pregnant women in their last half of pregnancy, infants, and children 8 and younger.
  • Your skin may be more sensitive to the sun and your chances of getting sunburned are higher.
  • May cause dizziness and affect your driving ability.
  • Not a good option for pregnant women since it can slow down the bone development of a fetus (unborn baby).
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Gel, foam
  • Pill
  • Extended-release pill
Price
Lowest price
$473.01
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Lowest price
$91.10
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Reviews
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17 reviews so far
53%
saidit'sworth it
59%
saiditworked well
18%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
4possible side effects
  • Burning/Stinging/Tingling
    28%
  • Itching
    11%
  • Scaling/Dry skin/Very dry skin
    8%
  • Redness/Irritation
    3%
See more detailed side effects
The Solodyn (minocycline) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Allergic reactions
  • Loss of skin color
  • Skin irritation
  • Worsening of asthma
  • Eye and mouth irritation
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Yellowing of teeth
    • Age 8 or younger
    • Women in their last half of pregnancy
    • Infants
    • Using Solodyn (minocycline) for a long period of time
  • Decreased effectiveness of oral birth control pills
    • Using oral birth control pills
  • New infection
    • Using Solodyn (minocycline) for a long period of time
  • Sunburn
  • Harm to fetus (unborn baby)
    • Women who can potentially or want to become pregnant
    • Pregnant women
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Finacea (azelaic acid)
Learn more about Solodyn (minocycline)