Tazarotene

Generic name: Tazarotene Topical

Usage of Tazarotene

Tazarotene topical is a type of retinoid derived from vitamin A that is available as a cream, gel, lotion, or foam. Tazarotene may be used to treat conditions such as psoriasis and acne, or improve the appearance and texture of skin. Different brands and strengths of tazarotene are approved for different uses, for example:

Acne (Arazlo 0.045%, Fabior foam 0.1%, Tazorac cream 0.1% and Tazroac gel 0.05% and 0.1%, and generic tazarotene 0.1%)

Antiaging (Avage 0.1% and generic tazarotene 0.1%)

Plaque psoriasis (Tazorac cream 0.05% and 0.1% and Tazorac gel 0.05% and 0.1%).

Tazarotene topical works by slowing the overgrowth of skin cells and decreasing inflammation in conditions such as acne and psoriasis. When used in antiaging products it boosts collagen production to increase the thickness of the outer layers of skin, improving the appearance of fine lines and some skin discoloration.

Tazarotene will not eliminate or prevent wrinkles or restore more youthful skin. It will not repair sun damage or reverse the effects of photoaging.

Tazarotene is sometimes used off-label to treat other conditions as well.

Tazarotene side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to tazarotene such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using tazarotene and call your doctor at once if you have severe skin irritation such as:

blistering or peeling skin

severe redness or discomfort or

swelling, warmth, oozing, or other signs of skin infection.

Common tazarotene topical side effects may include:

burning

dryness

irritation

itching

redness

stinging.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Tazarotene

You should not use tazarotene topical if you are allergic to it or any of the inactive ingredients present in the product.

To make sure tazarotene is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

an allergic reaction to a skin product

eczema, dermatitis, or other skin conditions

lentigo maligna (a type of skin cancer)

skin cancer

sunburn, or

if you work outdoors.

Some brands of tazarotene are not approved for use in children and young adults, for example:

Arazlo: Do not use in children and young adults younger than 9 years old.

Avage: Do not use in children and young adults younger than 17

Fabior: Do not use to treat acne or psoriasis in children younger than 12

Tazorac: Do not use to treat acne or psoriasis in children younger than 12.

Do not apply tazarotene topical if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or intend to become pregnant. Tazarotene can cause birth defects and you must have a negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks of starting this treatment. Stop using tazarotene and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, if you stop using birth control, or if you miss a menstrual period.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using tazarotene. Ask your doctor about any risks.

How to use Tazarotene

Acne

Cleanse the face gently and dry before application.

Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while using this drug.

Apply a thin layer of 0.1% gel/cream/foam once a day in the evening to cover acne lesions.

Psoriasis

Apply to dry skin; if a bath or shower is taken before application, allow time for skin to dry before applying; if emollients are used, they should be applied at least 1 hour prior.

Avoid applying gel or cream on unaffected skin as it may be more susceptible to irritation.

The safety of gel use on more than 20% of body surface area has not been established and is not recommended.

Initial dose: Apply a thin film of 0.05% gel or cream once a day in the evening to cover only the psoriatic lesions.

Increase to 0.1% if tolerated and medically indicated.

Fine wrinkles and skin pigmentation disorder

Cleanse the face gently and remove makeup and dry before application. Emollients/moisturizers may be applied before this cream, however, allow them to absorb and completely dry before applying this cream; facial moisturizers may be used as frequently as desired.

Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while using this drug.

Apply a pea-sized amount once a day at bedtime to lightly cover the entire face, including the eyelids, if desired.

Warnings

Tazarotene can cause birth defects. A pregnancy test should be conducted within 2 weeks of starting treatment and it should not be used in women who are pregnant. Women of childbearing potential should use effective birth control while using tazarotene to prevent pregnancy. Stop using tazarotene and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, if you stop using birth control, or if you miss a menstrual period.

You may get sunburned more easily while using tazarotene. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun. Some weather conditions, such as extremely cold or windy days, may also irritate the skin. Do not use it if you are also taking medications that increase photosensitivity, such as doxycycline.

Some people may experience excessive skin irritation when starting tazarotene treatment, such as increased redness, itchiness, burning, or peeling. If this occurs, stop using tazarotene until your skin improves or reduce the amount you put on or how frequently you apply it. Do not apply to eczema.

Assess pigmented areas of the face and neck before applying tazarotene. Do not apply to skin cancers including Lentigo maligna, a subtype of melanoma.

Tazarotene may cause harm if swallowed. If tazarotene cream is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.

What other drugs will affect Tazarotene

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

antibiotics such as doxycycline or other medications can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

If you also use a Benzoyl peroxide acne medication, do not use it at the same time you use tazarotene topical. Apply one medication only in the morning and the other only in the evening.

When used to treat psoriasis, tazarotene is often prescribed with a corticosteroid to reduce the skin irritation that sometimes develops from using only a retinoid. This medication also increases sun sensitivity. Wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen is recommended. Follow the instructions on the label to minimize the risk of side effects.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with tazarotene, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.