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Tazarotene Coupon - Tazarotene 30g of 0.1% tube of cream

tazarotene

Generic Avage
Used for Plaque Psoriasis, Acne, Facial Wrinkles, Skin Discoloration
Used for Plaque Psoriasis, Acne, Facial Wrinkles, Skin Discoloration

Tazarotene 0.1% cream is a prescription topical retinoid that helps smooth fine wrinkles and lessens skin discoloration on the face. It's applied onto the face every evening. This medication is typically used along with a complete skin care routine, which includes sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing. Side effects of the tazarotene cream include skin peeling and redness. It can also raise your risk for sunburns. The brand name for this medication, Avage, is discontinued, but there's a generic version of the cream that's still available.

Note: There are other tazarotene creams that are available for specifically treating acne and plaque psoriasis.

Last reviewed on November 21, 2024
basics-icon

What is Tazarotene cream?

What is Tazarotene cream used for?

How Tazarotene cream works

Tazarotene cream is a retinoid, which is a form of vitamin A. It's unclear exactly how the medication works to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and discolored spots on the face. But it's thought to help skin cells renew faster and boost the amount of collagen in the skin. This might help improve the appearance and texture of skin.

Are you looking for information on tazarotene (Tazorac) for acne or psoriasis instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAvage (brand name no longer available)
Drug ClassRetinoid
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$338.970
GoodRx discount
$338.97
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What are the side effects of Tazarotene cream?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Skin peeling (40%)
  • Skin redness (34%)
  • Burning sensation (26%)
  • Dry skin (16%)
  • Skin irritation (10%)
  • Itchy skin (10%)

Other Side Effects

  • Stinging sensation
  • Rash
  • Chapped lips

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Burning or stinging of the skin (severe)

changes in color of the treated skin

deep grooves or lines in the skin

dryness, itching, peeling, or redness of the skin (severe)

pain or swelling of the treated skin

skin rash (in patients with psoriasis only)

Incidence not known

Blistering, crusting, or irritation of the skin

cracked, dry, scaly skin

flaking and falling off of the skin

swelling at or near the application site

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Burning or stinging after application

dryness, itching, peeling, or redness of the skin (mild)

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Tazarotene cream

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to improve the appearance of wrinkles and skin discoloration

Only used once a day

Can use with other moisturizers and cleansers

thumbs-down

Cons

Doesn't prevent or get rid of wrinkles

Can make you sunburn more easily

Not safe to use while pregnant

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Tazarotene cream

pharmacist
  • Wash your hands well before and after you use tazarotene cream. Apply the medication directly on your face only. Don't put the cream in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. These areas are sensitive and can get irritated easily. Rinse the area well with water if the medication accidentally gets into any sensitive areas.

    • Before you apply tazarotene cream, remove any makeup and use a mild cleanser to wash the face. Pat the skin completely dry.

      • Use just enough tazarotene cream (typically a pea-sized amount) to lightly cover the entire face with a thin layer of medication. You can apply the cream onto the eyelids if you need to, but be careful because this area of skin is sensitive.

        • Apply tazarotene cream once per day in the evening, unless your prescriber gave you other directions. It's possible that you might be instructed to use the cream less often, especially if you have uncomfortable skin irritation from the medication.

          • You can have mild side effects like skin peeling, skin redness, burning, and dry skin within the first couple weeks of using tazarotene cream. But they typically get better as you continue using the medication. Talk to your care team if you're concerned about any skin reactions or if they get too uncomfortable.

            • You can use moisturizers as often as needed to help prevent your skin from becoming too dry or irritated from tazarotene cream. Just be sure that each skin product that you use has enough time to absorb into the skin and dry completely before you use the next.

              • You should wear sunscreen and protective clothing, like a wide-brimmed hat, when you're going outside. Tazarotene cream can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, raising your risk for sunburns.

                • Store tazarotene cream at room temperature (up to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Keep it tightly closed and out of reach from children.

                  • Mark your appointments on your calendar to see your prescriber. They can examine your skin to see how well tazarotene cream is working for you. You might need more follow up if there isn't any improvement to your dark spots to double check for a type of skin cancer.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Tazarotene cream

                    How effective is tazarotene cream?
                    Across many different studies, more than 50% of participants who used tazarotene cream noticed great improvements in facial wrinkling and skin discoloration after about 6 months of treatment. Follow up with your prescriber about how well tazarotene cream is working to improve your skin appearance and texture.
                    Is tazarotene cream a retinoid?
                    Yes. Tazarotene cream is a retinoid, which is a form of vitamin A. Topical retinoids like tazarotene cream help improve the appearance and texture of the skin.
                    Where can you buy tazarotene cream?
                    Tazarotene cream isn't an over-the-counter product that you can buy. It's only available by prescription from a healthcare professional. The pharmacy can probably order tazarotene cream for you if they don't have it in stock. Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist if you're having trouble finding a pharmacy that has tazarotene cream for wrinkles and skin discoloration available.
                    Does tazarotene cream expire?
                    Yes, tazarotene cream can expire. Always check the expiration date on the medication before you use it. Don't use the cream if it's expired because it might not work well to help with your skin discoloration or wrinkles. Throw away the expired medication and ask your pharmacist for a refill.
                    What's the difference between tretinoin and tazarotene for wrinkles?
                    Tazarotene and tretinoin are different types of topical retinoids that are used to treat many skin conditions and they come in many different forms (e.g., cream, gel, lotion). In particular, tazarotene 0.1% cream and tretinoin cream (Renova) are specifically used for improving fine wrinkles on the face. The two medications are very similar to each other: they work similarly, are both used once daily in the evening, and have similar side effects. The specific differences between both medications could depend on your situation and your personal preferences. Speak with your prescriber to compare between tazarotene and tretinoin for wrinkles.
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                    What are the risks and warnings for Tazarotene cream?

                    Tazarotene cream can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Harm to unborn baby

                    • Risk factors: Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant

                      Animal studies show that other topical forms of tazarotene can cause harm to an unborn baby when they're used during pregnancy. For this reason, you shouldn't use tazarotene cream if you're pregnant.

                      If you can become pregnant, you'll need to take a pregnancy test within 2 weeks of starting tazarotene cream to confirm that you're not pregnant. Your prescriber will instruct you to start using the medication during your menstrual period. Use an effective form of birth control to prevent pregnancy while you're using the medication. Stop using tazarotene cream if you become pregnant.

                      risk-warning

                      Risk for sunburn

                      • Risk factors: Exposure to sunlight | History of skin cancer | Taking medications that raise the risk of sunburn

                        Tazarotene cream can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and raise your risk of sunburn. The risk is higher if you're taking other medications that raise your risk for sun sensitivity, such as certain diuretics (water pills) and certain antibiotics.

                        Try to minimize the amount of time that your skin is exposed to sunlight. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when you're going outside. If you get sunburned, ask your prescriber whether you should stop using tazarotene cream until your skin heals.

                        risk-warning

                        Skin irritation

                        • Risk factors: Eczema | Using skin products that dry the skin

                          Tazarotene cream can cause skin irritation and skin reactions, like itching, redness, burning, peeling, and blistering. Windy and cold weather can irritate the skin even more while you're using this medication.

                          Avoid applying tazarotene cream on any areas of skin with eczema because it can cause severe irritation. Also avoid using other skin products that have a strong drying effect because it can worsen irritation. Tell your prescriber if you notice any skin reactions that aren't getting better over time or any hives on the skin while you're using tazarotene cream.

                          dosage

                          Tazarotene cream dosage forms

                          The average cost for 1 tube of 30g of 0.1% of Tazarotene cream is $461.05 with a free GoodRx coupon.0
                          tube of cream
                          Tube of cream
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          30g of 0.1%1 tube$461.05$461.05

                          Typical dosing for Tazarotene cream

                          Use a pea-sized amount of tazarotene cream to apply the medication as a thin layer over the entire face. Apply tazarotene cream once every evening.

                          interactions

                          Interactions between Tazarotene cream and other drugs

                          Tazarotene cream may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Tazarotene cream. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                          Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

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                          How much does Tazarotene cream cost?

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                          contraindications-icon

                          Tazarotene cream contraindications

                          Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Tazarotene cream will not be safe for you to take.
                          • Currently pregnant

                          alternatives

                          What are alternatives to Tazarotene cream?

                          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Tazarotene cream. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                          Tazarotene cream
                          Used for:
                          $338.97 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Used for:
                          $72.10 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          latest news

                          What is the latest news about Tazarotene cream?

                          images

                          Tazarotene cream images

                          white - Tazarotene 0.1% Topical Cream
                          This medicine is White Tube Of Cream.white - Tazarotene 0.1% Topical Cream
                          white - Tazarotene 0.1% Topical Cream
                          This medicine is White Tube Of Cream.white - Tazarotene 0.1% Topical Cream

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                          References

                          Best studies we found

                          Ludmann, P. (2021). Treating light spots in brown or black skin. American Academy of Dermatology Association.

                          Milosheska, D., et al. (2022). Use of retinoids in topical antiaging treatments: A focused review of clinical evidence for conventional and nanoformulations. Advances in Therapy.

                          Ogden, S., et al. (2008). A review of tazarotene in the treatment of photodamaged skin. Clinical Interventions in Aging.

                          View All References (2)

                          Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. (2017). Tazarotene- tazarotene cream [package insert]. DailyMed.

                          Xiong, M., et al. (2022). Lentigo maligna melanoma. StatPearls.

                          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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