5 Fabior Side Effects You Should Know About
Key takeaways:
Fabior (tazarotene) is a topical foam that treats acne in adults and children age 12 and older. The most common Fabior side effects are dry, red, or peeling skin. These side effects usually get better over time as a person’s skin adjusts to the medication.
Fabior can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun. You can protect yourself by applying sunscreen daily and practicing good sun safety, such as wearing a hat and sunglasses when you’re outside.
Serious Fabior side effects rarely occur. But if you experience severe burning, itching, or swelling while using the medication, contact your healthcare provider. They can help you determine the next best steps.
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Table of contents
Fabior (tazarotene) is a topical retinoid foam. It’s FDA approved to treat acne in adults and children age 12 and older.
Fabior can be very effective. But, like with all medications, it’s possible you may experience some side effects while using it. Below, we’ll look at five Fabior side effects you should know about and how you can manage them.
1. Dry skin
One of the most common Fabior side effects is dry skin. Fabior is a retinoid, which means it’s a chemical compound related to vitamin A (retinol). Retinoids lower the amount of oil your skin makes. While this can help control acne, it may also lead to dry, flaky skin.
Using a light, oil-free moisturizer can help counteract the drying effects of Fabior. It’s also a good idea to avoid harsh soaps and skin care products that can dry out your skin even more. And be sure to start with a small amount of Fabior foam at first. Too much medication can also worsen dryness. It’s best to only use enough Fabior to lightly cover your skin with a thin layer.
Experiencing dry skin doesn't necessarily mean that Fabior isn't for you. Dryness is a common side effect that many people experience with the medication, especially in the beginning. As your skin adjusts to Fabior — typically, after the first 2 weeks of treatment — the dryness should get better.
But if your dry skin is severe or doesn’t improve, let your healthcare provider know. They may suggest applying Fabior less often to give your skin more time to adjust. Or they may suggest a gentler retinoid option.
2. Red skin
Another common Fabior side effect is red skin. Fabior increases the removal of dead skin cells, which helps fight acne. But that can also make your skin appear red or irritated at first.
Again, this is a common side effect and not necessarily a sign of an adverse reaction. But if you have a lot of redness in your skin already, Fabior may not be the best choice for you. In that case, talk to your healthcare provider about your options.
Skin redness related to Fabior is usually temporary and should get better in a few weeks, as your skin gets used to the medication. Using gentle, hypoallergenic skin care products can help soothe irritated skin in the meantime. You may also want to keep makeup to a minimum, since it could irritate your skin and make the redness worse in the long run. And be sure to apply sunscreen daily to help protect your skin and prevent the redness from getting worse.
If you have a stinging, burning, or itching sensation along with redness, let your healthcare provider know. Sometimes, this is a normal reaction. But it could also be a sign of severe irritation. And you may need to stop using Fabior or use it less often until the reaction resolves.
Good to know: Fabior can make your skin more sensitive to treatments like waxing and facials. Be sure to let your technician know you’re using Fabior when scheduling these treatments. They’ll be able to give you instructions for how to proceed safely.
3. Peeling skin
Along with dryness and redness, peeling skin is also common with Fabior. The medication speeds up the formation of new skin cells. And peeling skin is a sign that old skin is being replaced as this happens.
Peeling skin can often be managed with a good moisturizer. But it’s best not to pick at your skin or use a harsh exfoliator, which could cause further irritation. Applying Fabior less often at first may minimize the amount of peeling you experience. And, in general, this side effect should improve after the first few weeks.
If skin peeling becomes severe or you also have symptoms like blistering and swelling, contact your healthcare provider right away. These are signs of a more severe skin reaction, which could require medical care.
4. Sun sensitivity
Retinoids like Fabior can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. You'll likely burn faster and easier than usual while you’re using it. So you’ll want to take extra steps to protect your skin from the sun. It’s also best to apply Fabior at night before bedtime to help minimize skin being exposed to sun at its most sensitive.
The best way to protect your skin is to practice good sun safety. That includes applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 — even on cloudy days. If sunscreen irritates your skin — especially during the first few weeks of using Fabior, when it’s most sensitive — there are other options to protect yourself. Hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas can all help protect your skin from the sun.
Remember, sun exposure doesn't just increase your risk of sunburn. Over time, it can also lead to premature skin aging and even skin cancer. So it’s a good idea to take sun protection seriously all of the time, not just while using Fabior.
Good to know: Extremely cold or windy weather can also irritate your skin while you’re using Fabior. So it’s best to protect your skin from the elements year-round.
5. Harm to the fetus during pregnancy
Retinoids are known to cause birth defects if they’re taken orally during pregnancy. It’s not clear if using topical retinoids like Fabior can cause the same problems, but the risk is high enough that most providers don’t recommend them.
If you’re having skin issues and you’re pregnant, there are safer treatment options available. If you’re thinking about becoming pregnant, talk to your provider about the risks and benefits of using Fabior. And if you become pregnant while using the medication, it’s best to stop treatment until you can discuss it with your provider.
When should I contact my healthcare provider about Fabior side effects?
Most people who use Fabior experience minor side effects such as mild dryness, redness, or peeling. These are normal reactions to the medication and should improve over time. But if these side effects are bothersome, talk to your healthcare provider. They may suggest applying Fabior less often or trying a milder treatment option.
While rare, severe skin reactions from Fabior are possible. If you experience burning, itching, or swelling that feels severe, contact your healthcare provider right away.
The bottom line
Fabior is a topical foam that treats acne. Its common side effects include dry, red, or peeling skin. These side effects should get better over time as your skin gets used to the medication. Fabior can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so sun protection is key while using it.
If you experience severe burning, itching, or swelling while using Fabior, contact your healthcare provider immediately. You may need to apply the medication less often or stop treatment altogether until your skin heals.
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References
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2021). Retinoid or retinol?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Sun safety.
Mayne Pharma, Inc. (2021). Tazarotene - tazarotene aerosol, foam [package insert].
National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. (2023). Fetal retinoid syndrome.
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