tazarotene
Tazarotene (Tazorac) is a topical retinoid that's used for treating acne and plaque psoriasis. It helps exfoliate the skin and lessen skin inflammation. Tazarotene (Tazorac) is available as a cream and a gel that's applied directly to the affected areas of skin once per day. Adults can use either the cream or gel. Certain children can also use this medication depending on how old they are, whether they have acne or psoriasis, and whether they're using the cream or gel. Side effects include skin irritation and itching. It can also raise your risk for sunburns.
What is Tazarotene (Tazorac)?
What is Tazarotene (Tazorac) used for?
Acne - 0.1% strength only
Plaque psoriasis - 0.05% and 1% strengths
How Tazarotene (Tazorac) works
Tazarotene (Tazorac) is a retinoid, which is a form of vitamin A. It helps keep your skin healthy by promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells.
For acne, tazarotene (Tazorac) also helps get rid of dead skin cells and lessen oil and inflammation on the skin. This treats acne and prevents more pimples from forming.
For plaque psoriasis, tazarotene (Tazorac) helps thin out plaques and lessens redness and itching.
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What are the side effects of Tazarotene (Tazorac)?
Common Side Effects
- Dry skin
- Skin peeling or flaking
- Itching
- Skin redness
- Burning or stinging feeling on the skin
Other Side Effects
- Skin irritation
- Pain on the skin
- Rash
- Swelling
Source: DailyMed
More on Tazarotene (Tazorac) side effects
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 of Tazarotene (Tazorac)
Cons
Can take a few months to see significant skin improvement
Can make your skin more irritated or more likely to burn
Not safe to use while pregnant
Pharmacist tips for Tazarotene (Tazorac)
Wash your hands well before and after you use tazarotene (Tazorac). Apply the medication directly on your skin only. Don't put the medication in your eyes, mouth, or vagina. Otherwise, it could lead to irritation.
Use a mild cleanser to gently wash the affected area(s) of skin before you apply tazarotene (Tazorac). Make sure your skin is completely dry before applying.
Apply tazarotene (Tazorac) once per day in the evening on the affected area(s) of skin. Make sure to apply enough to cover the skin with a thin layer of medication. Avoid placing the medication on skin that has cuts or scrapes or on damaged skin because this can cause further irritation.
Your skin can get red, dry, or flaky and you might feel stinging after you apply tazarotene (Tazorac). These side effects usually happen during the first few weeks of treatment, but they'll go away as you continue using the medication. Talk to your care team if you're concerned about any skin reactions or if they get too bothersome. Your care team can recommend ways to manage these skin reactions.
You can use a moisturizer as often as needed to help prevent your skin from becoming too dry or irritated.
Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing, like a hat and long-sleeved shirt, when going outside. Tazarotene (Tazorac) can make your skin more sensitive to light, which can make it easier for you to get a sunburn.
It can take a few weeks to months, before you notice your skin improving. Continue to use tazarotene (Tazorac) as directed by your prescriber or dermatologist. Talk with your care team if you're not sure whether tazarotene (Tazorac) is working well enough for you.
Don't use tazarotene (Tazorac) and benzoyl peroxide together unless your dermatologist specifically recommended you to. Benzoyl peroxide can interact with tazarotene (Tazorac) and make it not work as well to treat your acne. If your dermatologist says it's safe to use both medications together, use one product in the morning and the other in the evening.
Store tazarotene (Tazorac) at room temperature (up to 77 degrees Fahrenheit) away from heat. Keep it tightly closed and out of reach from children.
Tips for using tazarotene (Tazorac) for psoriasis:
Typically, you'll first start using the 0.05% strength of tazarotene (Tazorac) to make sure your skin can tolerate the medication. Follow up with your dermatologist about how treatment is going for you. If needed, your dermatologist can prescribe the 0.1% strength later if your psoriasis doesn't seem to be getting better.
Only cover the affected areas of skin that have psoriasis. Avoid applying tazarotene (Tazorac) on healthy skin because this can cause irritation.
Don't cover more than 20% of your body surface area with the tazarotene (Tazorac) gel. Ask your prescriber if you're not sure how to tell whether you're using too much medication over your body.
Make sure to apply any other creams or lotions that you're using to soften or moisten the skin at least 1 hour before applying tazarotene (Tazorac).
Frequently asked questions about Tazarotene (Tazorac)
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What are the risks and warnings for Tazarotene (Tazorac)?
Tazarotene (Tazorac) 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.
Harm to unborn baby
Risk factors: Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Studies show that tazarotene (Tazorac) can cause harm to an unborn baby when it's used during pregnancy. For this reason, tazarotene (Tazorac) shouldn't be used if you're pregnant.
If you're able to become pregnant, you'll need to take a pregnancy test within 2 weeks of starting tazarotene (Tazorac) to confirm that you're not pregnant. Your prescriber will have you start using the medication during your menstrual period. Then, you'll need to use an effective form of birth control to prevent pregnancy while you're using the medication.
Risk for sunburn
Risk factors: Exposure to sunlight | Taking medications that raise the risk of sunburn
Tazarotene (Tazorac) 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 (Tazorac) until your skin heals.
Skin irritation
Risk factors: Eczema | Using skin products that dry the skin | Using skin products containing alcohol | Using the 1% strength of tazarotene (Tazorac)
Tazarotene (Tazorac) can cause skin irritation and skin reactions, like itchiness, dry skin, redness, stinging, burning, blistering, and peeling. Windy and cold weather can irritate the skin even more while you're using this medication.
Avoid applying tazarotene (Tazorac) on any areas of skin with eczema because it can cause severe irritation. Also avoid using other skin products with alcohol or that have a strong drying effect because it can worsen irritation. Let your prescriber know if you notice skin reactions that aren't getting better over time.
Tazarotene (Tazorac) dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50g of 0.1% | 1 can | $85.00 | $85.00 |
Typical dosing for Tazarotene (Tazorac)
Acne (age 12 years and older): Apply a thin layer of cream to the entire affected areas of skin once per day in the evening.
Plaque psoriasis (age 18 years and older): Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area(s) once per day in the evening. Only apply to areas of the skin that are affected by psoriasis; don't apply to the general area. You'll typically start with the 0.05% strength of the gel, then can move up to the 0.1% strength if needed.
Acne (age 12 years and older): Apply a thin layer of the 0.1% gel to the entire affected areas of skin once per day in the evening.
Plaque psoriasis (age 12 years and older): Apply a thin layer of gel to the area(s) of psoriasis once per day in the evening. Don't apply to more than 20% of your body. You'll typically start with the 0.05% strength of the gel, then can move up to the 0.1% strength if needed.
Interactions between Tazarotene (Tazorac) and other drugs
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.
How much does Tazarotene (Tazorac) cost?
Tazarotene (Tazorac) contraindications
Currently pregnant
What are alternatives to Tazarotene (Tazorac)?
Acne - 0.1% strength only
Plaque psoriasis - 0.05% and 1% strengths
What is the latest news about Tazarotene (Tazorac)?
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