Tazarotene
Generic medicine reference
Not yet clinically reviewed
This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.
Overview
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.
Indications
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.
Contraindications
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.
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.
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.
High Risk Groups
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.
Adult Dosage
topical (Cleanse the face gently. After the skin is dry, apply a thin film of tazarotene 0.1% (2 mg/cm²) once a day, in the evening, to the skin where lesions appear. Apply to no more than 20% of body surface area. If a bath or shower is taken prior to application, the skin should be dry before applying the gel. If emollients are used, they should be applied at least an hour before its application.) —
Child Dosage
No child dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.
Neonatal Dosage
No neonatal dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.
Drug Interactions
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.
Storage
Store Below 30°C.
Available Brands in Pakistan
No active brands are currently recorded for this generic.
2 records are present but flagged "Unverified / Legacy" and excluded.
