Brand names: Tazorac®
- Español:
- Crema de tazaroteno para la piel
Tazarotene skin cream
What is tazarotene skin cream?
TAZAROTENE (Tazorac®, Avage™) is applied to the skin to treat psoriasis, mild to moderate acne, facial wrinkles, or certain types of dark or light colored spots on the face. Generic tazarotene cream is not available.What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:• eczema or other chronic skin conditions
• sensitivity to the sun or sunburn
• an unusual or allergic reaction to tazarotene, vitamin A, benzyl alcohol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Tazarotene is for external use only; do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Make sure the skin is clean and dry. If you use a cream or lotion to soften your skin, apply tazarotene cream after all of the other cream or lotion has been absorbed. Apply just enough tazarotene cream to cover the affected areas. Rub in gently. Do not cover area with a tight dressing. Wash your hands after applying the medication unless you are treating your hands for psoriasis. If the cream accidentally gets on areas you do not treat, wash it off. Avoid contact with your eyes. If tazarotene comes in contact with your eyes, rinse your eyes with large amounts of cool water, and contact an eye doctor if eye irritation continues.Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, skip that dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not use extra doses, or use for a longer period than directed by your prescriber or health care professional.What drug(s) may interact with tazarotene?
• medicines or other preparations that may dry your skin such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid• medicines that may increase your sensitivity to the sun such as tetracycline
• topical antibiotics such as clindamycin (Cleocin-T®) or erythromycin (EryDerm®, Erygel®, Erythrostatin®, Staticin®)
• vitamin A supplements
Tell your health care provider about all other skin preparations, prescription and non-prescription, you are using. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking tazarotene?
After applying tazarotene, some people notice itching, burning or stinging. These feelings may occur less often as your skin gets used to the medicine. Consult your prescriber or health care provider if increased sensitivity or irritation occurs. Usually, psoriasis patches will improve in 1 to 4 weeks, but redness may take longer. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your condition worsens.Women who may become pregnant should use effective birth control methods while using tazarotene. Tazarotene may cause birth defects and should not be used during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential will need to have a negative pregnancy test before beginning treatment with tazarotene.
Use tazarotene cautiously if you are also using other topical agents with a strong skin drying effect such as products with a high alcohol content, astringents, spices, the peel of lime or other citrus, medicated soaps or shampoos, permanent wave solutions, electrolysis, hair removers or waxes, or any other preparations or processes that might dry or irritate your skin. Consult your prescriber or healthcare professional before using these products.
Tazarotene can increase sensitivity of the skin to sun or UV light. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths. If you have sunburn, do not use tazarotene until you have fully recovered.
Avoid weather extremes (i.e., wind or cold) because they may be more irritating to patients using tazarotene.
What side effects may I notice from using tazarotene?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:• changes in skin color
• deep grooves or lines in skin
• pain or tenderness of the skin
• severe burning, dryness, itching, reddening, crusting, or swelling of the treated areas
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• dry skin
• increased sensitivity to the sun
• itching
• mild burning or stinging after applying
• red, inflamed, and irritated skin, the skin may peel after a few days
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.Store the cream at controlled room temperature, but less than 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep tube tightly closed when not using. Throw away any unused cream after the expiration date.
Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
