What is tazarotene topical?
Tazarotene is a compound similar to vitamin A. It helps the skin to renew itself more quickly and may improve the appearance and texture of skin.
The Tazorac brand of tazarotene topical gel and cream are used to treat plaque psoriasis (psoriasis with scaly patches) and to treat facial acne. The Avage brand of tazarotene cream is used to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles on the face, mottled light and dark skin patches on the face, and benign facial lentigines (noncancerous freckles).
Tazarotene topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about tazarotene topical?
Do not use tazarotene topical if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant. Tazarotene topical is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that tazarotene topical is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. You must take a pregnancy test and have negative results within two weeks before starting treatment with tazarotene topical and treatment should be started during a menstrual period. Brith control must be used during treatment. If you become pregnant, stop using birth control, or miss your menstrual period, immediately stop using tazarotene topical and notify your doctor.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (e.g., sunlamps). Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing during the day when being treated with tazarotene topical.
Do not use tazarotene topical on skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have fully healed before using tazarotene topical.
Avoid as much as possible other topical products with a strong drying effect, products with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, spices, peel of lime, medicated soaps or shampoos, permanent wave solutions, electrolysis, chemical hair removers or waxes, or other products that might dry or irritate the skin unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using tazarotene topical?
Do not use tazarotene topical without first talking to your doctor if you
are especially sensitive to sunlight;
spend a considerable amount of time in the sun;
have eczema, sunburn, or another skin condition;
are taking vitamin A;
lentigo maligna (a type of skin cancer);
are using other prescription or over-the-counter medicines on your skin; or
are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins and herbal supplements.
You may not be able to use tazarotene topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Do not use tazarotene topical if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant. Tazarotene topical is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that tazarotene topical is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. You must take a pregnancy test and have negative results within two weeks before starting treatment with tazarotene topical and treatment should be started during a menstrual period. Brith control must be used during treatment. If you become pregnant, stop using birth control, or miss your menstrual period, immediately stop using tazarotene topical and notify your doctor.
It is not known whether tazarotene topical passes into breast milk. Do not use tazarotene topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.