Tazarotene Topical
Tazarotene (Tazorac, Fabior) is used to treat acne. Tazarotene (Tazorac) is also used to treat psoriasis (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form on some areas of the body). Tazarotene (Avage) is used to reduce facial wrinkling and discoloration in patients who are also using other skin care and sunlight avoidance programs. Tazarotene is in a class of medications called retinoids. It works to treat acne and psoriasis by slowing skin cell overgrowth and decreasing skin cell inflammation, which can lead to acne or psoriasis. It works to reduce facial wrinkles and discoloration by causing an increase in the thickness of the outer skin layers.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
Tazarotene comes as a cream, foam, and gel to apply to the skin. It is usually used once a day in the evening. Use tazarotene at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use tazarotene exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor may adjust the strength of tazarotene, change how often you use it, or temporarily stop your treatment, depending on the improvement of your condition and the side effects that you may experience, Be sure to tell your doctor how you are responding to your treatment.
If you are using tazarotene to treat acne, your symptoms should improve in about 4 weeks. If you are using tazarotene to treat psoriasis, your symptoms should improve in about 1 to 4 weeks with treatment with tazarotene. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor.
Shake the tazarotene foam well before use.
Tazarotene foam may catch fire. Stay away from open fire, flames, and do not smoke while you are applying tazarotene foam, and for a short time afterward.
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Do not apply tazarotene to skin that is sunburned, irritated, scraped, or covered with eczema (a skin disease). If you have any of these conditions, do not apply tazarotene to that area until your skin has healed.
You may use moisturizers as often as you would like, however, wait until the moisturizer is fully absorbed in the skin (usually 1 hour) before applying tazarotene.
To use the cream, foam, and gel follow these steps:
- If you are using tazarotene to treat acne or to reduce facial wrinkling and discoloration, first wash the skin with water and a mild soap and pat dry with a soft towel. If you are using tazarotene to treat psoriasis, it is not necessary to wash the affected skin first, but if you have washed the skin, pat dry before applying tazarotene.
- Apply a thin layer of cream, foam, or gel to the affected skin. If you are using this medication to reduce facial wrinkling and discoloration, you may apply it to your entire face, including your eyelids. Gently and thoroughly massage it into the skin. Be careful not to get tazarotene in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Do not cover the affected area with any bandages, dressings, or wrappings.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after you finish handling the medication.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
