Tazorac (Tazarotene)

What is Tazorac?

Tazorac is a translucent aqueous gel containing the compound Tazarotene.  Tazorac is classified under the acetylenic class of retinoids.

What is Tazorac used for?

Tazorac gel is used for the treatment of acne and psoriasis. It can also be used to treat other conditions determined by your doctor.

How does Tazorac work?

The exact mechanism of Tazorac gel is not completely understood, but it may decrease the level of skin changes and skin inflammation related to psoriasis.

How to use Tazorac

• To follow the exact dosing instructions, you must read the label carefully.
• Complete information about Tazorac gel is given on the label, so you must clear your doubts with your doctor about this information.
• In case of psoriasis, apply thin film of Tazorac to cover the lesion.
• Apply the gel on the dry and clean skin.
• Do not apply Tazorac on the unaffected areas.
• After using the gel, immediately wash your hands.
• In case of acne, always remember, it has to be applied on the dry and clean skin of your face. Apply it enough to cover the affected area.
• Apply Tazorac once in the evening.

Tazorac warnings and precautions

Ask your doctor before using make-up, cleanser or sunscreen on your face. Do not use Tazorac on sunburned skin. Windy or cold weather may affect your skin if you’re using Tazorac. If you use any cream or lotion to make your skin soft, you should not apply Tazorac until the cream or lotion is fully absorbed by your skin. It can cause harm if swallowed.

You are more likely to become sunburned while using Tazorac, so avoid exposure to sun, sunlamps and tanning beds. Prior to starting with the Tazorac treatment, you are required to have a negative pregnancy test two weeks before.

Its effect on children is not confirmed, so use it cautiously on children, especially below the age of 12. Do not use Tazorac if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Store Tazorac at 77 degrees F and you can also store it between 23 and 86 degrees F. Keep it away from heat, moisture and light.

What do I do if I have missed a Tazorac dose?

If you have missed your Tazorac dose, you should apply it as soon as you remember. Do not apply it frequently. Skip the missed dose if it’s time to take the next one and start your routine again.

What do I do if I have taken a Tazorac overdose?

If you have taken a Tazorac overdose, you should contact your local emergency room immediately or contact your local poison control centre.

Tazorac interactions

You must ask your medical health provider before using the drugs like levofloxacin, chlorpromazine, glipizide, sulfamethoxazole, hydrochlorothiazide, doxycycline, and vitamin A, as these may increase the risk of sunburn.

Tazorac side effects

The most common side effects of Tazorac gel are burning, cracks in skin, bleeding, dry skin, irritation, itching, skin discoloration, skin inflammation, peeling, redness, scaling, skin pain, or stinging.

Immediately seek medical attention if you experience the serious side effects of Tazorac like severe allergic reactions, including itching, breathing difficulty, hives, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, tongue, lips or face, severe or prolonged itching, redness, burning, peeling, sunburn, swelling of the skin, feet or hands; worsening of psoriasis.