Tazorac

Common use

Tazorac is used to treat acne vulgaris in adults and adolescents who are at least 12 years old. Tazorac is also used to treat plaque psoriasis (raised, silvery flaking of the skin) in adults. Tazorac 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. Tazorac is available as a cream or gel.

Dosage and direction

Tazorac is usually applied once daily in the evening or at bedtime. Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use Tazorac on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. If this medicine gets in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina, rinse with water.
Also avoid using this medicine in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have fully healed before using Tazorac. Avoid applying the medication to unaffected areas. If medication accidentally gets on areas that do not need treatment, wash it off.

Precautions

To make sure Tazorac is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: eczema, sunburn, or another skin condition; skin cancer; lentigo maligna (a type of skin cancer); an allergic reaction to a skin product; or if you work outdoors.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Contraindications

You should not use Tazorac if you are allergic to it, or if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. You must have a negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks before starting this treatment. Do not use Tazorac if you are pregnant.
Stop using Tazorac and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, if you stop using birth control, or if you miss a menstrual period.

Possible side effect

Common Tazorac side effects may include: dry, scaly, or peeling skin; skin pain, redness or burning; or itching or other irritation of treated skin.
Stop using Tazorac and call your doctor at once if you have: severe skin irritation (pain, dryness, flaking, peeling, burning, stinging, itching) after applying the medicine; blistering or peeling skin; severe redness or discomfort; or swelling, warmth, oozing, or other signs of skin infection.

Drug interaction

If you also use a benzoyl peroxide acne medication, do not use it at the same time you use Tazorac. Apply one medication only in the morning and the other only in the evening. Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially: an antibiotic or other medicine that can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Missed dose

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

Overdose

An overdose of tazarotene may cause severe skin discomfort. Seek emergency medical attention if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep away from children.