Why is Tazorac Cream prescribed?

Tazorac Cream (Tazarotene) is used to treat acne. Tazarotene is also used to treat psoriasis (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form on some areas of the body). 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. Tazorac Cream can be prescribed for other reasons not mentioned here. Tazarotene Cream (Generic) is available in addition to the brand name.

What is the most effective way to use Tazorac Cream?

For the treatment of acne

• Cleanse the face gently.
• After the skin is dry, apply a thin layer (2 mg/cm2) of TAZORAC Cream 0.1% once per day, in the evening, to the skin areas where acne lesions appear.
• Use enough to cover the entire affected area.

For the treatment of psoriasis

• It is recommended that treatment starts with Tazorac Cream, 0.05%, with strength increased to 0.1% if tolerated and medically indicated.
• Apply a thin film (2 mg/cm2) of Tazorac Cream once per day, in the evening, to cover only the psoriatic lesions.
• If a bath or shower is taken prior to application, the skin should be dry before applying the cream.
• If emollients are used, they should be applied at least an hour before the application of Tazorac Cream.
• Since unaffected skin may be more susceptible to irritation, the application of Tazorac Cream to these areas should be carefully avoided.

Use effective sunscreens and wear protective clothing while using Tazorac Cream

Before taking tazarotene,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tazarotene, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in tazarotene cream, foam, or gel. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: chlorothiazide (Diuril); chlorpromazine; chlorthalidone (in Clorpres, Edarbyclor, Tenoretic); fluphenazine; fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), and ofloxacin; hydrochlorothiazide, vitamin A supplements, etc. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• if you are also using benzoyl peroxide (Benzaclin, Duac, Epiduo, others), apply it a different time of day than when you apply tazarotene.
• tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had skin cancer, or if you have or have ever had eczema or any other skin condition, or if your skin is unusually sensitive to sunlight.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You should not become pregnant while using tazarotene. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that you can use during your treatment. If you can become pregnant, you will need to have a negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks before starting treatment. You should start using tazarotene during your menstrual period, to be sure you are not pregnant. If you become pregnant while using tazarotene, stop using tazarotene and call your doctor immediately. Tazarotene may harm the fetus.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to real and artificial sunlight (tanning beds and sunlamps) and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, especially if you sunburn easily. Also, avoid prolonged exposure to cold or wind. Tazarotene may make your skin sensitive to sunlight or extreme weather.
• tell your doctor about all skin or hair care products that you use, including soaps, shampoos, permanent wave solutions, cleansers, moisturizers, and cosmetics. Many skincare products can irritate your skin, if you use them with tazarotene, especially those that are harsh, dry out the skin, or contain alcohol, spices, or lime rind. If you have been using these products, your doctor may want you to wait before you begin using tazarotene. Ask your doctor to recommend products that will not irritate your skin.
• be careful not to get tazarotene in your eyes. If you do get tazarotene in your eyes, wash with plenty of water.
• do not use hot wax or electrolysis to remove unwanted hair from the area that you are treating with tazarotene during your treatment with this medication.

Tazarotene may cause side effects including:

The following symptoms are likely to affect the skin you are treating with tazarotene:

• itching
• burning
• redness
• rash
• peeling
• stinging
• pain
• dryness
• swelling
• discoloration
• irritation or swelling of the eyelid or eye
• chapped or inflamed lips
• swelling in arms or legs

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away. Tazarotene may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Why is Tazorac Cream prescribed?

Tazorac Cream helps the skin to renew itself more quickly and may improve the appearance and texture of the skin.

What if I miss an application of Tazorac Cream?

If you are using the tazarotene cream or foam, apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra cream or foam at the next scheduled dose to make up for a missed dose.

Is it safe to be or become pregnant while using this cream?

No, do not use if you are pregnant. The cream can harm the fetus. 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.