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Tazarotene
Tazarotene is the active ingredients (pronounced - tuh-ZAR-oh-teen)
Tazorac ®, Avage ® are the brand names.
Tazarotene is a synthetic (substances that are man made in the laboratory) retinoid (a form of vitamin A). Tazarotene is used for the treatment of psoriasis, acne and sun-damaged skin. Tazarotene is a member of the acetylenic class of retinoids.
Tazarotene is available as a cream or gel that is applied to the skin. CREAM TOPICAL: 0.05%; 0.1%. GEL TOPICAL: 0.05%; 0.1%.
The mechanism of tazarotene action in ance is not defined. However, the basis of tazarotene's therapeutic effect in acne may be due to its anti-hyperproliferative, normalizing-of-differentiation and anti-inflammatory effects.
IMPORTANT WARNING:
This medication should not be used by women who are pregnant, or may become pregnant, because of the potential harm to an unborn child. Talk with your doctor about effective birth control if you are a woman who is able to become pregnant. Do not use this medication if you are breast feeding.
Side Effects of Tazarotene
Some possible side effects of Tazarotene - Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- Skin irritation
- Worsening of acne
- Dry skin
- Itchiness
- Peeling
- Red skin
- Burning or stinging sensation
- And in some cases, extreme drying and cracking of the skin
While using the medicine, weather extremes, such as wind or cold, may irritate your skin more than usual.
Do Not Use This Medicine If:
- You are pregnant, or may become pregnant
- You are breast feeding
- You have sunburn, eczema, or other continuing skin conditions
- You are sensitive to sunlight, unless prescribed differently by your doctor
- You take other drugs that increase your sensitivity to sunlight
- You are allergic to the ingredients in this medicine
References:
FDA/Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
June 1997
www.fda.gov/
This summary does not include everything there is to know about the medicine mentioned above. Do not use this medicine without first talking to your doctor. Other brand names or generic forms of this medicine may also be available. Side effects other than those listed above may occur. This medicine may be prescribed for other uses. If you have questions or concerns, or want more information, your doctor or pharmacist has the complete prescribing information about this medicine and possible drug interactions.