Tazarotene

What is TAZAROTENE?

(TAZAROTENE) This medication is used to treat certain skin conditions, including psoriasis, acne, and skin aging symptoms due to sun damage (such as wrinkles and dark or light spots on your face). Different brands and strengths are approved for different uses, so be sure to check the uses for your brand and strength of this medication. Tazarotene is a retinoid product related to Vitamin A. It is thought to work by affecting skin cell growth. For the best effect, this medication should be used with a total skin care program.

How should I use TAZAROTENE?

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using tazarotene and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is for use on the skin only. Apply this medication to the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once daily at bedtime. Wash your hands after applying, unless you are treating your hands for psoriasis. If this medication accidentally gets on areas you do not need to treat, wash it off to help prevent skin irritation. Do not apply this medication to skin that is cut, scraped, sunburned, or affected by certain other skin conditions (eczema, seborrheic dermatitis). Avoid getting this medication in your eyes or mouth. If this happens, rinse right away with plenty of cool water. If you are using this product to treat psoriasis, apply a thin film to cover only the psoriatic plaques. If a bath or shower is taken before application, make sure skin is dry before applying. If a moisturizer is used, apply it at least an hour before applying this medication. If you are using this product to treat acne, wash and dry the affected area(s). After skin is dry, apply enough to cover all of the affected area(s). If you are using this product to treat skin aging symptoms due to sun damage, wash and dry your hands before applying the medication, then clean your face with a mild cleanser and pat dry. After skin is dry, apply a pea-sized amount of this medication to the affected areas on your face as directed by your doctor, usually once daily at bedtime. You may use a moisturizing cream or lotion on you face before or after you apply this medication. Make sure that either the moisturizer or medication has been absorbed into your skin before you apply the second product. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not use large amounts or apply this medication more often or use for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Since this drug is absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take TAZAROTENE?

Before using tazarotene, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to vitamin A-related drugs (other retinoids such as isotretinoin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other skin conditions (such as eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, sunburn, sun sensitivity). This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen daily and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Wait until your skin has completely recovered from a sunburn before using this medication. Wind or cold weather may also be more irritating to the skin while using this medication. Avoid electrolysis, waxing, and chemical depilatories for hair removal on the treated areas while using this product. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor may order a pregnancy test within 2 weeks before starting this medication. This medication should be started during a normal menstrual period. Discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) with your doctor. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Since this drug is absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. To avoid direct contact, breastfeeding women should not apply this medication to the nipple and areola. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with TAZAROTENE?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: vitamin A products, hair perming solutions, other skin products with strong drying effects, skin products containing alcohol/lime/spice (such as shaving lotions, astringents such as calamine lotion, perfume), soaps/shampoos/cleansers that are medicated/abrasive.

What if I miss a dose of TAZAROTENE?

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Apply your next dose at the regular time. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving TAZAROTENE?

Itching, burning/stinging, redness, irritation, dryness, or peeling of the skin may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: skin rash or cracking, discoloration or bleeding of the skin. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, severe itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep TAZAROTENE?

Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.