Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: TAZAROTENE (taz-AR-oh-teen)
This medicine is a retinoid used to treat plaque psoriasis or acne. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are also taking other medicines that cause sensitivity to the sun, such as: thiazide "water pills" (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide), tetracyclines, quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin), phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine), sulfa drugs, or vitamin A supplements. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have sunburn, eczema, or seborrheic dermatitis. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Wash and completely dry the affected area. Gently rub the medicine in until it is evenly distributed. DO NOT BANDAGE OR WRAP the affected area. Wash your hands immediately after using this medicine, unless your hands are part of the treated area. DO NOT APPLY THIS MEDICINE on eczematous skin. STORE THIS MEDICINE as directed on the prescription label. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Do not use any other medicines or special cleansers on your skin unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. If you are using a product to soften your skin, allow that product to absorb completely before applying this medicine. Your psoriasis plaques and scales should begin to improve in about 1 week. The redness may take longer to improve. If your symptoms do not improve after 1 week or if they become worse, check with your doctor. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, on the inside of your nose and mouth, or on healthy skin. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths while using this medicine. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. FOR WOMEN: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. Women who could become pregnant are advised to use adequate birth control when this medicine is used. Consult your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include itching, burning, redness, skin pain, worsening of condition, dry skin, or increased skin irritation. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience rash, skin shedding, skin swelling, or swelling of ankles or feet. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms of overdose may include increased redness, peeling, and discomfort.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.