Type of medicine: acne treatment; keratolytic agent
Generic and brand names: tazarotene, topical; Avage; Tazorac
This medicine is used on the skin to treat acne, psoriasis, and other skin problems. This medicine may also be used to help reduce fine facial wrinkles and certain types of light and dark spots on your face. It does not remove wrinkles or repair sun-damaged skin.
Before using this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
Females of childbearing age: This medicine has been reported to cause birth defects. Read the information that comes in the medicine package. You must meet certain conditions and sign a consent form. A pregnancy test should be done to show that you are not pregnant before starting this medicine. Use an effective birth control method while you are taking this medicine and for a month after stopping it. Stop taking this medicine at the first sign that you may be pregnant and contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
This medicine is for external use only. Use it only as directed by your healthcare provider, or according to the manufacturer's directions. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Do not use it more often than directed. Do not put this medicine on skin that is sunburned, bruised, or has open cuts or scrapes.
Put a thin layer of medicine on the area where you need it or as directed by your healthcare provider. Using too much medicine or using it too often can increase the risk of side effects from absorption into your body. Do not rub it in. Do not bandage or cover the area unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Wash your hands after applying this medicine (unless you are treating your hands for psoriasis).
To help prevent skin irritation, use this medicine at night before going to bed. Before you apply the medicine, wash your skin with mild soap and warm water. Rinse and pat dry with a soft towel. Wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying this medicine to make sure your skin is dry.
For Avage: You can use a cream or lotion BEFORE OR AFTER applying this medicine, but be sure there is no more of the first cream or lotion on your skin and your skin is dry before you apply the second product. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
For Tazorac: You can use a cream or lotion at least an hour BEFORE you apply this medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about using cosmetics, other skin care products, or other medicines on your skin while using this medicine.
Keep this medicine away from your eyes and mouth, and the inside of your nose. If it gets in your eyes, flush them with water right away.
Some forms of this medicine may be flammable. Do not apply or store this medicine near heat or an open flame.
If you miss an application, do not try to make up the missed application by using more or using it more often. Continue with your normal schedule.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
This medicine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight and cause a rash or sunburn. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Protect your skin with clothing and a strong sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) when you are outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp or tanning booth. Cold weather or wind may also irritate your skin. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
If the medicine causes severe irritation, contact your healthcare provider. Your acne might seem to get worse during the first few weeks of treatment. It may take several weeks after you start using this medicine to see complete results. Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice if you are concerned or if your condition does not improve or gets worse.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider): Severe irritation or rash that starts after you use the medicine.
Other: Dry skin, peeling skin, stinging, burning, itching, redness.
When you use this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Products known to cause sensitivity to the sun such as:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
