Tazorac, the brand name for the medication tazarotene, treats psoriasis and facial acne. According to Drugs.com, an online medication resource, Tazorac is classified as a topical antipsoriatic and retinoid. Mayo Clinic states Tazorac works by clearing the facial pores to absolve acne and decreasing the amount of redness and lesions on the skin to treat psoriasis.
Important Information
Pregnant or breast feeding women should not use Tazorac, according to Drugs.com. Extreme weather conditions such as wind and cold can cause irritation to the skin while taking this medication. Tazorac can increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet light; therefore, patients need to avoid the sun, tanning beds and sunlamps. Protective clothing and sunscreen are encouraged. Symptoms should improve within four weeks. If symptoms get worse, contact a health care provider for re-evaluation.
Proper Use
Drugs.com states apply Tazorac to clean dry skin. This medication should only cover the affected area and in a thin layer. Wash any extra medication off healthy skin. This medication is intended for external use only. If skin becomes dry, hold doses of this medication until the dryness resolves. Symptomatic areas should remain open to air and should not be covered with bandages.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Tazorac, according to Drugs.com, include skin that bleeds, burns or cracks, dryness, irritation, itching, peeling, redness, scaling, discoloration of the skin, pain and stinging. Mayo Clinic states these side effects may subside during the treatment period but if they get worse, notify a health care professional. Initiate emergency medical assistance immediately of any life threatening side effects such as hives, trouble breathing, swelling to mouth, lips or tongue occur.
Dosing
According to Mayo Clinic, adults using the gel form of Tazorac for acne will apply 0.1% to clean, dry skin one time daily, typically in the evening. Adults with psoriasis will apply the gel 0.5% or 0.1% once daily. Children under the age of 12 should consult a health care provider regarding proper dosage of Tazorac gel. The cream form of Tazorac is used for psoriasis in patients 18 years of age and up. Dosage consists of 0.5% to 0.1% to affected areas once daily in the evening.
Availability
According to Mayo Clinic, a health care provider must prescribe this medication. Tazorac comes in the form of gel or jelly and cream. Both forms come in 0.5% and 0.1% strengths. Tazorac is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of psoriasis and facial acne.
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