Tazorac and Retin-A are two vitamin A-related prescription medications designed to treat symptoms of acne. You may also receive Tazorac to treat the effects of the skin disorder psoriasis. Individuals with acne or psoriasis will likely benefit from learning more about the different features and effects of these two treatment options.
Tazorac
Tazorac, a commercial form of the drug tazarotene, comes in gel form, according to Drugs.com. The product is available in .1 percent and .5 percent strengths. You may receive either strength of the medication to treat extensive cases of the psoriasis lesions called plaques. If you have mild or moderate symptoms of acne, you may receive Tazorac in .1 percent strength.
Retin-A
Retin-A, a commercial form of the topical drug tretinoin, is designed specifically to help control acne symptoms, Drugs.com reports. You may receive other forms of tretinoin to treat additional skin-related issues, such as roughened facial skin, skin discoloration and the presence of fine wrinkles.
Tazorac Side Effects
Use of Tazorac can trigger a number of relatively mild skin-related side effects, according to the Mayo Clinic. These include redness, dryness, itchiness and peeling, as well as burning or stinging after applying the medication to your skin. More serious potential side effects include skin color changes, severe stinging or burning, skin rash, swelling and severe redness, dryness, itchiness or peeling. If you experience any of these serious side effects, contact your doctor as soon as you can.
Retin-A Side Effects
Use of Retin-A can also trigger skin-related side effects, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's Medline Plus. These may include changes in skin color, increases in acne symptoms, skin warmth or stinging, skin redness or scaling, blisters, swelling and the development of a crusty skin surface. If your symptoms are persistent or severe, contact your doctor for advice.
Tazorac and Birth Defects
Use of Tazorac can cause severe birth defects in a developing fetus, Drugs.com notes. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment, you should strictly avoid this product. To guard against any potential problems, all women who use Tazorac should get a pregnancy test within 14 days of the onset of treatment, in addition to taking reasonable birth control precautions. If you become pregnant during treatment, suspend use of Tazorac immediately and contact your healthcare provider.
Retin-A Infant Effects
Doctors do not know if Retin-A can harm a developing fetus, Drugs.com reports. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, make sure to tell your doctor before starting treatment. If you breastfeed your baby, be aware that Retin-A in breast milk can harm your child's health. As a result, you should avoid using this medication without your doctor's explicit approval.
Light Sensitivities
Both Tazorac and Retin-A can make your skin unusually sensitive to both sunlight and artificial ultraviolet light, according to Drugs.com. While using these products, make sure to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or use of tanning beds or sun lamps. When you go outside, wear clothing that covers your skin and use a sunscreen product with a minimum SPF of 15.
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