Tazorac is a topical medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of mild or moderate acne. It is a commercial form of the drug tazarotene, and achieves its effects by unclogging your pores and preventing the formation of acne blemishes called blackheads and whiteheads. Although effective, use of Tazorac carries certain real-world safety risks.
The Basics
Tazorac belongs to a group of vitamin A-related medications called topical retinoids, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. (See References 1) It is available in gel and cream forms, and comes in varying strengths that you apply in thin layers to your affected skin. Exact dosages of Tazorac vary from patient, the Mayo Clinic explains, and your doctor will make a treatment plan for you according to your specific needs. Whatever dosage you receive, make sure to follow the instructions that come with the product, as well as your doctor's explicit instructions. (See References 2)
Before Use
Before using Tazorac, you should speak to your doctor if you have skin conditions such as sunburn or eczema, or a form of skin cancer called lentigo maligna, according to Drugs.com. You should also tell your doctor if you have an unusual sensitivity to sunlight; get significant amounts of sun exposure; use other prescription or nonprescription skin medications; or use any other form of medication, herbal supplement or vitamin. If you have conditions or use medications that could potentially conflict with Tazorac use, your doctor may alter your dosages or ask you to undergo enhanced monitoring during treatment. (See References 3)
Birth Defects
Use of Tazorac can trigger birth defects in developing fetuses, Drugs.com notes. If you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant during treatment, you should not use this medication. All women should receive negative results on a pregnancy test within two weeks of starting Tazorac use, and treatment should begin during menstruation. To further safeguard your health, you should use birth control during treatment, Drugs.com explains. In addition, you should immediately suspend use of Tazorac if you become pregnant, miss a menstrual period or stop using birth control for any reason. (See References 3)
Additional Warnings
You should not use Tazorac on dry, chapped, sunburned, irritated or windburned skin, Drugs.com says. You should also keep the medication away from your nostrils, nose creases, eyes, ears, mouth and mucous membranes. If you have open wounds or the skin condition called eczema, you should wait until your skin heals before using Tazorac. Be aware that using Tazorac in excessive amounts will not heal your acne any faster and may cause unnecessary side effects. (See References 3)
Side Effects
The Mayo Clinic lists relatively common side effects of Tazorac use that include mild skin redness, peeling, itching, dryness and stinging or burning at the site of application. Tell your doctor if you have ongoing or disruptive versions of these problems. More serious potential side effects include swelling, pain, skin color changes, the appearance of lines or deep grooves in your skin, severe stinging or burning and severe redness, dryness, itching or peeling. Speak with your doctor as soon as you can if you experience any degree of these effects. Please note that normal use of Tazorac commonly causes some irritation. (See References 2)
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