Tazorac, or the generic product tazarotene, is a prescription drug available as a gel or cream. It is used for the treatment of facial acne and works by keeping the pores on the face clear. The medication is effective, but all drugs carry risks. The patient should discuss any concerns and inform the physician of his entire medical history to protect him from any potential harm.
Warnings
Tazorac is approved by the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, for individuals 12 years of age and higher and should not be administered to anyone under 12. Tazorac may cause photosensitivity, which is extreme sensitivity to the sun. The skin burns more easily and may cause redness and rash. The risk of developing a photosensitivity reaction may be increased by concurrent use of other medication with the same side effect, such as tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones and thiazides, explains "Basic and Clinical Pharmacology." Tazorac belongs to pregnancy category X, which means that the medication has been proven in human studies to cause fetal abnormalities and is contraindicated in pregnancy.
Prevention
Photosensitivity reactions may be prevented if patients minimize exposure to sunlight and use sunscreen and protective clothing, such as hats and long sleeves. To avoid other skin reactions, the medication should not be used on sunburned skin, broken skin or skin with eczema. The patient should use the medication only on the skin and avoid contact with eyes, eyelids and mouth. Women must use adequate contraception while on the drug to prevent pregnancy and fetal abnormalities, according to the "Drug Information Handbook." Women who breast-feed should use caution with the medication, because it is not known if Tazorac is excreted in breast milk.
Overdosage
Excessive topical use of Tazorac may cause redness, peeling or discomfort on the skin. Other symptoms of overdosage include fatigue, sluggishness, abdominal discomfort and vomiting. The patient should contact a physician right away if these symptoms develop.
Drug Interactions
Tazorac may interact with other medications that dry the skin. These include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and resorcinol. Products that contain alcohol also produce a drying effect, according to the "Drug Information Handbook." The patient should avoid the use of these drugs while using Tazorac.
Monitoring
Patients should be monitored for the resolution of acne and appearance of side effects. Women of childbearing age must take a pregnancy test 2 weeks before starting treatment to rule out pregnancy. Routine blood tests are recommended when the medication is used for a long period of time.
References
- "Basic & Clinical Pharmacology"; Bertram G. Katzung; 2007
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2009
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