Tazorac, which is the brand product of tazarotene, is a medication used for the treatment of acne. Acne is caused by bacteria that clog the pores of the skin, and Tazorac cream prevents this from occurring. The drug may cause adverse effects on the skin. Any concerns a patient may have should be discussed with a physician.
Dry Skin
Tazorac cream may cause excessively dry skin. The "Drug Information Handbook" reports that over 10 percent of patients experience this side effect. The patient should avoid other medications that dry the skin, such as alcohol-containing products and other facial cleansers containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Decreasing the frequency of Tazorac application may also be helpful.
Burning or Stinging and Pain
Tazorac may cause a burning or stinging sensation in more than 10 percent of individuals. Skin pain may also occur in 1 to 10 percent of patients, states RxList. These adverse effects may decrease with continued used of the cream. If any of these become severe, the patient should contact a physician immediately.
Itchiness and Peeling
Itchiness and hives may occur in 10 to 30 percent of users of Tazorac. Peeling of the skin that has come in contact with the cream may occur in over 10 percent of patients as well. The amount of cream used and the frequency of application may need to be reduced. These side effects may be signs of an overdose and should be reported to a physician. They may also indicate an allergic reaction, which requires discontinuation of the medication.
Photosensitivity
Tazorac cream may make the skin sensitive to sunlight, also known as photosensitivity. The skin is more prone to burning and may change in color. "Basic and Clinical Pharmacology" explains that sun exposure should be avoided, and if the patient must be outside in the sun, he should use certain precautions, such as applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and wearing a hat. Other medications may also produce photosensitivity, such as hydrochlorothiazide, tetracycline, levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin; these medications should be avoided while the patient is using Tazorac cream, because they can increase the risk of developing a photosensitivity reaction.
Localized Edema
Localized edema, which is swelling or accumulation of fluid within the skin, is a side effect of using Tazorac cream. About 1 to 10 percent of users may experience edema, which is characterized by redness and puffiness on the face. If this adverse reaction occurs, the patient should inform a physician.
References
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2009
- RxList: Tazorac
- "Basic and Clinical Pharmacology"; Bertram G. Katzung; 2007
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