Tazorac cream is a topical prescription medication that contains the active ingredient tazarotene. This medication is indicated to treat symptoms associated with certain types of skin conditions, including psoriasis and facial acne. Patients should consult a physician to discuss the potentially harmful side effects of topical Tazorac cream before initiating treatment.
Birth Defects
This medication should not be used by women who are pregnant due to the risk of birth defects to the developing fetus. The active ingredient in Tazorac cream -- tazarotene -- may also be passed to an infant through breast milk. Consequently, women who are breastfeeding should also not use Tazorac cream. Women who use this medication should use a reliable form of birth control and should undergo a pregnancy test within the first two weeks of treatment with Tazorac cream to be sure they aren't pregnant, Drugs.com advises.
Burning, Stinging or Itching
When patients apply this medication to the skin, they may experience an unpleasant or painful burning or stinging sensation, RxList warns. These sensations may also occur in conjunction with itching, which may cause patients to scratch at the treated skin region. If patients experience severe itching, burning or stinging while using this medication they should seek care from a health professional.
Redness or Irritation
The treated skin region may appear irritated or red after patients apply this medication, PDRhealth reports. Certain patients may also notice that the skin appears dry or cracked and starts to flake or peel. Skin redness, dryness or irritation may exacerbate side effects of itching or discomfort in patients. Patients who experience intense or persistent skin reactions while using Tazorac cream should stop using this medication and seek care from a physician.
