Arazlo Lotion: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Arazlo Lotion contains the retinoid tazarotene and is a prescription medicine used on the skin to treat acne in people 9 years of age and older. It helps treat acne vulgaris, including blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed pimples, by supporting normal skin cell turnover and reducing inflammation. It is applied once daily as a thin layer to affected skin and comes with specific precautions, including avoiding use during pregnancy.

What is Arazlo Lotion

Arazlo is a prescription lotion that contains the retinoid tazarotene. It is used on the skin to treat acne in people 9 years of age and older.

Arazlo Lotion uses

• Acne vulgaris
• Blackheads
• Whiteheads
• Inflamed acne pimples
• Mild to moderate acne lesions

Benefits of Arazlo Lotion

• Helps reduce acne
• Helps unclog pores
• Reduces blackheads and whiteheads
• Helps prevent new acne lesions
• Improves overall skin texture

How Arazlo Lotion works

Tazarotene is changed by the body into its active form, which attaches to certain receptors in skin cells. This helps turn down inflammation and helps skin cells grow and shed normally, which keeps pores from getting clogged and reduces acne.

Arazlo Lotion dosage

Apply a thin layer to the affected areas one time each day, either in the morning or at night. Wash your face gently with a mild cleanser and water, then pat skin dry before applying. Do not get this medicine in your eyes, mouth, corners of your nose, or vagina; if it gets in your eyes, rinse well with water. Wash your hands after applying.

If you also use benzoyl peroxide on your skin, apply it and Arazlo at different times of day, such as one in the morning and the other in the evening. This medicine is for use on the skin only; it is not meant to be swallowed or used in the eyes or vagina. Avoid applying to skin with eczema or sunburn.

Available forms and strengths

• Lotion, 0.045%

Side effects of Arazlo Lotion

Common

• Pain, burning, or stinging where applied
• Dryness of the skin
• Skin peeling or flaking
• Redness of the skin
• Itching

Serious

• Hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (allergic reaction)
• Severe skin irritation such as pain, dryness, flaking, peeling, burning, stinging, or itching
• Blistering or peeling skin
• Severe redness or discomfort
• Swelling, warmth, oozing, or other signs of skin infection
• Changes in the color of treated skin
• Deep grooves or lines in the skin

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, raising the risk of severe sunburn. Avoid sunlight, sunlamps, and tanning beds; use sunscreen and wear protective clothing like a wide-brimmed hat when sun exposure can't be avoided.
• Do not use this medicine on skin that has eczema or sunburn, because it may cause severe irritation. Using drugs that also make skin sensitive to sunlight, such as certain antibiotics or water pills, along with this medicine may increase the chance of severe sun sensitivity. Wind or cold weather may make skin irritation from this medicine worse.
• Using benzoyl peroxide at the same time can make this medicine break down and work less well; if both are needed, apply them at different times of day.
• This medicine must not be used during pregnancy because it may cause birth defects. Anyone who could become pregnant should have a pregnancy test within 2 weeks before starting treatment, begin using it during a normal period, and use effective birth control while using it. Stop using it and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• It isn't known if this medicine passes into breast milk. If used while breastfeeding, it should be used for the shortest time needed, and should not be applied directly to the nipple or surrounding area to avoid exposing the baby.
• Skin products containing a lot of alcohol, such as astringents, shaving creams, or after-shave lotions, can dry or irritate the skin and should usually be avoided unless your doctor says otherwise.

Storage

• Store ARAZLO at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C)
• Do not freeze
• Keep ARAZLO and all medicines out of the reach of children

When to see a doctor

• Get medical help right away if you have hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Get medical help right away for severe skin irritation (pain, dryness, flaking, peeling, burning, stinging, itching), blistering or peeling skin, severe redness or discomfort, or signs of skin infection like swelling, warmth, or oozing.
• Call your doctor or get medical help if you get this medicine in your eyes and have eye irritation that doesn't go away.
• Tell your doctor right away if you think you may have become pregnant while using this medicine.

Alternatives

• Tazarotene Cream
• Adapalene Gel
• Tretinoin Lotion