Tazarotene Gel: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Tazarotene Gel (generic name: tazarotene) is a topical retinoid used to treat plaque psoriasis and acne vulgaris. It works by affecting how skin cells grow, mature, and shed, which helps clear acne and reduce psoriasis plaques, redness, and scaling. It is applied once a day in the evening, and common side effects include itching, redness, and dryness at the application site.

What is Tazarotene Gel

Tazarotene is a topical retinoid, a compound related to vitamin A. It comes as a gel or cream that you apply to the skin to treat plaque psoriasis and acne.

Tazarotene Gel uses

• Plaque psoriasis
• Acne vulgaris
• Certain signs of photodamaged skin, such as fine wrinkles and mottled pigmentation (with other tazarotene products)

Benefits of Tazarotene Gel

• Helps clear acne breakouts, including blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammatory lesions
• Reduces plaque thickness and scaling in psoriasis
• Helps skin cells grow and shed more normally

How Tazarotene Gel works

Tazarotene is changed by the body into an active form that attaches to receptors in skin cells. This affects how the skin cells grow, mature, and shed, which helps clear acne and reduce psoriasis plaques, redness, and scaling.

Tazarotene Gel dosage

Apply once a day, in the evening. Wash your hands before and after applying the medicine.

For acne, gently cleanse the face and let the skin dry before applying a thin layer to the areas where acne appears. For psoriasis, apply a thin layer only to the psoriasis patches, avoiding unaffected skin; if you've showered or bathed first, let your skin dry before applying.

If you use a moisturizer, apply it at least an hour before this medicine. Avoid getting it in or near the eyes, mouth, or vagina; this medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not apply more often than directed.

Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing because this medicine can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid other skin products that dry or irritate the skin, such as strong cleansers or alcohol-based products, while using this medicine.

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it's almost time for your next dose — do not double up.

Available forms and strengths

• Cream
• Gel
• Lotion

Side effects of Tazarotene Gel

Common

• Itching
• Redness
• Burning or stinging
• Dry skin
• Skin peeling or flaking
• Irritation
• Rash
• Pain at the application site
• Swelling

Serious

• Severe skin reaction (burning, stinging, itching) after applying the medicine
• Blistering or peeling skin
• Severe redness or discomfort
• Swelling, warmth, oozing, or other signs of skin infection
• Allergic reaction: skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Warnings and precautions

This medicine must not be used during pregnancy because it may harm an unborn baby. If you can become pregnant, you'll need a negative pregnancy test shortly before starting, and you should use effective birth control during treatment. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

It isn't known if this medicine passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor before breastfeeding while using this medicine.

For use on the skin only. Do not use in the eyes, mouth, vagina, or other mucous membranes. Rinse thoroughly with water if it gets into the eyes.

May cause redness, burning, itching, peeling, dryness, or skin pain. If severe irritation occurs, reduce frequency or temporarily stop treatment until the skin recovers.

Do not apply to eczematous skin because severe irritation may occur. Avoid damaged or sunburned skin until it has healed.

Tazarotene increases sensitivity to sunlight and the risk of sunburn. Avoid excessive sunlight and tanning lamps; use sunscreen and protective clothing.

Avoid using other skin products that contain alcohol or have a strong drying effect, since they can make irritation from this medicine worse.

Use caution if taking medicines that can increase sensitivity to sunlight, such as tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, thiazides, phenothiazines, or sulfonamides. Strongly drying cosmetics, alcohol-based products, or other irritating topical medicines may increase skin irritation. Extreme weather conditions, such as cold or wind, may also increase irritation.

This medicine can make your skin much more sensitive to sunlight, raising your risk of sunburn. Do not use this medicine on skin affected by eczema, as it can cause severe irritation. This medicine is for use on the skin only; do not use it in the eyes, mouth, or vagina.

Storage

• Store at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
• Take unused or expired medication to a medication take-back program if possible.
• If a take-back program isn't available, check the label or ask your care team whether it should be thrown in the trash or flushed; if trash disposal is safe, mix the medicine with something like cat litter or coffee grounds, seal it in a bag, and throw it away.

When to see a doctor

Get medical help right away if you have a severe skin reaction such as burning, stinging, or itching after applying the medicine, blistering or peeling skin, severe redness or discomfort, or swelling, warmth, oozing, or other signs of skin infection.

Seek medical care right away for serious eye symptoms like sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights; serious heart symptoms like a fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat, fluttering in the chest, shortness of breath, or sudden dizziness or passing out; or severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, heavy sweating, or tremors.

If the medicine gets in or near your eyes, rinse well with water. Get medical help if eye irritation continues.

If you swallow this medicine, call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

Alternatives

• Adapalene
• Azelaic acid
• Calcipotriene