Tazorac is a compound similar to vitamin A. It helps the skin to renew itself more quickly and may improve the appearance and texture of skin.

Tazorac is used to treat acne vulgaris in adults and adolescents who are at least 12 years old.

Tazorac is also used to treat plaque psoriasis (raised, silvery flaking of the skin) in adults.

Tazorac is available as a cream or gel.

Tazorac can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy.

Stop using Tazorac and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, if you stop using birth control, or if you miss a menstrual period.

You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.

Your skin may look worse before it looks better.

Tazorac is usually applied once daily in the evening or at bedtime. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use Tazorac on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. If this medicine gets in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina, rinse with water.

Also avoid using this medicine in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have fully healed before using Tazorac.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Women who use Tazorac should start the medication during a menstrual period.

Avoid applying the medication to unaffected areas. If medication accidentally gets on areas that do not need treatment, wash it off.

Your skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind during treatment with Tazorac. Protect your skin with clothing and use a moisturizing cream or lotion as needed.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Usual Adult Dose for Plaque Psoriasis:

Initial dose: Apply a thin film of 0.05% gel or cream once a day in the evening to cover only the psoriatic lesions
-Increase to 0.1% if tolerated and medically indicated

Usual Adult Dose for Acne:

Apply a thin layer of 0.1% gel or cream once a day in the evening to cover acne lesions .

Usual Pediatric Dose for Acne:

Age: 12 years or older:
Apply a thin layer of 0.1% gel or cream once a day in the evening to cover acne lesions

Comments:
-Cleanse the face gently and dry before application.
-Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while using this drug.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Plaque Psoriasis:

Age: 12 years or older:
Initial dose: Apply a thin film of 0.05% gel or cream once a day in the evening to cover only the psoriatic lesions
-Increase to 0.1% if tolerated and medically indicated

Comments:
-Apply to dry skin; if a bath or shower is taken prior to application, allow time for skin to dry before applying; if emollients are used, they should be applied at least 1 hour prior.
-Avoid applying gel or cream on unaffected skin as it may be more susceptible to irritation.
-The safety of gel use on more than 20% body surface area has not been established and is not recommended.

You should not use Tazorac if you are allergic to it, or if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.

You must have a negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks before starting this treatment.

To make sure Tazorac is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• eczema, sunburn, or another skin condition;

• skin cancer;

• lentigo maligna (a type of skin cancer);

• an allergic reaction to a skin product; or

• if you work outdoors.

Do not use Tazorac if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine.

Stop using Tazorac and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, if you stop using birth control, or if you miss a menstrual period.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Tazorac cream and gel should not be used to treat acne in a child younger than 12 years old. Tazorac gel should not be used to treat psoriasis in anyone under 12 years old. Tazorac Cream should not be used to treat psoriasis in anyone under 18 years old.

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

An overdose of tazarotene may cause severe skin discomfort. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

Avoid applying the medication to unaffected areas. If medication accidentally gets on areas that do not need treatment, wash it off.

Avoid using other skin medications on the areas you treat with Tazorac unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Tazarotene can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Rinse with water if Tazorac gets in your eyes.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Tazorac: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Tazorac and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe skin irritation (pain, dryness, flaking, peeling, burning, stinging, itching) after applying the medicine;

• blistering or peeling skin;

• severe redness or discomfort; or

• swelling, warmth, oozing, or other signs of skin infection.

Common Tazorac side effects may include:

• dry, scaly, or peeling skin;

• skin pain, redness or burning; or

• itching or other irritation of treated skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you also use a benzoyl peroxide acne medication, do not use it at the same time you use Tazorac. Apply one medication only in the morning and the other only in the evening.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• an antibiotic or other medicine that can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with tazarotene, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.