Note: This document contains side effect information about tazarotene topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Tazorac.

Summary

Common side effects of Tazorac include: burning sensation of skin, exacerbation of psoriasis, pruritus, skin irritation, stinging of the skin, erythema of skin, localized erythema, skin pain, and xeroderma. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

Applies to tazarotene topical: topical cream, topical foam, topical gel/jelly, topical lotion.

Serious side effects of Tazorac

Along with its needed effects, tazarotene topical (the active ingredient contained in Tazorac) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking tazarotene topical:

More common

• Burning or stinging of the skin (severe)
• changes in color of the treated skin
• deep grooves or lines in the skin
• dryness, itching, peeling, or redness of the skin (severe)
• pain or swelling of the treated skin
• skin rash (in patients with psoriasis only)

Incidence not known

• Blistering, crusting, or irritation of the skin
• cracked, dry, scaly skin
• flaking and falling off of the skin
• swelling at or near the application site

Other side effects of Tazorac

Some side effects of tazarotene topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Burning or stinging after application
• dryness, itching, peeling, or redness of the skin (mild)

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to tazarotene topical: topical cream, topical foam, topical gel, topical lotion.

Dermatologic

Very common (10% or more): Desquamation (29%), dry skin (27%), erythema (21%), burning sensation (14%)

Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, irritation, nonspecific rash, irritant contact dermatitis, skin pain, worsening of psoriasis, stinging sensation, inflammation

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cheilitis, excoriated skin, eczema, erythema sun-induced, papules, skin tightness, worsened acne

Postmarketing reports: Blister, dermatitis, urticaria, skin exfoliation, swelling at or near application sites, skin discoloration (including skin hyperpigmentation or skin hypopigmentation)^[Ref]

Metabolic

Common (1% to 10%): Hypertriglyceridemia^[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Facial pain^[Ref]

Ocular

Common (1% to 10%): Eyelid edema, eyelid irritation, eyelid inflammation^[Ref]

Immunologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Infection^[Ref]

Respiratory

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pharyngitis^[Ref]

Nervous system

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Headache, hypesthesia^[Ref]