Tazorac

For psoriasis, apply a thin film of Tazorac (Tazarotene) cream or gel once daily in the evening only to the affected areas. The skin should be dry before applying the medication. If emollient or moisturizing creams are also being used, apply these first (at least an hour before) and allow them to absorb into the skin before applying the Tazorac (Tazarotene) cream or gel.

For acne, gently cleanse and dry the skin. Apply a thin film of cream or gel to the entire face (everything between the hairline, jawline, and ears) once a day in the evening.

For photodamage, remove makeup before applying the cream. Apply a pea-sized amount of cream to the entire face, including a careful application to the eyelids if desired.

Take special care to minimize contact with the eyes, lips, and mucous-producing areas. Make sure the skin is dry before application. If you apply a moisturizer before Tazorac (Tazarotene), allow it to absorb into the skin before applying the Tazorac (Tazarotene) cream.

Wash your hands with soap and water after applying the gel or cream, unless you are treating psoriasis on your hands.

Tazorac (Tazarotene) may cause increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) and protective clothing should be used when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Avoid getting the medication in your eyes, and do not take the medication by mouth. Do not cover the treatment areas with dressings or bandages. Do not apply to skin that is broken or severely inflamed.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Tazorac (Tazarotene) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of Tazorac (Tazarotene), do not apply the missed dose but return to your regular schedule as soon as possible. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Tazorac (Tazarotene) at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Cream
Each g of white-to-slightly-off-white emollient cream contains Tazorac (Tazarotene) 0.05% (w/w) or 0.1%. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzyl alcohol (as preservative), Carbomer 934P, Carbomer 1342, edetate disodium, medium chain triglycerides, mineral oil, purified water, sodium thiosulfate, sodium hydroxide (to adjust the pH), and sorbitan monooleate.

Gel
Each g of colourless-to-light-yellow, translucent homogeneous gel contains Tazorac (Tazarotene) 0.05% (w/w) or 0.1%. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ascorbic acid, benzyl alcohol, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, carbomer 934P, edetate disodium, hexylene glycol, poloxamer 407, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 40, purified water, and tromethamine.

Do not use Tazorac (Tazarotene) if you:

• are allergic to Tazorac (Tazarotene) or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to retinoids (such as Isotretinoin or tretinoin)
• have seborrheic dermatitis
• are or may become pregnant

There may be an interaction between Tazorac (Tazarotene) and any of the following:

• medications that increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide, Tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, Perphenazine, sulfamethoxazole)
• other skin products or treatments with strong drying effects such as:
  • electrolysis
  • hair depilatories
  • medicated soaps or shampoos
  • permanent wave solution
  • products containing high amounts of alcohol, astringents, spices, or lime peel
  • waxes
• other topical (skin-applied) medications

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Tazorac (Tazarotene). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Tazorac (Tazarotene).

Eczema: Retinoids can cause severe irritation of eczema. If you have eczema, your doctor will monitor your condition while you are using Tazorac (Tazarotene).

Exposure to sunlight: This medication can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Make sure you use sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) and protective clothing when exposed to sunlight. People with Sunburn should not use Tazorac (Tazarotene) until they have fully recovered.

Pregnancy: It is recommended that pregnant women do not use Tazorac (Tazarotene). Women who may become pregnant should use an effective method of birth control while using Tazorac (Tazarotene). If you become pregnant while taking Tazorac (Tazarotene), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Tazorac (Tazarotene) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Tazorac (Tazarotene),it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Tazorac (Tazarotene) have not been established for children less than 12 years of age.