Tazarotene

About Tazarotene

Tazarotene is a retinoid prodrug, converted to its active form, tazarotenic acid, which acts on retinoic acid receptors; how this helps acne and psoriasis is not known. Tazorac gel in both strengths treats plaque psoriasis covering up to a fifth of the body surface, and the 0.1 percent gel treats mild to moderate facial acne (neither use is established under 12). Tazorac cream in both strengths treats plaque psoriasis (not established under 18), and the 0.1 percent cream treats acne (not established under 12). Arazlo, a 0.045 percent lotion, treats acne from age 9; Fabior, a 0.1 percent foam, treats acne from age 12; Duobrii treats plaque psoriasis in adults. Most products go on once a day in the evening as a thin layer, and for psoriasis the label starts with the weaker strength and moves up only if it is tolerated.

There is no boxed warning, but the Tazorac and Arazlo labels list pregnancy as a contraindication because retinoids can harm an unborn baby. They call for a negative pregnancy test within two weeks before starting, a start during a menstrual period, and effective birth control throughout; Fabior’s and Duobrii’s patient information also warns against use in pregnancy. Irritation is the main side effect: itching, burning or stinging, redness, peeling and dryness, and in psoriasis sometimes a flare. It is not used on eczema, or on sunburned skin until it has healed, and wind or cold can make irritation worse. Treated skin burns more easily, so sun and sunlamps are avoided unless medically needed.

Duobrii combines tazarotene with the corticosteroid halobetasol propionate: it is applied once a day and stopped when the skin is controlled, no more than 50 g goes on in a week, and the skin is not covered with a bandage. Because of the steroid it can lower the body’s own cortisol and raise blood sugar, and blurred vision, eye pain or halos around lights need prompt attention. Fabior foam is flammable, and it is not known whether tazarotene passes into breast milk.

Taking Tazarotene

How to take it

Once a day, usually in the evening, as a thin layer on clean, dry skin: on the psoriasis patches only, or over the whole affected area for acne. Keep it away from the eyes, mouth, the creases beside the nose and other mucous membranes, and wash your hands afterward. With the cream for psoriasis, any moisturizer goes on at least an hour before.

If you miss a dose

Apply it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next application; then skip the missed one. Never apply two doses at once.

Storage

At room temperature, tightly closed, out of reach of children; Arazlo, Fabior and Duobrii must not freeze. Fabior foam is flammable and the can may burst if it gets too hot, so keep it away from flame and high heat.

Interactions to know about

Avoid harsh or drying soaps, cleansers and cosmetics, products with alcohol, spices or astringents, and hair coloring or perm chemicals on treated skin. Use benzoyl peroxide at a different time of day. Take care with medicines that make skin sun-sensitive, such as thiazide diuretics, tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics, phenothiazines and sulfa drugs, and use sunscreen and protective clothing.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Tazarotene differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

Generic tazarotene cream and gel come from several makers, but not every pharmacy keeps both forms in both strengths and tube sizes, so some order it in and quotes for the same prescription differ. A generic can replace Tazorac only in the same form: a prescription for the gel cannot be filled with the cream, or the reverse.

Arazlo, Fabior and Duobrii are priced as brands and cannot be swapped for a Tazorac generic. Tube size also changes the quote: the cream comes in 30 and 60 g tubes and the gel in 30 and 100 g.

Ways to pay less for Tazarotene without insurance

• Ask for generic tazarotene in the form and strength prescribed, and compare more than one pharmacy, since not all keep every strength.
• Ask the pharmacy to quote both tube sizes for your form.
• For Arazlo, Fabior or Duobrii, ask the maker whether a savings program applies to someone paying cash; many brand savings cards require commercial insurance.
• If a brand-only product is quoted high, ask the prescriber whether generic tazarotene cream or gel, or another generic retinoid such as adapalene or tretinoin, would suit you.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Tazarotene

1. 1.Is the generic I am getting the same form, cream or gel, as my prescription?
2. 2.When do I need my pregnancy test, and which birth control is enough while I use it?
3. 3.Can I keep using my benzoyl peroxide wash, moisturizer or other acne products with it?
4. 4.Do any of my medicines make my skin more sensitive to the sun?

Related medications