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Tazarotene
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Tazarotene Cream, Gel, Lotion, and Foam

Generic name: tazarotene topical [ ta-ZAR-oh-teen ]
Brand names: Arazlo, Avage, Fabior, Tazorac
Drug classes:Topical acne agents, Topical antipsoriatics

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Sep 24, 2020.

What is tazarotene topical?

Tazarotene 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.

Tazarotene topical is available in a cream, gel, lotion, or foam.

The Avage brand of tazarotene cream is used to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles on the face, mottled light and dark skin patches on the face, and benign facial lentigines (non-cancerous freckles) in adults and adolescents who are at least 17 years old.

The Fabior and Tazorac brands of tazarotene topical are used to treat acne vulgaris in adults and adolescents who are at least 12 years old.

The Arazlo brand of tazarotene topical is used to treat acne vulgaris in adults and adolescents who are at least 9 years old.

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

Warnings

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

Stop using tazarotene 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.

Some weather conditions may irritate the skin. Your skin may look worse before it looks better.

Tazarotene may cause harm if swallowed. If tazarotene cream is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use tazarotene topical 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 tazarotene 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 tazarotene 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 tazarotene 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 t...