Tazorac is a topical medication used to treat acne and psoriasis (a condition that causes red, itchy, scaly patches to appear on different parts of the body). Tazorac belongs to a group of medications called retinoids. It decreases inflammation and skin overgrowth and helps clear pores and peel away dead skin to manage acne and psoriasis. It is also used to help reduce fine wrinkles and other signs of aging in the face.
Tazarotene is a prodrug that changes to the active metabolite tazarotenic acid upon absorption into skin cells. Tazarotenic acid increases the turnover rate of skin cells, so old cells are removed faster and do not block pores as they would if they remained on the surface of the skin. This helps to prevent the buildup of cells that leads to scaly patches and redness associated with plaque psoriasis. It also has been shown in peer reviewed double blind studies to reduce mottling, hyperpigmentation, sallowness, and fine wrinkles in sun damaged skin.
Whenever using buy tazarotene, always follow the instructions on your doctor’s prescription label. Do not use more or less of this medication than prescribed by your doctor. Taking too much can cause serious side effects and not enough may cause your condition to not improve or worsen.
Before applying tazarotene, wash your hands and the area of skin to be treated. Apply a thin layer of the cream, foam, or gel to the affected area. Rub the medication into the skin gently and thoroughly, but do not massage or rub it into areas with broken or scaly skin. Use this medication at the same time each day and do not apply it to other areas of the body or to the eyes. If you are using this medication to reduce facial wrinkling and discoloration, be careful not to get it in your eyes.
While using tazarotene, avoid exposure to the sun or to artificial sunlight (tanning beds). This medication can make you more sensitive to UV rays and may increase your risk of sunburn and other harmful side effects. If you cannot avoid exposure to the sun, wear sunscreens with an SPF of at least 15 and reapply it frequently.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Topical tazarotene has not been studied in pregnant women. If you become pregnant while using this medication, stop it and call your doctor right away. If you are breast-feeding, it is recommended that you not expose the infant to the medication on greater than 20% of the skin area and that you take a pregnancy test before starting treatment. Tazarotene is a known teratogen in rodents and can harm the fetus.
This medication is not recommended for use by children under the age of 18. There have been no adequate and well-controlled studies of this drug in children. Do not use this medication on children under the age of 18 unless directed by your doctor.