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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.
The Tazorac brand of tazarotene topical gel and cream are used to treat plaque psoriasis (psoriasis with scaly patches) and to treat facial acne. 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 (noncancerous freckles).
Tazarotene topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Serious side effects are not likely to occur. Stop using tazarotene topical and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives).
You may experience some skin burning, warmth, stinging, tingling, itching, redness, swelling, dryness, peeling, or irritation while using tazarotene topical. If these side effects are excessive, talk to your doctor. You may need a lower dose or less frequent applications of tazarotene topical.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Do not use tazarotene topical if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant. Tazarotene topical is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that tazarotene topical is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. You must take a pregnancy test and have negative results within two weeks before starting treatment with tazarotene topical and treatment should be started during a menstrual period. Brith control must be used during treatment. If you become pregnant, stop using birth control, or miss your menstrual period, immediately stop using tazarotene topical and notify your doctor.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (e.g., sunlamps). Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing during the day when being treated with tazarotene topical.
Do not use tazarotene topical on skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have fully healed before using tazarotene topical.
Avoid as much as possible other topical products with a strong drying effect, products with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, spices, peel of lime, medicated soaps or shampoos, permanent wave solutions, electrolysis, chemical hair removers or waxes, or other products that might dry or irritate the skin unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Avage sorted by most helpful.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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